Chapter 114
Stellar felt her face heat up. “Mary, that’s enough.”
“But I
I’m only telling the truth!” Mary said matter–of–factly, as if her words were indisputable.
Claude was caught between pride and heartache.
Other daughters of wealthy families were pampered from birth, untouched by hardship.
Yet his Stellar not only crafted handmade gifts but also practiced martial arts.
The thought of what she must have endured after being kidnapped weighed heavily on him.
A flicker of darkness passed through his eyes.
Sensing that Mary’s praises might never end, Stellar quickly changed the subject.
“Mary, I’m a little hungry.”
Mary’s attention immediately snapped back. “Oh! I’ll whip something up right away!”
As soon as she bustled off to the kitchen, Stellar let out a quiet breath of relief.
Claude chuckled. “What’s wrong? She wasn’t wrong about you.”
“She just sees me through rose–colored glasses. I’m worried you’ll believe everything she says, and when you realize I’m not that
amazing, you’ll be disappointed. ”
Her concern wasn’t entirely unfounded.
The Harlow family adored her until the moment they discovered she wasn’t their biological daughter.
Then, overnight, their love turned cold.
Claude seemed to catch the unspoken weight behind her words.
His voice softened. “Stellar, you’re my family. Whether you’re exceptional or not, I will always care for you. I expect nothing from
you, so you shouldn’t feel pressured.”
Warmth spread through Stellar’s chest.
Still, a sliver of unease lingered.
Would the rest of the Rivers family feel the same way?
Claude seemed ready to reassure her again, but before he could speak, his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen, then looked at Stellar. “Give me a moment.”
דיו
She nodded as he stepped away to take the call.
With nothing else to do, she went to the kitchen and helped Mary prepare a few dishes.
By the time she carried the tray back out, Claude had returned.
But his expression was no longer warm.
It was dark and tense.
if he
When she saw him, he hesitated as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.
“Uncle Claude, what’s wrong?”
Stellar keenly noticed his unusual expression. “Do you have something to tell me?”
Claude seemed hesitant.
“If there’s something on your mind, just say it.”
Claude sighed, knowing he couldn’t keep it from her, and finally told her the truth.
“The Ward family in Southport has proposed to break off the engagement.”
Stellar was momentarily stunned.
It took her two s
seconds to proc
process the
he news
+20 Bonu
She vaguely recalled Claude mentioning once that the Rivers and Ward families had an engagement arrangement.
“Stellar, don’t be upset. That boy from the Ward family doesn’t know what’s good for him. He doesn’t deserve you. Don’t worry,
I’ll find you someone even better!”
Claude assured her with absolute confidence.
But Stellar didn’t care in the slightest and spoke frankly.
“Uncle, to be honest, even if they hadn’t brought it up, I was planning to break it off myself.
“I’ve already been burned once in a relationship–I don’t want to rush into another, let alone marry a complete stranger whom 1
have no feelings for,”
Hearing this, Claude found her reasoning very sensible.
“You’re right. You just got back. You should enjoy your life as the heiress of the Rivers family. Men aren’t important.
“Even if you never get married, our family can take care of you.”
He patted his chest, vowing to her with confidence.
Stellar chuckled and turned back to the kitchen.
+20 Bonu
After helping Mary bring out the remaining dishes, she pressed gently on the older woman’s shoulder, signaling her to sit down
and eat with them.
“Uncle Claude, are you staying here for the next few days, or are you heading back to Southport?”
At the dining table, Stellar suddenly asked.
“I’ll be staying. I have some business to handle here, and I’ll head back with you th
you this weekend.”
“That’s great!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
After dinner, Stellar went back to her room briefly and returned with a thick stack of documents, placing them in front of Claude
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