novelxo Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Why did Jessica Xenos claim to be the one in the car?” Alfred asked.
Brian replied calmly, “It’s just a publicity stunt, Grandpa. With the upcoming launch of the new project, the company needs some attention.”
Alfred’s anger seemed to subside at the mention of the new project. He turned to Brian and asked. “The new project is settled so quickly?”
Brian smiled and replied, “When have I ever disappointed you?”
Alfred appreciated Brian’s composed demeanor and strong capabilities, which were qualities that led him to entrust Brian with managing the entire company.
Shifting the conversation, Alfred urged, “Brian, you’re not getting any younger. Stop traveling abroad all the time and delegate tasks to your subordinates. Focus on your family and hurry up to give me a great- grandchild with Stella.”
Age was catching up for Alfred and his greatest desire was to have a great–grandchild,
“Okay,” Brian agreed with a faint smile, before glancing at Stella.
Stella felt a pang of embarrassment and forced a smile. Brian had a child, but not with her, it was with Jessica. If Alfred found out, would he change his mind and allow her to be part of the family?
Stella lingered for a moment before following Sharon to the kitchen to offer her assistance.
In the kitchen, Sharon directed the
s on how to prepare the lobsters
At 58 years old, Sharon had been widowed early in life and now contended with the challenges of stomach cancer, requiring monthly medication. She didn’t have much time left to live. Hence, her deepest
desire was to see Brian become a father.
Upon seeing Stella enter the kitchen, Sharon asked, “Is there any news of your pregnancy, Stella?”
Sharon had been urging Stella to conceive since last year. If she bore a child, Alfred would be exhilarated
and Sharon would no longer oppose their marriage.
All along, Sharon harbored disdain for Stella because she deemed her status unworthy of Brian. Two years ago, were it not for Simon’s manipulations against her son, Brian wouldn’t have wed Stella. Besides her beauty, Stella lacked any desirable qualities.
Two years had passed, yet Stella remained without a child, much to Sharon’s displeasure.
Not yet.” Stella shook her head and lowered her gaze,
“Keith’s eldest son got married last year, at the age of 28. His wife is already expecting. If they have at grandson first, Alfred may happily give him some company shares. It will make things difficult for Brian.”
Stella listened quietly and offered no response. Every time she visited, Sharon would broach the same subject. She knew that Alfred and Sharon were longing for a grandson, but what could she do if things.
weren’t unfolding as expected?
“Brian is turning 30 this year,” Sharon nagged. Just then, a servant entered to announce the arrival of Keith and his family.
Sharon paused and turned to Stella, “You’re such a disappointment!” With that, she stormed out of the kitchen.
Stell stood still and let out a soft sigh. It wasn’t worth dwelling on the matter. After all, she was enduring this for Yelena’s sake. Once this was over, she vowed never to return to the Foley residence.
With the bowl of soup in hand, Stella headed out.
Sharon was busy entertaining Keith and his family. Carrie was also present, adorned in designer clothes and smiling sweetly at Stella.
Stella ignored her and went to search for Brian. He was nowhere to be found, probably off playing chess with Alfred, as they usually did during her visits. They usually discussed the company’s confidential matters during their game.
“Inform Grandpa and Brian to come down for dinner,” Sharon instructed the servant before turning to Stella. “Help me set the table.
“Okay,” Stella replied before getting to work.
Everyone gathered at the dining table. Keith and his family watched as Stella set the tableware, well
aware of Sharon’s disdain for her.
Sharon often assigned Stella tasks typically done by servants. As a result, the Foleys also treated her with little respect.
Julia Leston, Keith’s wife, smiled and remarked, “Stella is such an obedient child. She does whatever you
ask. Isn’t that right, Sharon?”
Sharon smiled faintly and responded, “That’s the only good thing about her, she’s obedient.”
“By the way, is there any news about Stella’s pregnancy? It’s been two years since she married Brian, right?
Julia intentionally prodded, basking in her eldest daughter–in–law’s recent pregnancy.
Sharon, infuriated by the question, kept her smile as she replied, “What do I know about the younger generation’s affairs? Brian is always so busy, traveling both abroad and domestically. Unlike Matthew, who doesn’t have to work and has all the time in the world to start a family.”
Sharon’s response left Julia fuming as she implied that her son, Matthew Foley, was useless.
Meanwhile, Stella–quietly served the soup. Each interaction between Sharon and Julia was fraught with tension, a situation she had grown accustomed to since Brian defeated Keith and took control of the family business two years ago. Since then, Keith and his family have been hostile toward them.
Julia’s expression darkened, and she nudged Carrie, silently conveying her intentions. Catching the cue, Carrie smiled at Stella and said, “Stella, could you please bring me a spoon?”
Such requests could easily be delegated to a servant, but they seemed intent on humiliating her.
Before Stella could comply, Brian entered the room, supporting Alfred.
“Stay here. She can get it herself,” Brian instructed.
Carrie hesitated, then retorted, “Brian, I was just asking Stella for a small favor. It’s not a big deal.”
“Then, I’ll ask you for a small favor too. Grandpa and haven’t packed up our chess game. Could you go. and pack up the pieces?” Brian glared at Carrie.
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Carrie felt a chill run down her spine, but she stood her ground. “Brian, I’m in the middle of dinner!”
“You can continue eating after you’ve packed.”
Brian shifted his gaze to Mike, who promptly approached and pulled Carrie to her feet.
Carrie was slightly taken aback, “Mike?”
“Ms. Carrie, Mr. Brian is simply asking for a small favor
The room fell silent as no one dared to speak up.
Carrie glanced at Julia for help. However, the latter shook her head, signaling for Carrie not to provoke Brian.
With a disgruntled sigh, Carrie relented, “Fine, I’ll do it.”
Mike then led her away.
Stella found it surprising that Brian had once again come to her aid. It appeared that whenever she faced
mistreatment from others, he would stand up for her. Perhaps, he did want to lose face in front of Keith
and his family.
After helping Alfred to his seat, Brian approached Stella, taking her hand and guiding her to the dining
table.
“From now on, you don’t have to listen to anyone else’s orders. You’re the eldest daughter–in–law of the Foley family. If anyone dares to disrespect you again, I’ll have them thrown out.
Brian’s words were directed at Julia. She looked visibly embarrassed as she handed Stella a piece of
lobster.
“Stella, don’t blame Carrie. She likes to boss you around or speak without thinking, but deep down, she respects you as her sister–in–law. She depends on you.”
“We’ll be sure to rely on you even more from now on, Aunt Julia,” Brian replied with a smile.