novelxo Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Although Brian’s words angered her, Julia managed to force a smile. “Alright. I’m delighted that you’ve decided to depend on me even more.”
“Aunt Julia, could we seek your help to prepare the tea and fruits after dinner?” Brian said without lifting his gaze.
Julia swallowed hard. She wanted to smile but couldn’t, and it wasn’t appropriate to show her anger. So, she stood there looking awkward.
As Stella listened to the conversation, she felt both amused and satisfied. Given Julia’s history of being nasty toward her, seeing her speechless was particularly gratifying.
Unable to laugh outright, Stella could only bow her head and stifle her amusement.
“What’s so funny?” Brian asked while slipping some vegetables on Stella’s plate.
“Nothing.” Stella forced herself to calm down before lifting her head. That’s when she found the addition. of spinach in her bowl.
Spinach? Puzzled, Stella glanced at Brian, who was silently enjoying his meal.
Stella dismissed it as a coincidence and resumed eating. But when another serving of kale appeared, she became certain that Brian had remembered her conversation with Mike in the car.
Throughout the meal, Brian loaded Stella with spinach and kale. Soon after, Stella frowned and said,” That’s enough. I’ve eaten plenty.”
“I’ll have the kitchen prepare some spinach and eggs for you tomorrow,” Brian remarked.
Stella felt queasy at the thought and made a disgusted expression. “No, thank you,” she replied. She was already feeling nauseated after the meal.
Observing her reaction, Brian’s expression darkened, and he uttered icily, “You’re just not worth being
treated nicely.”
With an incredulous expression, Stella turned to look at Brian, only to find that he had already left the
table.
As the others finished their meals and departed, Stella stared at the spinach and kale in her bowl, feeling perplexed. Had he genuinely been concerned about her stomach and chosen to serve her these specific
-vegetables?
“Are you daydreaming about Brian?” Carrie sneered. When she returned and saw the food remnants on the table, she had lost her appetite.
With the others now gone, Stella rolled her eyes at her. Stop picking up a fight all the time, Carrie.”
“I’m giving you advice, Stella. If you’ve any self–awareness, you should stop clinging to Brian. Jessica is pregnant and will soon be part of the Foley family. When that happens, she’ll be the rightful lady of the house, and you’ll be out on the street.”
Seeing Stella remain silent, Carrie mistook it for fear and continued, “Stella, I’m telling you now, don’t offend me. If you’re chased out of the Foley family, I’ll settle all the old and new scores with you. Don’t forget, I’m still a daughter of the Foley family. You’d better be respectful to me, or else-
“Or else what?” Stella asked, lifting her gaze.
“Or else, I’ll make sure you regret it!” Carrie declared arrogantly.
Stella smiled and walked over to Carrie. She leaned in and whispered, “Carrie, when I went to your room to fetch a coat last month, guess what I found on your desk?”
Carrie suddenly looked nervous, her body trembling. “What did you see?”
“I saw a document for an abortion, with your name on it Stella revealed. She hadn’t planned on mentioning it, but Carrie’s repeated provocations left her no choice.
Carrie’s face turned pale. She glared at Stella and threatened, “If you dare spread that around, I won’t let you get away with it.”
Stella replied calmly, “As long as you leave me alone, we’ll get along just fine.
Carrie stomped her foot in frustration as Stella turned and ascended the stairs.
When Stella reached the second floor, she was startled to see Alfred leaning on his cane. He stood in the middle of the staircase and stared at her intently.
Stella lowered her head and greeted, “Grandpa!”
“What did you say to Carrie? She looked afraid,” Alfred asked.
Stella hadn’t realized that he’d overheard their conversation. She lowered her head further and replied, “It was nothing; we just had a little argument.
She expected him to be displeased with her for reprimanding his granddaughter, but to her surprise, Alfred nodded approvingly. “Stella, you did the right thing.”
Startled, Stella looked up.
Alfred smiled and continued, “Carrie has been spoiled by her parents and has grown arrogant and unruly… She needs a sister–in–law like you to keep her in check, She won’t dare to be so reckless in the future.”
Relieved, Stella hadn’t expected to be so understanding. She had been in the Foley family for two years, and while he had always been kind to her, they had never spoken privately until now.
“Stella, as the eldest daughter–in–law of the Foley family, you shouldn’t be so soft–hearted. You must stand up for yourself when necessary and maintain your dignity.”
Stella’s mouth twitched slightly. “Grandpa, are you telling me to fight back against your own family?”
“We’re family, so please ensure they stay alive. Alfred chuckled, stroking his beard, “Remember this: in a wealthy family, the weak get devoured. If you want to be strong, you have to stand up for yourself. Relying on others will get you nowhere. You’re 22 now, Stella. It’s time to understand these things.”
Alfred had refrained from giving Stella advice before because of her young age. But with the recent scandal involving a certain third party, he felt it was time for Stella to assert herself.
Stella looked at him, confused. “Grandpa, why are you telling me all this?”
“Because I believe you are the one most suited to be the lady of the Foley family.” It was also the reason. why Alfred had approved of her marriage into the family two years ago.
Though everyone said she married for money, Alfred knew Stella had a pure heart with no ill intentions. He believed that with a little guidance, she could become intelligent and warm–hearted. Stella was in every way better than the scheming women out there.
Stella was taken aback by how highly Alfred thought of her.
Alfred continued, “Sharon has become quite eccentric since her illness. Please don’t take to heart whatever she says.”
“I understand.” Stella nodded.
Sharon had indeed become obsessed with having a grandchild after falling ill. As a result, she frequently sent herbal medicines purported to help with pregnancy.
Just then, a servant approached with a tray. “Mr. Foley Senior, it’s time for your blood pressure medication.”
“You should head back to your room, Stella, I need to take my medications.”
“Okay.” Stella escorted Alfred before heading back to her and Brian’s room.
The room had been their shared space during the first month of their marriage. As she reached the door, she overheard Brian talking to his mother.
“Stop making her do the servants‘ chores,” Brian warned.
Sharon glanced at her son, her expression unreadable. Brian, tell me, how do you really feel about Stella? If you care for her, then hurry up and have a child with her to fulfill my wish.
“If you can’t stand her, then give her a sum of money and divorce her. Two years ago, Simon Yates forced you into this marriage by threatening you with the company’s secrets.
“I know it upset you. It upset me too. If it weren’t for Alfred’s approval of her, I wouldn’t want to see her even for a day.”