Chapter 145
Stellar sat in the backseat with Mary beside her.
Sensing her unease, Mary gently reassured her.
“Miss, there’s no need to be nervous. Mr. and Mrs. Rivers Sr. are both kind people–they’re going to love you.”
Stellar was, in fact, anxious.
After experiencing the coldness of the Harlow family, she wasn’t eager to relive that kind of disappointment.
From the front passenger seat, Claude turned slightly to offer his own reassurance.
“Relax, Stellar. Everyone at home has been looking forward to meeting you. They won’t let you down.”
The driver smoothly turned the car around, pulling out of the estate.
Just as they exited the driveway, Stephen happened to step out of the neighboring villa.
His gaze landed on the car, and for a brief moment, he caught sight of the man sitting in the passenger seat.
Something about that silhouette felt oddly familiar.
He took a few steps forward, intending to get a clearer look, but before he could, the car had already driven past him.
Several hours later.
Stellar finally crossed into Southport.
It was only a city away, but as she gazed out the window, it felt like an entirely different world.
Nestled against rolling hills, the landscape was breathtaking, with fresh, crisp air filtering in through the open window.
The natural beauty alone made her feel at ease.
Maybe it was because this was home even if she had never lived here before.
The car continued its journey, soon turning onto a winding mountain road.
On either side of the path, rows of peach trees stretched out, their blossoms in full bloom.
A soft spring breeze swept through, carrying petals into the air, blanketing the ground in delicate pink.
It felt like stepping into a dream.
“Wow, it’s beautiful,” she murmured, unable to hide her amazement.
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“I’m glad you like it. If you want, we can plant some back in Northvale too.” Claude said casually.
That was when something in his words caught Stellar’s attention.
Something that didn’t quite sit right.
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“Planting? Wait… are you saying all these peach blossoms along the road were…?”
Claude responded casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“They were planted by the Rivers family.”
Stellar blinked in surprise. “Is that even allowed? Wouldn’t local residents or park officials have something to say about it?”
Claude raised an eyebrow, his tone light and unconcerned.
“Why would they? From the moment we entered the mountain road, every inch of land, every house, and every single tree here belongs to the Rivers family.”
Stellar was shocked.
She always knew her family was wealthy.
But this?
This was an entirely different level of wealth.
The Rivers family completely owned an entire mountainside.
And at the very top, nestled within the vast estate, stood a grand mansion–more like a castle–where the entire family resided.
As the car approached the entrance, the massive wrought–iron gates swung open.
They drove another ten minutes through the vast estate before finally arriving at the main house.
Inside the mansion.
The Rivers family had been waiting in the grand hall for her arrival.
The elder couple, along with their second and third sons, were present.
The youngest son was away on business and hadn’t been able to make it back in time.
The two elders, dressed in traditional yet luxurious attire, exuded an air of refinement and warmth.
On the other hand, the two younger men were strikingly handsome, each possessing sharp and distinct features.
Yet despite their composed appearances, all four of them had the same reaction–hands folded in front of them, eyes fixed anxiously on the entrance, their expressions tinged with nervous anticipation.
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The moment they heard movement outside, they all turned toward the door at once.
Martha supported Laurence as she excitedly stood up from the couch.
“They’re here, they’re here…”
The butler hurried to open the door.
Moments later, he led Stellar and the others inside.
The moment Martha saw Stellar’s beautiful face, her eyes
welled up with tears.
“My child, my dear Stellar-”
Choking up, she stepped forward.
Stellar quickly rushed to support her, holding her steady.
Perhaps there was something truly miraculous about the bond of family.
As their eyes met, Martha’s tearful gaze made Stellar’s own eyes sting.
She couldn’t help but call out, “Grandma.”
“Oh!” Martha embraced her tightly, overwhelmed with emotion.
“My child, you’ve suffered so much all these
years!”
