When Love Comes Late by PASSION

Chapter 2507

The night before their departure, Stella kept a solitary vigil by Matthews bedside in the hospital.

Out of the blue, her phone rang, flashing an unfamiliar number.

Intrigued, Stella answered.

Silence hung on the line after she connected, sending a shiver down her spine as she suspected it might be Sanford.

Sure enough, the silence was broken by a familiar voice, its low tones slicing through the quiet.

Stella, I know Matthew hasnt woken up yet.

I want to send my doctors over-maybe they can find a way to wake him up sooner.

Predictably, Stella rebuffed his offer.

She felt a complex brew of emotions toward Sanford, thinking they might have been friends if his lineage hadnt cast such a long shadow.

Sensing her coolness, Sanford quickly apologized.

Stella, Im really sorry. He didnt mention how he had tried to stop Declan and make amends.

voice was tinged with skepticism as she asked, Were you really a student that my father sponsored? Sanford sighed,

was just a ruse to get close

my true identity right

family taught me much, and I felt the warmth

that, Im deeply thankful

suspected as much,

agenda? Was I always a target for Declan? Sanfords response

a treasure map, which was supposedly

Declan was after

furrowed in

never heard of any

Laced with a hint

It doesnt matter now.

owe you more than

on out, Im at your service,

step back and not interfere in your life

Stellas emotions swirleda

paths diverged at the castle, theres no

best we lead our separate

prolonged silence before Sanford

Declan is dead.