When Love Comes Late
Chapter 2098

Joann met Bennett’s icy gaze, her head lowered in shame.

Her voice trembled as she said, “I… I planned to send her to Mart Blue.

”

Bennett’s face hardened.

Mart Blue was infamous—a grimy, underground den of vice, known for its sleazy shows and depraved antics.

It was a chaotic, dark pit.

“You thought it was acceptable to send Stella to a place like that? Are you even capable of basic decency?” Bennett’s voice cut through the air, his anger palpable as his teeth ground together.

Matthew’s stare was cold and unfeeling, boring into Joann with contempt.

Shaking uncontrollably, Joann sobbed and begged, “I’m truly sorry.

I made a terrible mistake.

You can hit me.

You can yell at me.

But please don’t shut me out.

I… I care about you so much.

”

Her voice rose in desperation.

“I’ll do anything you ask-anything at all-even if it means begging Stella for forgiveness.

Just please forgive me this once, and I swear I’ll never make such a mistake again.

”

Bennett, repulsed by the sight of her tear-streaked face, snapped, “Be quiet! If Stella didn’t pull through because of what you did, your life would mean nothing.

”

In a frantic tone, Joann pleaded, “Please don’t be so hard on me.

I realize now how wrong I was.

”

Bennett’s eyes were like shards of ice.

“I haven’t made any moves yet.

Spill every detail now.

If you miss anything, you’ll experience true cruelty.

”

Joann recoiled, her back hitting the wall as she shivered under his cold stare.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to escape his unrelenting gaze.

“I’ll explain to you.

I’ll explain everything to you,” she said, her voice trembling.

“When I saw you with Stella yesterday, I was so furious that I had her followed.

With Matthew away on a business trip, I arranged for her to be taken after work.

”

Tears streamed down her face as she added, “I didn’t want to hurt her.

She just annoys me.

With her around, you wouldn’t notice me.

I couldn’t stand her being in my way.

”

Bennett’s voice cut through the corridor like a blade.

“That’s your reason for wanting Stella gone? You’re utterly heartless.

”

The icy disdain in his eyes was more cutting than his words.

Joann bit her lip and shook her head vigorously, her desperation clear in every motion.

“I see now how wrong I was,” she cried.

In a fit of desperation, she slapped herself hard again, her face reddening and swelling even more from the impact.

Joann dropped to her knees, her voice choked with desperation.

“Please don’t be angry with me.

I swear I won’t do it again.

I’ll be good from now on.

”

Her ragged appearance and tear-streaked face were almost too much for Bennett to endure.

He looked away, feeling a wave of revulsion.

The emergency room door burst open, and Matthew hurried to the doctor, Bennett close behind.

“Doctor, how is she doing now?” Matthew asked, his voice filled with anxiety.

The doctor glanced up, his face serious.

“She’s not in immediate danger, but she has several injuries that could lead to a high fever.

Keep a close watch on her and make sure she gets plenty of rest.

”

Recalling that Stella had jumped out of the van before the explosion, Matthew asked, “Was her head injured?”