Chapter 380:

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«We don’t have that information,» the bodyguard answered.

Realizing she wouldn’t glean anything from them, Stella quietly climbed into the car they had prepared. At the hospital, Clint’s recovery was going well. Stella found him in the garden playing cards with other patients.

When he saw her, Clint offered a gentle smile and beckoned her to sit. «I’ll be heading back to my room after this round.»

Silently, Stella sat and watched him play.

The game ended, and with Stella’s assistance, Clint made his way back to his room.

She helped him onto the bed and poured a glass of water for him.

«How have you been holding up?» Clint asked after a sip, smiling warmly at her.

«Everything’s fine,» Stella replied.

«Matthew visited yesterday. He mentioned you’ve been swamped with work. Have things improved between you two?» Clint asked, eyeing her thoughtfully.

Caught off guard, Stella finally said, «He’s been good to me.»

Clint’s smile deepened. «That’s reassuring. We had a long talk yesterday. He’s a patient man.»

Stella bit her lip, choosing not to reply.

Clint took her hand, patting it gently. «Matthew is a knowledgeable and generous man. I have every confidence that your future together will be a happy one.»

Looking at Clint’s aged hands, Stella felt a pang of unease, recalling that Matthew had been quiet all day. Her thoughts veered to past experiences with Maverick, who had also been mysteriously absent at times.

Could she and Matthew really forge a lasting relationship?

Leaning against his bed’s headboard, Clint sighed. «I didn’t think I’d make it this time.»

«Grandpa, don’t even say that,» Stella interjected, visibly disturbed. «You’ll be with me forever.»

R3ad th3 l4t3st 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m

Clint chuckled. «I can’t be with you forever, Stella. We all have our time.»

«Please don’t say that again, Grandpa. I’ll take excellent care of you,» Stella said, looking at him intently.

Clint nodded. «Alright, I won’t.»

A hush fell over the room. After a moment, Clint ventured, «Stella, do you still resent your parents?»

Stella didn’t expect the question. «I’ve never met them. How could I hold any resentment?»

Clint looked as if he wanted to say more, but thought better of it.

Silence enveloped the room.

«Let’s talk about something nice,» Stella suggested, brightening her expression. «After you’re discharged, how about staying in Seamarsh? I can take care of you.»

«No,» Clint declined. «I plan to return to Bysea. Your cousin is wrapping up his world tour and will come stay with me.»

Stella knew better than to argue with her grandfather’s stubbornness.

There would be plenty of time to discuss this before he left the hospital.

Later that evening, Matthew and Fernando arrived at Fairwa Hotel.

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