chapter1840

Joshua had replied coolly, "If he dies, then so be it."

At that moment, Jake's voice broke Harold out of his thoughts.

"Harold, ever since you and Mr. Gardner got back from Novaris, you've both been acting a little strange. You're not... hiding something from me, are you?"

Harold's eyes darted away for a second. "No. You know everything I know. What could I possibly hide from you?"

Jake looked like he wanted to say more, but Harold cut him off.

"Alright, let's just say we successfully executed the plan. Make sure all traces are completely wiped. Even if the Williams family gets suspicious, they won't have any proof. Ms. Cameron can handle a little suspicion."

Watching Harold's retreating back, Jake's expression grew thoughtful.

Stella left the hospital with Lauretta Chapman before Skyler regained

consciousness.

As they were about to part ways, Lauretta looked at Stella, seeming to struggle with her words.

In the end, she only managed two.

"Thank you."

Stella blinked, but she didn't deny it.

When she got home, Joshua was already there. He seemed to be very busy lately, no longer shadowing her every move as he once had. But Stella knew that the men Joshua had assigned were still following and protecting her from the shadows.

Seeing Stella, Joshua walked over and gently pulled her into a hug. "Star, you're back."

Stella asked in a low voice, "Joshua, what have you been so busy with lately?" "Nothing much," Joshua said. "Just some family business."

Sensing that Joshua didn't want to elaborate, Stella didn't press the issue. Instead, she brought up Jonathan. "Joshua, Jonathan was in a car accident. He'll likely be in a vegetative state."

Joshua showed no surprise. He

rested his head on Stella's shoulder, his voice unreadable. "Yes. Jonathan won't be an obstacle for you

anymore. However, the Burton and Chapman families are still a bit of nuisance."

Held in Joshua's embrace, Stella couldn't see his expression. Hearing him mention

the Burton and Chapman families, her heart skipped a beat.

Stella said, "Joshua, I have an appointment with Mr. Burton tomorrow to have my hand examined."

"Okay," Joshua said. "I'll go with you."

Stella said, "Mr. Burton has been good to me. He genuinely treats me like one of his own..."

Before she could finish, Joshua interrupted her. "Star, I have it under control."

Despite his words, a faint sense of unease settled over Stella. In the past, she would have believed him without question. But now... she had a feeling things wouldn't be as simple as Joshua made them out to be. Being with him day in and day out, Stella had keenly sensed that since the last incident, something about Joshua had changed. His methods for dealing with Jonathan seemed far more ruthless.

The next day, Stella and Joshua arrived at Mr. Burton's residence.

Mr. Burton was delighted to see Stella, though his words were gruff. "Hmph, so you finally remembered this old man?"

Stella smiled and handed him the gift she'd brought. "Mr. Burton, I knitted these

gloves myself. I hope you like them."

Mr. Burton's stern expression

immediately broke into a wide,

giannet

happy grin. He took the

praised, "Stella, your handiwork is as exceptional as ever."

Then, his gaze swept over to Joshua.

Joshua smiled and greeted him. "Mr. Burton, it's been a while."

Seeing Joshua, however, Mr. Burton's eyebrows rose. He glanced at Stella before giving a slight, polite nod.

He said to them, "Wait here for a moment. I've already sent for Old Mr. Wyatt."

About ten minutes later, an elderly man about Mr. Burton's age was led in by a servant.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Mr. Burton, he turned to Stella. "Come with me for the examination."

Stella and Joshua stood up, ready to follow, but Old Mr. Wyatt suddenly said, "I don't like to be disturbed by outsiders when I'm making a diagnosis."

Joshua's dark eyes narrowed. "Oh? And why is that?"