NovelGoldChapter 439
Neville's gaze was deep and steady. "Marvin's been worried sick about you," he said. “He couldn't stop talking
about it last night, kept saying he wished he could be here."
He set his glass down on the bedside table. "I happened to be on vacation, no pressing work, so | told him I'd
look after you for a while."
Stella's throat felt much better after a few sips of water. She spoke softly, her voice still a little hoarse. "Mr.
Connolly, thank you. And... thank you for last night, too."
Neville waved her off, unconcerned. "You've thankedenough already. | lost count of how many times you said
it last night."
Stella hesitated, frowning faintly. "Sorry-my head was spinning yesterday. | can't remember much of it clearly."
Neville met her eyes, his tone gentle but firm. "Star, you don't have to be so tough all the time. Marvin and I-
we're both more than willing to help you. And you don't need to worry about owing us any favors. We're not
strangers, you know."
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He held her gaze, his eyes so dark and fathomless they seemed to draw a person in, as if they could see straight
through to the soul.
Stella's breath caught unexpectedly. She looked away, unable to stand the intensity of his stare.
Just then, the door to the hospital room opened.
"Mr. Connolly, | brought you sbreakfast-"
Abby stopped short when she saw Stella already sitting up, awake. Her face lit up with relief and delight.
"Star, you're awake!" she exclaimed, hurrying to the bedside. She reached out and checked Stella's forehead,
then finally let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness. We caught it in time."
She handed over a bag with breakfast for Stella as well.
The three of them sat together and finished breakfast. Afterwards, Stella managed
to convince Neville to head back and get srest.
Once he'd left, Stella turned to Abby. "Any updates about Antoney?"
"Everything's going according to plan. We should have results by the day after tomorrow at the latest." Abby
paused, then looked at her. "By the way... Have you heard anything from Foreman Richards?"
Stella shook her head. "No. Haynes isn't like Jasper-he can't keep anything to himself. Maybe he hasn't said
anything about it at all."
Abby lowered her voice. "Should | ask Foreman to look into it for us?"
Stella thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, please."
"Alright, I'll see what | can find out."
Antoney's recent trouble, and the close call Abby had yesterday, made the timing feel like more than a
coincidence. Stella couldn't help but suspect something was off. Even if it meant owing someone a favor, she
knew she had to get to the bottom of it.
She dialed Foreman's number directly. The phone rang twice before he picked up.
"Star," Foreman's voice was as warm and calm as ever. "Callingsomething
up?"
Stella quickly explained what had happened. "I need your help. Can you find out if Haynes was behind this, and if
he's planning anything else?"
"Of course," Foreman agreed without hesitation. "As soon as | hear anything, I'll let you know."
Stella felt genuinely touched. "Thank you, Foreman."
His voice was gentle, reassuring. "No need for thanks between us."
She knew Foreman was sharp-he'd never be reckless enough to just@all Haynes and ask outright. He'd need to
wait for the right opportunity, something that wouldn't arouse suspicion.
To her surprise, Foreman called back the very next afternoon.
"Star, are you free tonight?"
Stella's heart skipped-he must have found out something. "Yes, I'm free."
Foreman chuckled softly. "Let's meet at our usual spot.”
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