When Love Comes Late

You dont have to look.

Matthew sighed deeply, his voice low.

This is Declans message to us, a grim warning.

Youve never witnessed death so closely.

Dont let him manipulate your emotions.

He wants to demonstrate that with a mere word, he can control fate.

A wave of fear surged through Stella, more intense than anything she had ever felt.

She was alarmingly close to the grim reality of death.

Matthew held her close, guiding her cautiously away from the unfolding chaos.

Just then, Fernando arrived, shielding Bella as they approached.

Bellas face was ghostly pale, and she seemed visibly shaken by the ordeal.

Meanwhile, Howard took charge, addressing the anxious crowd with a forced calm.

Everyone, please, remain calm.

This was a tragic accident, he said, managing a weak smile.

Lindsay had only recently recovered from a leg injury.

It seems she slipped while climbing the stairs.

Perhaps its time to consider remodeling the staircases of this castle. Who knows who might be the next to need a wheelchair? We will handle this situation with all due haste.

Though Howards explanation seemed far-fetched, his presence in a wheelchair added an odd Layer of plausibility to his words.

The guests, still rattled, shared their condolences for Lindsay and reminded one another to tread carefully on the stairs.

Stella finally opened her eyes, and the horrific sight that met her was Lindsays lifeless body.

It was splayed grotesquely on the floor, surrounded by a stark pool of blood.

Even though Stella had never been fond of Lindsay, she would never have wished harm upon her, let alone death.

Her hand flew to her mouth as a wave of nausea rolled through her, threatening to overtake her.

Her breath came in sharp gasps, and the edges of her vision turned crimson as if her anger and grief were coloring the world itself.

Declan approached the scene with maddening nonchalance, his steps unhurried, his expression untouched by even a flicker of remorse.

His gaze swept over Lindsays lifeless body with the detached indifference one might show a broken vasean object discarded, not a life extinguished.

It was all too clear; this was his way of sending a message.

To Stella and everyone else.

He wanted them to know just how easily he could snuff out a life, like blowing out a candle, and no one would dare hold him accountable.

Fury ignited in Stella, hot and consuming.

She jabbed a finger in Declans direction, her voice trembling with rage.

You killed her, she spat, her accusation slicing through the heavy silence.

Her eyes snapped to Sanford, narrowing with suspicion.

Under Stellas fiery gaze, his defenses crumbled.

He knew what Stella was thinking.

To her, being part of Declans family made him guilty by association.

Declan, as cool as ever, shrugged off her words with an infuriating calm.

His voice, smooth and venomous, coiled around the room.

Lindsay fell.

An accident, plain and simple.

But if youre so desperate to point fingers, Stella, maybe start with yourself.

Shes dead because of you.

His voice held a sly, insidious edge, skillfully crafted to distort the truth and plant seeds of doubt in her mind.

Before.

Stella could respond, Matthew stepped in, his hands firm on her shoulders as he gently turned her to face him.

His voice was low but unwavering, carrying the weight of his conviction.

Dont buy into his lies.

Hes just spinning a web to trap you.

Lindsays death is on him, not you. His words were steadying, like an anchor in a storm, and Stella felt the fire in her veins cool, just a little.

She nodded, her voice calm but unyielding.

I know what hes doing.

Hes using the bad blood between me and Lindsay to try and break me.

But he wont.noveldrama

Not this time.

Matthews grip on Stellas hand tightened briefly, and he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper meant only for her.

If things go south, grab Bella and follow Fernando.

Dont stop for anything.

Just get out.

Ill handle the rest.

A jolt of panic flashed across Stellas face.

She grabbed his arm, her voice urgent.

What about you? Matthew gave Stella a faint smile, though the tension in his jaw betrayed his calm exterior.

Gently prying her fingers from his arm, he said, I know what Im doing.

Trust me.