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

stepped forward, presenting a

gently taking her arm.-With a glance, he motioned for

them out when a deep, authoritative

going to Leave without even sharing a drink with me? Do you intend to disrespect an old man like me? The commanding tone stopped them

her eyes landed on the speaker, her expression

stunned

him? Meanwhile, the secretarys

without hesitation, his demeanor shifting

he stepped beside the man, supporting him with a reverence

darted between the secretary and Declan, a

the secretarys true superior

confusion bubbled

Why did his presence seem to overshadow Howards so effortlessly?

up his face as he spoke, his tone gentle yet

its been

you truly forgotten me? Then, with

Im Declan Charles.

demeanor was that of a benevolent elder

She knew better.

was no way this encounter was as innocent as

her mind swirled with unanswered questions, Stella forced herself

a faint smile, she replied evenly, Sir, you do remind me

an ordinary person-nothing like someone of

be confusing me with

herself from her past with Declan, her thoughts betrayed her, shifting suddenly to