He Never Noticed Me Until I Loved Someone Else novel Chapter 223

It was Yvette Walsh—the woman Jarrod had been escorting to the hospital just that afternoon.

Yvette was perched comfortably on the living room sofa, casually peeling fresh fruit while chatting amiably with Mrs. Whitby.

A lavish crystal bowl of expensive imported berries sat on the coffee table, while Jarrod stood out on the balcony, deep in a phone call.

As Stella stepped inside, Mrs. Whitby immediately looked up. "Mrs. Fuller."

Yvette turned around as well.

"Stella, you're back!"

Yvette immediately set down the fruit and hurried over, a look of profound, almost theatrical apology on her face.

"I am so, so sorry. I fully intended to book a hotel, but Jarrod was terrified my husband might track me down and cause a scene. He insisted I come back here where it's safe."

Yvette nervously twisted her hands together. "My husband lost a fortune gambling and uses me as his punching bag. Last time, he even ruined a massive contract because of his debts. If Jarrod hadn't stepped in, I don't know what I would have done..."

"Stella, if my being here makes you uncomfortable, I'll leave this instant. I absolutely refuse to be a burden or cause any friction between you two."

Stella studied her quietly. Yvette's forehead was neatly bandaged, and there was fresh gauze wrapped around her arm. She certainly looked less gruesome than she had earlier today.

Stella offered a faint, impeccably polite smile. "Since Jarrod has already made the arrangements, you're welcome to stay."

Yvette blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sheer lack of resistance. It took her a second to recover and offer a sickeningly grateful smile. "Thank you, Stella. You are too kind."

Jarrod wrapped up his call and stepped back inside. Spotting Stella, he asked casually, "Are you done with work?"

"Yes." Stella kicked off her heels and walked over to the sofa, sitting down without offering a single detail about her day.

"Mrs. Fuller, Ms. Walsh and I just finished preparing this specialized detox tea. She said it's perfect for clearing out stress without being too bitter," Mrs. Whitby said, handing Stella a steaming cup.

"That's right. My mother used to brew this exact blend for Jarrod all the time," Yvette chimed in with a sweet laugh. "These ingredients are completely out of season, but Jarrod actually had them flown in special today."

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