chapter849

Stella turned her head to see Joshua striding over, a bag in hand.

His steps faltered for just a moment when he noticed Neville sitting beside her.

"Mr. Connolly."

Neville gave a polite nod, his gaze shifting to Simone, who had followed behind. A gentle smile appeared on his lips.

"Star and I were just talking about you. She waited quite a while but didn't see you return-started worrying something might have happened and was about to look for you. I told her you were probably helping someone in need, so she didn't have to worry. That's when she finally relaxed."

Joshua's dark eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Stella.

"Someone blocked my way and pulled a knife. That's what caused the delay."

Stella's expression tightened the moment she heard about the knife.

She hurried to ask, "Are you hurt?"

Joshua's eyes, deep and luminous, softened. Whatever darkness had shadowed his heart seemed to lift.

"I'm fine. You don't need to worry."

At that moment, Simone, who'd been silent, finally spoke up. "Ms. Cameron, Joshua was late because he stayed to help me. Please don't blame him."

Before Stella could respond, Neville chuckled and interjected, "Miss Lerman, whatever are you saying? Joshua's always the first to lend a hand. There's no way Star would ever blame him for that."

Stella nodded in agreement. "You really don't need to worry, Miss Lerman. Joshua's always helping others. That's just who he is."

Simone's smile stiffened ever so slightly.

With just a few words, Neville and Stella had turned Joshua's rescue into an act of general goodwill-like he'd have done the same for anyone.

Joshua didn't try to explain further. The more he said, the more forced it would sound.

"I brought your shoes." He reached into the bag and pulled out a pair that would fit her perfectly. "Go ahead and change."

Stella nodded and sat back down on the stone bench.

"Thank you."

She had barely settled when Joshua knelt in front of her and gently began to remove her shoes.

Startled, Stella reflexively tried to pull her foot away. "I can do it myself "

Joshua spoke quietly but firmly, "Don't move. Your ankle's swollen. You don't want it getting worse."

She tried to protest again, but he was already holding her foot-his grip gentle but unwavering, making it clear he wouldn't take no for an answer.

With everyone watching, Stella didn't want to make a scene, so she forced herself to appear calm.

Not far away, Simone watched the

scene unfold, unable to tear her

gaze away. In that moment, Joshua looked every bit the devoted knight

to his princess.

It dawned on Simone that from the moment Joshua had saved her, he'd been in a

hurry to leave to get back to Stella.

A strange mix of feelings welled

up

inside her a touch of bitterness, a hint of longing, and something else she' never felt before-a prickly envy.

She had never considered Stella-a divorced woman with a child-as

competition.

But now, for the first time, she tasted the sharp sting of jealousy.

Once her shoes were on, Stella stood up as if nothing had happened.

"It's getting late. We should head back."

"I'll walk you home-" Joshua began, but was interrupted by Neville's low, mellow voice.

"Star, it's my birthday today. Aren't

you going to treat me to dinner?" He smiled. "I came straight from the airport without even stopping to eat--just to see you."

Stella, eager to escape the strange tension lingering between Neville and Joshua, realized she'd completely forgotten about Neville's birthday.

Neville, sensing he shouldn't push too hard, added, "I'll call Marvin over to join us,

too."