As Wenham contemplated silently, he couldn't help but wonder, 'Have I ever expressed any of those sentiments to her?' Since Stella had returned to the family, they hadn't really discussed his relationship with Darcie. He feared that Stella might distance herself from him because he had married another woman.

marriage. However, hearing Stella express gratitude felt somewhat awkward to Wenham.

He believed there were many other ways to thank Darcie. 'Why does it have to involve a trip?' he pondered.

Subtly, Wenham tugged at Stella's sleeve, but she simply moved away in silence, leaving him speechless.

After the initial surprise, Darcie quickly regained her composure.

She spoke gently, "We're family, Stella. There's no need for you to thank me.

Taking care of this family is my responsibility as your dad's wife.

"As for you, you've spent so many years apart from US, and your dad feels deeply saddened whenever he talks about it.

"You're starting at Caline tomorrow, and there will be a lot for you to handle since you're not familiar with each department. If I were to go on a trip now and leave you alone in the company, you would struggle. I'm sure your dad wouldn't want that."

Darcie turned to Wenham. "Isn't that right?" she asked.

Just as Wenham was about to respond, Stella handed him a walnut. "Dad, have one more. It's good for your digestion."

Wenham held his tongue and accepted the walnut from Stella.

Stella wiped her finger with a tissue, slightly lifted her chin, and said to Wenham with a playful tone, "Dad, Darcie thinks I'm baby."

Then, she looked at Darcie and continued with a smile, "Darcie, there are so many people working in the company.

"I can always ask if I have something I don't understand. What are the employees going to think of me if I need your help on everything?"

"I want to learn not only from you but also from everyone else in the company.

Jaylene is so capable, and I can't be too far behind her. I won't achieve anything if I keep relying on you."

Darice wanted to say something, but Stella did not give her the chance to as she added, "I know that you want the best for me, but Dad is getting older now. I need to grow up and stop depending on you and him.

"You've both done so much for US, and it's time for you to enjoy your life. I need to grow up and become someone you can rely on instead."

Then, she looked back at Wenham, saying, "Dad, I'll help you pack more clothes. You and Darcie should experience all the activities there and take lots of photos. So, you can take me there and be my tour guide when I'm free."

Wenham felt conflicted, knowing that Stella had matured so quickly because of her past hardships.

He wanted to say, "You don't have to grow up so fast with Dad around," but before he could, Stella handed him another walnut and said with a smile," Okay?"

After munching on the walnut, Wenham reluctantly replied, "Sure."

Stella handed him a glass of water and stroked his back while saying to Darcie, "Darcie, the flight is at ten tomorrow. Just bring some clean clothes and I'll come to take you to the airport tomorrow morning. "You should arrive in the afternoon. Once you get off the plane, there'll be someone to pick you up. You don't need to worry about anything. Just enjoy yourselves.

"Oh, by the way, I've also arranged for a doctor to come with you. After all, you and Dad will be alone in another country without US. Having a doctor with you will make US feel more at ease."

Darcie was at a loss for words.

Stella had anticipated that she might use Wenham's health as an excuse to decline the trip. It appeared that Stella had crafted a perfect strategy to push her away.

Darcie didn't really want to go on the trip, but she couldn't refuse outright because of Wenham's affection for Stella. Stella had put so much effort into planning this trip for them, and rejecting it outright would surely upset Wenham, potentially straining their relationship.

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