Chapter 44
Chapter 44
Henry rushed to catch up with Stella.
Fiona and Andrew exchanged a knowing look, silently observing.
Just before they reached Eleanor’s door, Henry stopped Stella. “I’m sorry,” he said. “This is all my fault. I didn’t know you couldn’t eat in the morning. I thought maybe you could have just a little, even if you weren’t hungry.
“I was going to order takeout, but the food out there isn’t healthy enough. So, I decided to make it myself for you.
“Honestly, after we parted yesterday, I missed you so much that I just had to see you again. That’s why I came up with this excuse. Please don’t be mad at me. If you don’t like it, I promise I won’t do it again.”
Stella sighed in relief. “Come in with me.”
Inside the room, Eleanor stood up as they entered, but Henry gently stopped her. He said, “Eleanor, please stay seated. Your health comes first, and I’m just here to check on you.”
Eleanor glanced at Stella and said to Henry, “They brought me the breakfast you made. It was delicious. I’m so pleased you have such good cooking skills.”
Henry blushed slightly. “To be honest, I couldn’t cook before. But thinking about marrying Stella makes me so happy. I wanted to do something for her. I wasn’t sure what else I could do, so I decided to start by learning to cook.”
Eleanor said, “That’s very thoughtful of you.”
Henry stole a glance at Stella. “I know how big the gap is between us, but I’m determined to bridge it. For Stella, I’d do anything.”
Eleanor nodded, and throughout the conversation, Henry did all the talking. Stella remained silent.
Soon, Henry excused himself, leaving Stella alone with Eleanor.
Eleanor’s eyes were soft and tender as she looked at Stella. “Stella, you don’t really want to marry him, do you? I know it’s a lot to ask of you. Just say the word, and I’ll-”
“Grandma,” Stella interrupted Eleanor firmly. “I’m willing to.”
Eleanor studied Stella carefully, sensing that something was being hidden. She had asked, but Stella didn’t want to say. There was nothing more she could do. With a quiet sigh, Eleanor told herself to trust that this was the right choice for Stella.
Stella stepped out of Eleanor’s room and nearly bumped into Max.
Apparently, Henry had already transferred 1 billion to Max, with over 3 billion more pending. These funds would only be released after Stella
and Henry got married.
Stella thought, ‘Now that the company’s affairs are all settled, he’s got nothing better to do than keep an eye on me, right?‘
Stella kept ignoring him, but Max trailed after her. He said, “Look, Henry may be a bit older, and he has a kid. He was widowed twice, but he’s truly devoted to you.
“Since his second wife passed, he hasn’t been with anyone else. With his wealth, he could have been with anyone, yet when our family was in trouble, be came to us first. Doesn’t it show how sincere he is?
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Chapter 44
“Forget about his age, looks, or height. What matters is he genuinely loves you and will cherish you for the rest of his life.”
Stella stopped and turned to face him. “Max, doesn’t this whole situation seem suspicious to you?”
Max blinked, caught off guard. “Suspicious? What do you mean?”
“You admitted it yourself,” Stella said. “He came to our family right after the crisis. Don’t you think he might have ulterior motives?”
Max scoffed. “You’re being too cynical. What ulterior motive could he have?”
Stella gave a cold laugh. “Motives? There are plenty, Mr. Hayes. If you can’t see that, you’re asking for trouble.”
