Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 83: Afraid He’ll Get Into a Fight with Aidan Sterling!

Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Afraid He’ll Get Into a Fight with Aidan Sterling!

The winter in Riveria is bone-chillingly cold.

Stella Sterling wrapped her coat tightly around herself and quickly walked towards the law firm.

However, just as she was about to push the door open to enter, her gaze inadvertently swept across the street, and her steps came to a sudden halt.

The storefront across the street, which was originally vacant, had been renovated at some unknown point.

The large floor-to-ceiling windows were polished to a shine, showcasing a minimalist and professional office style inside.

The most glaring sight was the gold-plated sign hanging at the door — Clearstone Law Firm (The Riveria Branch).

Stella: "..."

Finn Lockwood, who followed behind her, nearly spilled the soy milk in his hand as his tongue twisted: "Bo...Boss! Across the street! Across the street! It’s Attor...Attorney Hawthorne, he’s..."

"I see it." Stella’s tone was flat as she pushed open the glass door of the law firm, "Let’s get to work."

Finn looked at her composed demeanor, momentarily rendered speechless.

He always felt that his boss was somehow different after returning from Kenton.

As if... she had completely cut something out from her heart, without leaving even a scar.

"But this is just too maddening..." Finn muttered softly.

Stella set down her coffee cup and refocused on the computer screen, "Instead of paying attention to others, it’s better to go over the evidence chain for Grace Quinn’s counterclaim case one more time. Even a single dollar is money, the court must be clear in its judgment."

Finn: "..."

Alright, you’re still ruthless.

...

After a busy week, Stella flew back to Crestfall for the weekend.

Early in the morning, Stella, wrapped in a soft cashmere cardigan, curled up on the living room couch with her toes buried in the thick, plush carpet, idly flipping through the law journal on her knees.

Being back with her parents filled even the marrow of her bones with a lazy comfort.

"You, coming back without telling me in advance so I could have the kitchen make a few more of your favorite dishes," Isla Sutton teased her with a glance, but her eyes and eyebrows were full of smiles.

"I just wanted to surprise you and see if you and Dad were eating something delicious behind my back," Stella smiled with a rare hint of a daughterly demeanor.

Theodore Sterling, wearing his reading glasses, snorted with laughter as he read the newspaper, "Clearly, you’re just greedy."

As the three of them chatted idly, the sound of a car engine could be faintly heard from the yard outside.

Stella paid no attention, thinking it was a neighbor.

Until Uncle Sean’s slightly surprised voice rang out in the foyer, "Young Master Donovan? What brings you here? Please come in."

Stella’s fingers froze as she quickly looked up.

Against the light, a tall figure stepped inside.

Shane Donovan was dressed simply in a black turtleneck sweater, layered with a dark gray long coat, his shoulders carrying a trace of cold air from outside, making his features even more profound and his demeanor cool.

He’s holding a few exquisite gift boxes, first nodding slightly to Uncle Sean, then his gaze falls on Stella sitting on the couch, a faint curve forming at the corners of his lips.

"Mr. and Mrs. Sterling." His tone was natural, his gaze then falling on Stella, his lips curling slightly, "Stella."

She put down her journal, sat up straight, her eyes silently questioning Shane Donovan.

Shane seemed not to notice, handing the gift boxes to Uncle Sean, and naturally sat down on the single sofa next to Stella without taking off his coat, simply unbuttoning it.

His tall figure instantly made the space seem a bit cramped.

"Why are you here?" Stella’s voice was soft, carrying a hint of laziness, more so, unceremonious.

Isla Sutton gave her a reproachful look, "Stella, is that how you speak?"

Shane chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over her cheek, accidentally smudged with a bit of cake crumb, his eyes softened, "Came to see you."

He paused and added, "Also, to discuss the details of the engagement party with Mr. and Mrs. Sterling. We arranged it over the phone yesterday..."

"..."

Arranged it?

So, she was the only one left out?

"President Donovan is such a busy man, you don’t have to come here for such a minor thing, do you?" Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

"When it comes to you, nothing is minor."

Stella was at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond for a moment.

Theodore and Isla exchanged a glance, their smiles deepening.

Stella felt her ears grow warm under his gaze, glancing away, she picked up a teacup and took a sip, deciding not to respond.

The servant brought up the tea snacks again.

Shane chatted with Theodore about recent financial trends, and then spoke with Isla about health maintenance topics, maintaining the perfect balance between showcasing his knowledge and respecting the elders.

Stella listened aside, occasionally responding perfunctorily when asked.

"... I’ve looked at a few venues, all of which seem nice; in the end, it’s up to Stella to choose what she likes," Shane turned the discussion back to her.

Stella put down her teacup, her tone stiff, "I don’t have any preferences; it’s up to President Donovan to decide."

"Chinese style or Western style?" He asked very patiently.

"Whatever."

"How about the dress? Any preferred style or designer?"

"Anything will do."

"Invitation design..." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"You decide."

She blocked him with each response, like a little hedgehog with its spikes raised.

Shane didn’t get annoyed; instead, the humor in his eyes deepened, indulging her childish outburst.

Isla couldn’t bear to watch anymore, lightly tapping Stella’s hand, "Stella, speak properly, don’t bully Shane."

Stella’s eyes widened, hardly believing her ears.

She bully him?

Who’s bullying whom here?!

Looking at Shane’s ’I’m patient, do whatever you want’ demeanor, Stella’s anger flared up with no outlet.

Taking advantage of her parents turning to instruct Uncle Sean to prepare lunch, she abruptly reached out and pinched Shane’s sturdy forearm.

Her fingers, through the soft wool fabric, felt the contours of his firm muscles, applying full force.

Shane’s muscles instantly tightened, he let out a low grunt, yet didn’t even furrow his brow, merely turned his head, his deep eyes boring into hers, lowering his voice with a breathy note, "If you bruise it, what will you hold at the engagement party?"

That voice, low and magnetic, tinged with a hint of ambiguous huskiness, pierced into Stella’s ear.

Her face instantly flushed red with embarrassment and annoyance, withdrew her hand, wanting to retaliate further.

This scene was just caught by Isla who turned back.

She was first astonished, then a smile and satisfaction seeped into her eyes.

Previously, the eldest son, Aidan Sterling, had strongly opposed this marriage; she worried whether there was indeed something more.

Now, it seems...

The natural intimacy and fondness they displayed couldn’t be faked.

Her heart, which she had been worried about, finally settled mostly.

The atmosphere at lunch was indeed harmonious.

Shane was courteous, not speaking much, but each time he did, he deftly joined in Theodore’s conversation, never neglecting Isla.

Stella focused on eating, trying to minimize her presence.

Just after she placed down her utensils, the familiar sound of a car engine echoed again from the yard.

Aidan had returned!

For a moment, the air in the living room seemed to freeze.

Everyone’s gaze unconsciously turned to Shane...

"..."

Shane raised his hand, touched his nose, a bitter smile curling at his lips — were they afraid he and Aidan would clash?