When Love Comes Late

Cordell quickly replied, “We’re already working on a treatment plan.

Don’t worry; I’ll do everything I can.”

Bella finally let out a sigh of relief.

Noticing how tired her daughter looked, her heart ached for her.

She softly comforted Stella, saying, “I know you’re feeling down, but you need to take care of yourself.

Don’t make me worry.”

With tears brimming in her eyes, Stella nodded.

“I know.

Don’t worry about me; I’ll be fine.”

Bella knew that Stella had always been hesitant to burden others and preferred to handle everything on her own.

This only deepened Bella’s sympathy for Stella.

“You and Matthew have overcome much bigger challenges together.

This is just a minor setback.

The important thing is that he’s back safe and sound.

With today’s medical advancements and Dr.

Foster’s expertise, he’ll recover quickly.”

Stella didn’t want Bella to worry, so she smiled gently and changed the subject.

“I understand.

I’ll adjust my mindset.

Let me take you home.”

Bella nodded and stood up with Stella to bid farewell to Cordell.

“Dr.

Foster, thank you for everything today.

We’re heading out now.”

Cordell stood up as well and said politely, “I’ll walk you out.”

As the three of them approached the hospital exit, they spotted an unexpected figure waiting there.

Sanford stood in front of a sleek black Bentley, dressed in a suit, clearly waiting for someone.

When he spotted Stella and the others exiting, Sanford quickly approached and greeted Bella courteously.

Bella responded with a warm smile, but Stella was taken aback and frowned at his sudden appearance.

“Why are you here?” Stella asked.

Sanford explained, “I had some business to discuss with you, but when I arrived at the studio, I heard you were coming to the hospital today, so I wanted to check on you.”

He then inquired about Bella’s check-up with genuine concern.

“How is your recovery going? I know some experts in this field.

If you need help, I can introduce you to them.”

Bella felt slightly overwhelmed by his unexpected enthusiasm and politely responded, “There’s really no need for all that.

Dr.

Foster’s recommendation is more than enough.”

She could sense that Sanford had different feelings for Stella, and it made her slightly uneasy.

Especially with Matthew’s amnesia and Stella’s exhaustion-both physical and emotional-Bella felt increasingly uneasy about the attention and insistence Sanford was showing.

Though Sanford was turned down, he didn’t show any embarrassment; instead, he maintained his composed demeanor.

He turned to Stella and said softly, “Since you’re done here, let me give you a ride home.”

Although Sanford was asking, he didn’t wait for a response before turning to open the car door, signaling for them to get in.

Stella felt uneasy with his subtle assertiveness, unsure of how to respond to his unspoken insistence.

She declined firmly, saying, “No, thanks.

I drove here.

If it’s business, you can come to my studio Later.

I’ll take my mom home first.”

His expression shifted slightly, but he pressed on.

“It’s not urgent.

Since it’s lunchtime, why don’t I treat you and your mother to a meal before you head home?”

Stella frowned, finding his behavior today somewhat odd and even a bit aggressive.