Chapter 371:

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Hearing the comforting timbre of his voice, Stella gradually relaxed.

As she lifted her head to speak, Matthew suddenly leaned in, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

Caught off guard, Stella shook her head, attempting to evade him.

Matthew held her in a firm embrace, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other explored her waist and back. His eyes closed, he pulled her tightly against him.

The kiss was fervent, almost as if Matthew sought to consume her.

Stella’s heart raced, her cheeks flushing a rosy hue. Whether it was the inability to breathe or his overpowering masculine scent, she found herself feeling hazy.

Eventually, she yielded, her rational thoughts fading away.

Behind them, reporters snapped back to reality after a moment of stupefaction. Cameras raised, they jostled to capture the scene.

Here was Matthew, a man whose influence could sway Seamarsh’s economy, a man who had never been embroiled in scandal, now passionately kissing a woman of lesser social standing in full public view.

This was headline material.

After breaking the kiss, Stella felt like a hot mess, her face flushed. She couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze.

Matthew held her protectively, casting a peremptory glance at the surrounding crowd.

The reporters ceased their photography, frozen in place.

«What’s the scandal of the day? That Stella is a mistress?» Matthew’s voice was laced with indifference.

The crowd fell into hushed silence. No one dared to challenge Matthew.

Matthew sneered, his eyes sweeping over those assembled in disdain. «I suggest you all look carefully. Stella is my legitimate wife. If anyone dares harm her again, they will lose everything. Consider yourselves warned.»

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«What?»

«Stella is married to Matthew?»

The revelation shocked the reporters, triggering a flurry of camera flashes.

Matthew’s face hardened again.

Whispers spread like wildfire among the crowd. «Is it actually true? Is Stella Matthew’s spouse? The elusive wife we’ve only heard rumors about?»

«It must be! Matthew announced it for all to hear. But when did Stella even meet him?»

«Considering Stella’s background, how did the Clark family consent to this union?»

«We should keep quiet. Didn’t you catch Matthew’s warning earlier?»

Stella stared at Matthew in disbelief.

During her time working for him, she knew he preferred to keep his life private, much more his marriage. She had assumed he would never publicly disclose such personal matters.

Stella’s lips still tingled. Recollections of today’s happenings flashed through her mind, igniting a whirlpool of emotions. She was unsure if it was because Matthew had made an exception for her, or for some other reason.

She tugged on Matthew’s sleeve and whispered, «Let’s go.»

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