Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 35: Like Mother, Like Daughter

At this moment, in the hospital corridor, Stella Sterling clutched the brown paper envelope as she headed towards Audrey Quinn’s ward.

But just as she reached the VIP ward area, a familiar tall figure turned the corner.

— It was Jasper...

He frowned slightly, and when he lifted his eyes, he saw her too.

The moment their eyes met, Jasper was visibly startled.

"Why are you here? Why aren’t you at the law firm?"

"?"

Stella’s brow furrowed as if she’d heard some outrageous myth.

To the law firm?

What nonsense is he talking about?

Stella ignored him, making to pass him and walk forward.

"Now that you’re back, don’t make trouble again." Jasper quickly followed her, "Choose a suitable time to set the wedding date..."

Stella was almost angered into laughter by his self-righteousness, but before she could speak—

"Jasper..."

Grace Quinn, having heard Jasper’s voice, ran out of the ward, her face full of joy.

However, when she saw Stella next to him, she was momentarily stunned, a flash of coldness passing through her eyes.

But then, as if recalling Audrey’s prior instructions, she immediately put on a pitiful look, walked to Jasper’s side, hesitantly glanced at Stella, and gently tugged on Jasper’s sleeve, "Jasper, why is Stella here too? My mom just woke up, her body is still weak, and the doctor said it’s not good for her to have strong emotions, she shouldn’t see strangers..."

Stella almost laughed in anger.

Looking at Grace’s pretentious act, she felt her stomach churn.

As if just looking at Audrey would kill her!

"What?" Stella didn’t cater to her at all, letting out a cold laugh, "Could it be that your mom has a guilty conscience? Is that why she’s afraid of seeing anyone?"

Grace’s face changed, about to retort, when Jasper spoke sternly, "Enough!"

His brows furrowed, he looked at Grace, "Since Auntie Quinn needs rest, let’s not disturb. Stella, we’ll come another day to visit."

As he spoke, he instinctively reached out to tug Stella’s wrist, but Stella avoided him.

"Jasper..."

Grace looked embarrassed, never expecting Jasper to disregard her face like this. Immediately, her eyes turned red with grievance, "How could you..."

Before she could finish, a gentle female voice came from the ward, "Grace, what’s all the noise at the door? Is it Jasper? Why not invite him in?"

Audrey Quinn, draped in a thick coat, still pale-faced, leaned on the doorframe. Her gaze first landed on Jasper, then shifted to Stella, assessing her with a barely noticeable scrutiny.

Grace didn’t expect her mother to suddenly come out. She hurriedly went forward to support her: "Mom, why did you come out? The doctor said you should rest well..."

Audrey gently patted her daughter’s hand, signaling her to be at ease, then gave Jasper and Stella a weak yet courteous smile: "Jasper, this must be... Miss Sterling, yes? Come in, don’t just stand by the door."

Her attitude was gentle and polite, like a warm and hospitable elder.

Stella watched the scene, laughing coldly inside—had she not seen the information before, she might have been fooled by this appearance.

She’s curious to see what tricks this mother and daughter are up to.

So, she didn’t refuse, following them inside.

The VIP ward was spacious and bright, well-equipped, more like a high-end hotel suite.

Audrey slowly sat back on the bed with Grace’s help, leaning against the soft pillow, her gaze falling on Stella again with a mildness that a senior might show a junior. She spoke first, her tone carrying a hint of apology:

"Miss Sterling, I’m really sorry. Grace, this child, I’ve spoiled her since she was young. She’s straightforward, doesn’t understand things. I heard about her past foolish actions... It’s her fault for disrupting your relationship with Jasper."

She sighed deeply, looking pained: "Here, I apologize on her behalf. Please be the bigger person, don’t hold it against her, and certainly don’t harbor resentment towards her."

She paused, her glance intentionally flicking to Jasper standing nearby, "Grace... ultimately, she’s just too concerned about Jasper. They grew up together, childhood sweethearts, their deep bond is naturally more profound than others’. I hope Miss Sterling can understand."

This speech, seemingly an apology, was actually a reminder to Stella—that Grace and Jasper have a bond she could never compare to.

Stella was merely an outsider—a term used by Audrey.

Brilliant, truly brilliant.

Compared to Grace’s low-level taunts, Audrey’s insinuations were far more advanced.

Before, Stella might have felt hurt and uneasy by such words.

But now...

Stella only found it laughable.

She lifted her eyes, meeting Audrey’s seemingly gentle gaze, a faint curve on her lips, "Ms. Quinn, you’re overthinking it."

Her voice was calm and steady, "Jasper and I have already broken up..."

At this, her voice paused slightly, even curling her lips, "So, I truly wish Attorney Hawthorne and Miss Quinn—"

"A long and happy marriage and a family soon."

"..."

Silence.

The ward fell into a deathly quiet.

The air seemed to freeze; even breathing and heartbeats became unusually distinct.

Grace’s mouth dropped open, incredulous, as she looked at Stella, seemingly unprepared for her directness.

Audrey’s warm smile stiffened momentarily, a quick shadow flitting through her eyes before she naturally resumed, though her hand on the quilt tightened slightly.

And Jasper—

His face scrunched up the moment Stella uttered ’break up’.

But before he could speak, Audrey spoke up first, "Miss Sterling, don’t be petty. Grace’s just like that, I’ve spoiled her..."

"And don’t be mad at Jasper, he and Grace are like siblings, not what you imagine—they’re not like what you think, you mustn’t misunderstand..."

Not a word was said against Grace and Jasper, just suggestions about Stella being petty and unreasonable!

Such a skillful approach!

Compared to her mother, Grace’s style couldn’t compete!

"I’m curious—" Stella tilted her head, lightly chuckling, "Was Grace’s personality spoiled by Auntie Quinn, or—"

She enunciated clearly, "The upper beam is crooked, the lower beam is slanted!" 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"You!" Grace, hearing this, turned pale with rage, ready to lash out, but Audrey seized her wrist.

Audrey was all panic and distress, "Jasper, did I say something wrong again? I’ve been in a coma for years, can’t even speak properly now... Please help me appease Miss Sterling..."