Stella, undeterred by the weight of Lindsays stare, met it with a steadfast look of her own.
Her voice was steady and deliberate as she responded, Though Matthew and I are united in marriage, I deeply respect his autonomy.
I am profoundly grateful for your bravery in rescuing him.
If this is your heartfelt request and it falls within my capabilities, rest assured, even if Matthew is unable to be by your side, I will find the means to support you.
After her declaration, she turned toward Matthew, her expression softening slightly as she sought his perspective.
What do you think? Confusion clouded the onlookers faces, and the whispers at the scene swelled as everyone held their breath for Matthews reply.
Yet, Matthew chose silence over speech.
He simply fixed his gaze on Lindsay and cautioned her, You should tend to your wounds first.
Make sure that the wounds dont succumb to infection.
Unwilling to drop the issue, Lindsays resolve hardened.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtA cunning glint lit up her eyes as she turned to Stella, showering her with praises.
Stella, your new dresses are nothing short of spectacular. Youre the most gifted designer Ive ever encountered.
I was wondering... could you craft an outfit for me? Once Im back on my feet, Id love to parade down the street, basking in beautiful garments and reveling in newfound freedom.
She then sweetly pulled at Matthews sleeve, her voice dripping with honey.
Would that be alright, Matthew? This innocent inquiry sparked a wildfire of hushed conjectures.
While the crowd refrained from openly gossiping about Matthew, their exchanged glances were thick with unspoken theories.
With her lips pursed tightly, Stella scrutinized Lindsay.
To the uninformed, Lindsays words seemed harmless, but they were fraught with hidden agendas.
Stella was no stranger to Lindsays incessant machinations.
The unresolved case of the tumbling chandelier, hastily dismissed as mere accident by others, did not fool her. Confronted with Lindsays requests, Stellas suspicions intensified, convincing her that this was just another thread in Lindsays intricate web of schemes.
Maintaining her poise, Stella retorted, If youre seeking my designs, why involve Matthew? My stustands aloof from Prosperity Group.
Matthew would need my approval to commission any piece, wouldnt he? Caught off guard, Lindsay offered a strained smile and replied, I merely feared you might be swamped, so I sought Matthews help.
Its been so long since Ive adorned myself in elegance due to my injuries.
With hopes of recovery on the horizon, I yearn to rediscover the joys of ordinary life. Bennett, who had been simmering quietly nearby, stepped into the fray with a scowl. Grasping Stellas arm with resolve, he declared firmly, If youre reluctant, just say no.
Your stuhas tons of orders.
Dont Let them manipulate your gratitude.
As Stella absorbed the tension around her, it becclear that Lindsays simple request for a dress was a veiled attempt to ensnare her in aof unspoken obligations and subtly undermine her relationship with Matthew.
S...
At that moment, Matthew casually weighed in.
Its just a dress.
It shouldnt take up much of Stellas time.
Before Stella could muster a response, Bennetts restraint vanished.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
His voice, tinged with frustration, cut through the air. Matthew, are you aware of what youre saying? side are Whose e you on? How can you stand by and watch Stella be pressured Like this? Stella, though resonating with Bennetts indignation, recognized the need for diplomacy to avoid a public spectacle. She gently tugged at Bennetts sleeve, her gesture a quiet call for peace.
Then, turning to Lindsay with a smile that was both gracious and strained, Stella acknowledged.
Lindsay, your compliments are appreciated.
You certainly have an eye for style, and Im eager to cater to those who admire my designs.
Seeking to diffuse the tension, she then shifted her focus and beckoned her assistant with a composed call.
Doreen, would you please check our current schedule at the studio? I need an overview of our commitments. Doreen caught on quickly.
After a brief look at her tablet, she responded, Our studios calendar is e packed until the start of next year. Were fully booked for the rest of this year and cant take on any more orders.
Stella acknowledged this with a nod and turned to Matthew.
Did you get that? If Lindsay really wants clothes from our stucan connect her with other skilled designers. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1