The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1961

Stella remained quiet.

Stella pressed her lips together, a faint blush warming her cheeks. Her delicate fingers pinched a bit of fish food and dropped it into the tank, a lovely smile curving her lips.

It was obvious she really loved the setup.

It made the hours he had spent scouring the market completely worth it.

"Eat first," Roger said smoothly. He placed the container of fish food on the table, naturally grasped the girl's hand, and led her toward the dining area. "Finish eating, then you can organize the files I gave you earlier."

"There's a critical case at the forensic lab, so I might not be able to come over every day," Roger explained as he sat down, personally serving food onto Stella's plate to patiently report his schedule. "If you need anything, call me anytime."

"Okay," Stella replied. As she chewed her food, she lowered her gaze. The smile faded from her face, leaving her feeling strangely empty inside.

After dinner.

They sat at the low table in the living room, organizing and discussing the case files.

Before they knew it, it was past midnight.

"Dr. Gates, Ms. Stella, the supper Samantha sent has arrived," the driver reported as he pushed the door open. He set down the food containers and respectfully handed a phone to Stella. "Samantha would like a word with you."

Samantha?

Did she know Roger was here?

Stella took the phone in a daze. Before she could figure out how to respond, Samantha's undisguised, excited voice rang out from the speaker, "Stella, sweetheart!"

Hearing the affectionate nickname, Stella gasped, nearly dropping the phone.

Roger paused his writing and turned his head. His dark, deep-set eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the girl with a teasing half-smile. He lowered his voice and whispered, "She's calling you, Stella sweetheart."

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