Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 33: Stella Sterling Can’t Leave Him

Jasper Hawthorne held his phone, listening to Jude Kensington’s excited and incoherent voice from the other end, and the tension along his jawline that had been taut for days finally relaxed ever so slightly.

Stella Sterling has returned to Kenton...

She has finally come back.

As expected, his judgment was not wrong.

How could Stella ever truly leave him?

Five years of affection, how could they just abandon it like that?

She was merely acting out, expressing her dissatisfaction in the most intense way.

And now, her anger had subsided, so naturally, she returned.

Just as Jude Kensington said—Stella cannot do without him.

"Old Hawthorne? Old Hawthorne, did you hear? You must prepare well for tomorrow!" Jude Kensington was still chattering on the other end of the phone, offering advice, "Should we order a bouquet? Or prepare a gift? You know girls, they always need some coaxing..."

"Mm." Jasper Hawthorne responded indifferently, interrupting Jude’s excitement, "I got it."

His voice returned to its usual calm and composure.

After hanging up, Jasper Hawthorne sat behind his wide desk, his fingertips tapping lightly on the smooth surface unconsciously.

The sunlight outside filtered through the blinds, casting an interplay of light and shadow on his stern profile.

After a moment of contemplation, he pressed the intercom.

The assistant quickly knocked and came in, "Attorney Hawthorne, you wanted to see me?"

Jasper Hawthorne looked up, his tone calm, "I’m treating everyone to afternoon tea today. Go order the best coffee and desserts; everyone at the law firm should have some."

The assistant saw his boss unusually happy and bravely asked, "Boss, did we win a case?"

Jasper Hawthorne’s brows and eyes couldn’t hide the smile that softened his usual cold and imposing demeanor, "Stella will return to the law firm tomorrow."

The assistant was momentarily stunned, then almost shouted out with excitement: "Really? Stella is coming back?! That’s great! I’ll get right on it!"

Watching the assistant leave joyfully, almost bouncing out the door, Jasper Hawthorne’s lips curled into a barely noticeable, faint smile.

Soon, cheers and discussions could be heard from the open-plan office area outside.

"Stella is coming back?!"

"Oh my God! Finally! This time, Attorney Hawthorne’s low mood almost scared me to death!"

"Great! The office can finally return to normal!"

"I knew it, Stella couldn’t truly leave!"

"Attorney Hawthorne is treating everyone to afternoon tea to celebrate Stella’s return!"

The joyful atmosphere spread throughout Clearstone Law Firm, everyone basking in the relief and anticipation.

Hearing the commotion outside, Jasper Hawthorne walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the endless stream of traffic below.

He took out his phone, found Stella’s number, hesitated for a moment, but didn’t dial.

Forget it.

With Stella’s usual character, she surely would prepare a surprise for him.

So he would act as if he didn’t know.

Tomorrow...

When she returns tomorrow, everything will be back on track.

He would sit down and have a good talk with her.

He might try to make some changes.

About the wedding, about the future, about everything...

...

The night in Kenton was adorned with dazzling lights and vibrant colors.

Stella’s hotel room was on the 28th floor, offering a splendid view of the sparkling nightscape of half the city.

She had just finished her shower, her wet long hair wrapped in a towel, ready to blow dry.

The doorbell rang at this moment.

Stella was somewhat puzzled. Who could it be at this hour?

She walked to the door and looked through the peephole—standing outside was Shane Donovan.

He had changed into a dark gray casual outfit, less intense than by day, more approachable, yet his distinguished demeanor remained undiminished.

Stella hesitated for a moment but opened the door.

"President Donovan? You...need something?" She stood inside the door, not fully allowing him to enter.

Shane Donovan’s gaze naturally fell on her exposed collarbone, and the slight hollow at her neck...

His gaze shifted naturally, then handed over a delicate food box.

"The hotel sent this as a late-night snack for VIP guests." His tone was flat and calm, "I’m not very hungry, thought you might need it."

Stella looked down; the food box had the logo of a nearby famous Cantonese tea restaurant known for its exquisite and delicious dim sum, requiring advanced reservation.

Hotel delivery?

And it just happened to be her favorite flavor?

"Thank you, President Donovan."

"You’re welcome." Shane Donovan’s gaze fell on the still dripping ends of her hair, his brows slightly furrowed, "Not drying your hair can easily lead to a cold."

His naturally spoken reminder made Stella’s ears inexplicably warm, "I was just about to blow it dry."

"Mm." Shane Donovan nodded but did not immediately leave. Instead, he asked casually, "Do you have plans for tomorrow? Do you need help?"

"No, thank you. I can handle it myself." Stella instinctively refused; she didn’t want to owe him a favor.

Shane Donovan didn’t insist, merely said lightly, "Alright. If you need anything, feel free to contact Elias Peyton or reach out to me directly."

His gaze passed over the damp strands of her hair again, "Get some rest early."

Stella quickly nodded.

After watching him leave, she closed the door, holding the still warm food box in her hands, feeling her heart ripple with gentle waves, as if lightly touched by something.

She opened the food box, inside were shrimp dumplings and custard buns she loved during her school days, paired with a warm cup of dried tangerine peel red bean soup.

How...did he know her preferences?

Was it a coincidence?

Or...?

Stella shook her head quickly, then smiled to herself at the absurdity. What was she daydreaming about?

She picked up a custard bun and took a bite—mm.

So sweet.

...

Early the next morning, Clearstone Law Firm.

Jasper Hawthorne arrived half an hour earlier than usual, dressed in a crisp dark blue suit, his hair meticulously groomed, and he even replaced his cufflinks with a new pair.

He sat in his office, seemingly processing documents, but his gaze occasionally glanced towards the doorway, his fingers tapping the desk intermittently.

Outside, the employees were all knowingly extending their necks and whispering.

"When is Stella coming?"

"Is it because she wants to surprise Attorney Hawthorne, intentionally arriving later?"

"Definitely! Ah, I’m so looking forward to seeing Stella back! Without her, the firm feels like it lacks its backbone."

Meanwhile, amid the chatter, Jude Kensington was equally restless, wandering to the door to peer outside, then darting over to Jasper Hawthorne’s office door, peeking inside.

During the time Stella was away, with Jasper Hawthorne not being himself, all the small tasks were piled on him, driving him crazy. He desperately wished for Stella to hurry back and save him!

But time ticked by, minute by minute.

At nine o’clock...

No movement at the door.

At nine-thirty...

Still no sign of that familiar figure.

At ten o’clock...

The initially excited atmosphere in the office gradually cooled, a hint of unease and doubt began to spread.

This...what’s going on?

Where is Stella?

Why hasn’t she come yet?

```