Now They Want My Forgiveness - Chapter 261: Chapter 261

The air at Hayes Group felt different that morning. Jordan usually texted or called by mid-morning, a small anchor in her day.
But today, her phone lay stubbornly mute. It unsettled her, this unexpected reliance she'd developed. Its silence left an odd hollow space in her routine.
After a moment's hesitation, Stella decided she couldn't just wait. Hesitantly, she typed out a message: [Busy morning?]
The reply was instant and curt: [Yes.]
Stella frowned at the screen. 'Overthinking, again?' She shoved the phone aside. 'Not worth it.'
Stepping out of the building at lunchtime, Stella almost walked straight into Kevin. "Kevin?" Genuine surprise lifted her voice.
Kevin looked exhausted, the strain of his family's recent turmoil written plainly on his face. "Stella." He offered a weary smile. "Sorry it took me so long to visit after you took over the company."
"It's okay," Stella waved a dismissive hand. "You've had your hands full. Looks like you're finally free today."
"Yeah. So would you like to have lunch together?" Kevin asked.
Stella agreed. Minutes later, they were tucked into a quiet booth at a restaurant nearby.
Kevin slid the menu towards her. "You order. I'm clueless about what you can eat now."
Stella grinned, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "Wouldn't dream of going easy on your wallet."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Kevin's mouth.
Despite a schedule bursting at the seams, Jordan found his car pointed towards the Hayes Group at lunchtime. Her tentative text felt like a quiet rebuke, proof his awkward retreat that morning had rattled her. He needed to see her.
He arrived just as they stepped out together. Parked down the street, he watched them slide into a restaurant booth.
The easy smile Kevin gave Stella as they bent over the menu struck Jordan with a sharp pang. 'If I hadn't pushed myself into her life, proposed that arrangement, would Stella marry Kevin?'
"Done," Stella declared, pushing the menu back across the table.
He scanned her choices—two modest dishes. His brow furrowed slightly. "Still on your diet restrictions?"
Stella nodded. "Honestly, just being able to eat out feels like a victory. It's more than I hoped for." A small, genuine smile touched her lips. "I'm taking it slow."
Sympathy softened Kevin's features. He simply nodded.
Well-hidden, Jordan watched unseen. Their comfortable ease, the shared laughter drifting faintly through the glass, killed Jordan's thought of showing up. He stayed long after their plates were cleared.
Kevin and Stella returned outside the Hayes Group. Kevin paused, his expression turning serious. "Any movement on your grandmother's case?"
"We're tracking down Emily," Stella replied, her voice low. "She's the key. Find her, find the killer."
Kevin studied her face. "It points to Anna, right?"
Stella met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "The evidence isn't there yet."
Kevin absorbed this, a thoughtful silence falling between them.
Stella glanced at her watch. "I need to head up. And you," she added gently but firmly, "should get to your office. Seriously, Kevin. I'm okay. Stop worrying."
As Stella turned, Kevin's hand brushed her wrist. "Stella, wait." He took a steadying breath. "Look. I see how Jordan is with you. He cares. Deeply."
Kevin met her eyes, his own intense. "But if things ever go wrong, if you need anything, I want you to know I'll always be here. You'll always be my first call."