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.

a happy

his words lingered in the air, Fernando stepped forward, presenting a beautifully wrapped package with practiced

closer to Stella and gently taking

ready to escort them out when a deep, authoritative voice

sharing a drink with me? Do you intend to disrespect an old man like me?

her eyes landed on the

eyes and stunned face

possibly be him? Meanwhile, the secretarys reaction

hesitation, his demeanor shifting

man, supporting him with

the secretary and Declan,

the secretarys true superior all

yet, confusion bubbled

his presence seem to overshadow Howards so effortlessly? With the secretarys assistance,

smile lit up his face as he spoke,

been a

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

Im Declan Charles.

elder addressing the younger generation, but Stella

She knew better.

encounter was as innocent as it

mind swirled with unanswered questions, Stella forced

smile, she replied evenly, Sir, you do remind me of

man was just an ordinary person-nothing like

confusing

from her past with Declan, her thoughts betrayed her,