BuzzNovelChapter 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 welcto 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.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtArcher, for looking after Stella and Bella these past few days.
However, weve been away from Seamarsh for quite stnow, and my family has missed her dearly. We wont impose on your hospitality any longer.
That said, letwish you a happy birthday-weve brought you a gift.
As his words lingered in the air, Fernando stepped forward, presenting a beautifully wrapped package with practiced grace.
Matthew seized the moment, stepping closer to Stella and gently taking her arm.-With a glance, he motioned for Bella to follow.
He was ready to escort them out when a deep, authoritative voice rang out behind him.
Matthew, Stella, are you really 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 in their tracks.
Stella instinctively turned her head, and the moment her eyes landed on the speaker, her expression froze.
Her widened eyes and stunned face betrayed her disbelief.
How could it possibly be him? Meanwhile, the secretarys reaction was immediate and telling.
He rushed forward without hesitation, his demeanor shifting entirely.
Offering his utmost respect, he stepped beside the man, supporting him with a reverence far greater than anything he had ever shown Howard.
Stellas gaze darted between the secretary and Declan, a realization dawning on her.
This manDeclan-was the secretarys true superior all along.
And yet, confusion bubbled within her.
Who exactly was Declan? Why did his presence seem to overshadow Howards so effortlessly? With the secretarys assistance, Declan slowly approached Stella, his steps deliberate and measured.
A warm, grandfatherly smile lit up his face as he spoke, his tone gentle yet commanding. Stella, its been a while.
Have you truly forgotten me? Then, with a touch of theatricality, he introduced himself.
Im Declan Charles.
His demeanor was that of a benevolent elder addressing the younger generation, but Stella wasnt fooled.
She knew better.
There was no way this encounter was as innocent as it seemed.
Though her mind swirled with unanswered questions, Stella forced herself to maintain composure. Offering a faint smile, she replied evenly, Sir, you do remindof an old man I once helped.
But that man was just an ordinary person-nothing like someone of your status.
You must be confusingwith someone else.
Even as she tried to detach herself from her past with Declan, her thoughts betrayed her, shifting suddenly to Sanford.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmDid he know the truth about Declans identity? She wondered silently, her unease growing.
It was as if Declan could read her thoughts. His smile smile took on a m knowing edge as he spoke again, his tone calm and deliberate. Ive only ever had one grandson, Stella.
Thats one truth Ive never hidden from you.
And my grandson... He paused intentionally, his gaze shifting toward Matthew, who had instinctively positioned himself protectively by Stellas side. With a faint smile tinged with regret, Declan added, Its such a shame, Stella.
If things- hadnt gone so wrong back then, you might have becmy granddaughter-in-Law.
Stella frowned at Declans words, her displeasure evident in the furrow of her brow.
Sir, please dont joke about things like this.
Her gaze briefly flicked to Howard, who seemed to have all but disappeared into the background.
It was becoming increasingly clear to her that the real host of tonights birthday celebration was none other than Declan. Declan, however, remained unfazed and let out a soft chuckle.
Its fine if you dont want to be my granddaughter-in-Law, Stella.
Ive prepared a little gift for you.
I think youll find it quite to your liking.
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