When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Chapter 2495

Howards composure faltered momentarily.

Panic flickered across his face before he forced a strained smile.

Youre joking, right? Stella has been staying at my castle these past few daystheres no one else involved.

His voice betrayed his unease, but he pushed forward, desperate to convince.

If you doubt me, youre welcome to ask Stella yourself.

Has she mentioned meeting anyone else recently? Sensing the tension in the room, Stella responded with measured calm.

The past few days at the castle have been… a very different kind of experience.

Its nothing like life in Seamarsh.

Stella maintained her composure and chose her words carefully.

She knew better than to reveal too much affection for Matthew, fearing it could make him a target.

Matthew acknowledged her with a slight nod before turning his attention back to Howard.

Thank you, Mr.

Archer, for looking after Stella and Bella these past few days.

However, weve been away from Seamarsh for quite some time now, and my family has missed her dearly. We wont impose on your hospitality any longer.

said, let me wish you a happy

Fernando stepped forward,

Stella and gently taking her arm.-With a glance, he

out when a deep, authoritative voice rang

drink with me? Do you intend to disrespect an

her head, and the moment her eyes landed on the speaker,

widened eyes and stunned

Meanwhile, the secretarys reaction was immediate

hesitation, his demeanor shifting

with a reverence far greater than anything he had ever

gaze darted between the secretary and Declan, a realization dawning

manDeclan-was the secretarys true superior

confusion bubbled within

did his presence seem to overshadow Howards so effortlessly? With the secretarys assistance, Declan slowly approached Stella, his steps

lit up his face

its been

truly forgotten me? Then, with a touch of theatricality, he introduced

Im Declan Charles.

that of a benevolent elder addressing the

She knew better.

no way this encounter was as innocent

questions, Stella forced

you do remind me of an old man I once

an ordinary person-nothing

be confusing me with

as she tried to detach herself from her past with Declan, her thoughts betrayed her,