chapter1230

Old Mrs. Connolly had given Stella a family heirloom worth a fortune, just like that.

A complex feeling washed over Stella. "I can't accept this," she said, trying to refuse. "It's far too valuable."

"I heard from Marvin that you took care of him when you were in Novaris, and he adores you," Old Mrs. Connolly said warmly. "Star, don't feel any pressure. Whether you marry into our family or not, I want you to have this as a token of my gratitude."

Hearing this, Stella felt a pang of guilt. The Connollys were such good people; she felt terrible deceiving a woman so close to the end of her life.

Just then, Neville spoke up. "Star, you should accept it for now."

Since Neville had said so, Stella felt she couldn't refuse any longer. "Thank you, Grandma."

Old Mrs. Connolly fastened the bracelet onto her wrist. "From now on, if anyone dares to bully you, you come straight to Grandma, and I'll make things right."

Stella smiled and agreed.

After leaving the Connolly house, Stella removed the bracelet from her wrist and handed it back to Neville. "Neville, here, you should take this back."

He shook his head. "Grandma gave it to you. You should keep it on for now. If she sees you without it next time, she'll ask questions."

Stella considered this and nodded gently. "Alright. I'll return it to you in six months."

Neville didn't insist. "I'll take you home," he said.

Pushing open the door to the hospital room, Stella saw Joshua leaning against the headboard, reading a book.

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the large, clean window, casting a warm glow on his sharp handsome features. It was like a scene from a beautiful old painting.

As an art student who had minored in painting, Stella felt a sudden urge to capture the moment on canvas.

Joshua heard her enter but didn't look up. When he heard neither footsteps nor a voice after a long moment, he finally lifted his gaze and met her slightly dazed eyes.

A flicker of emotion crossed his face. "Why are you back so early today?"

Stella snapped back to reality, embarrassed that she had been staring at him. She quickly looked away. "I brought you dinner... By the way, did Harold not come today?"

"He was too noisy," Joshua said, his tone flat. "He was disturbing my rest, so I sent him away."

Stella's eyes scanned the room and landed on an unopened container of food on the table. Her brow furrowed instantly. "You didn't eat lunch?"

Joshua glanced at the food as if just remembering it. "Oh... I forgot."

Stella looked at him and sighed silently. "Joshua, you're still recovering You need to eat on time,

or it will affect your health...ene

trailed off, a sudden memory

Keen O'Brien and Haynes surfacing. She used to say the same things to them, and they had always found her annoying. Her well-intentioned concern had only ever mattered to her. Would Joshua find her just as bothersome?

Just then, his voice cut through her thoughts. "Missing a meal or two won't kill

me." The rightful source is

Stella unpacked the dinner she'd brought. "Let's eat now, before it gets cold."

This time, Joshua didn't argue. He reached out and took the container. "Thanks." Watching him eat quietly, Stella felt an unexpected wave of guilt.