'Why are they giving me another present? What was that money pouch they gave me last time?' thought Stella as Wilfred handed her a box.She was about to decline when Trevor intervened, saying, "It's a heartfelt gesture from your grandparents. You should accept it."Upon hearing that, Stella found it hard to refuse. She took the present and said, "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma."Following that, Daryl also handed her a gift box. "Stella, this is a gift from me and your aunt. We hope you like it."This left Stella stunned. Soon, everyone in the family was giving her gifts. Even Leighton's younger brother, Noah, who was 12 years old, prepared one for her. Before she knew it, Stella held a pile of presents from her relatives.Trevor helped her carry some of them and said, "Let me keep these for you. We'll go through the gift receipts together after the party."Stella's heart skipped a beat. "Gift receipts?"Trevor chuckled. "Yeah. Did you think everyone's here just to see you?"Wen
Danny observed Stella and noticed this was the first time since he rose to his current position that someone had taken the lead in a conversation in their language with him. He found it rather intriguing."You make a valid point," he remarked. "Did you ask me to speak Hustuabourgian because you're not proficient in Yostrainian?"Others turned their attention to Stella upon hearing that. Being bad at Yostrainian was not a big deal, but the fact that she asked Danny made it seem like she was ignorant. With Jaylene, who was fluent in Yostrainian, standing nearby, it inevitably made people think less of Stella. They realized that they not only had different upbringings but also varying education levels and views as well.Wenham was about to speak up for his daughter, but Stella admitted, "My speaking is average, but I have no problem understanding you."People learn language when they can practice it in an environment where it is often used. Stella had long set Yostrainian aside after
Danny tried to confront his business partner at the time, only to be swiftly shown the way out. He could not accept the outcome and fell into a depressive state. He wasted two years doing nothing at home. Eventually, his wife divorced him, taking their daughter with her. Meanwhile, his former business partner soared to success on the back of their joint efforts.When they crossed paths again at a class reunion, the person not only lacked remorse but also taunted him with harsh words. He denied Danny's contribution to their shared success and belittled him to the point of worthlessness.This incident then ignited his spirit to get himself together. He began to pick up the pieces and start anew. The process was tough, but the thought of being betrayed and abandoned spurred him on.His current girlfriend, whom he met during his second venture, stood by him during the most grueling moments. She provided him with much encouragement and help. However, Danny still held a deep mistrust for
Wenham froze upon hearing Danny's comment, clearly displeased. He opened his mouth but struggled to find the right words.Darcie then intervened and said, "You might not be aware of this, Mr. Winston, but Stella was the one who chose this hotel. We realized that we should've held the event at a larger venue. But we decided to ask Stella for input and consider her wishes."Having grown up in another family, a five-star hotel might already be luxurious in Stella's eyes. Plus, the environment here is satisfactory. Since Stella liked the venue, we didn't question much," she continued.Trevor was grabbing a tissue when he heard Darcie say this. He paused and narrowed his eyes subtly.Stella lowered her gaze, thinking that Darcie had been planning this all along. 'She was the one who provided me with a list of hotels. It's like she was expecting me to choose it.'Darcie's words implied that Stella was a country bumpkin and did not know much about the finer things in life.The people at
"You know, this banquet is a significant event for your family. You didn't have to hold it here because you wanted to repay me. We're friends, and friends help each other out. It means a lot that you even remember me," said Olivia."People who understand would see that you're looking out for me. But those who don't would think that you are simple-minded and unsophisticated," she continued.After listening for a while, Danny finally figured out why this particular hotel was chosen. It turned out that the daughter of the Saun family and the owner of this hotel were old friends. Now that she had risen to prominence, she wanted to support her friend's business.Thinking of his own experiences and looking at Stella now, Danny suddenly felt like he'd been too narrow-minded for so many years. He realized he should not judge someone based on their nationality or background just because of a few negative interactions. There were both good and bad people in this world, just like there were th
Stella raised her glass and clinked it against Darcie's. She said, "Thank you, Mrs. Saun." Her smile was friendly, yet it left one wondering if her gratitude was genuine.Darcie returned the smile, her tone kind, "We're family; there's no need for formalities. You're Wenham's daughter and also a kin to Jaylene and me. If you ever need anything, just let me know."Stella nodded and lowered her gaze.After bringing Danny to his seat, Wenham guided Stella to greet the other relatives and friends at their tables.Trevor excused himself for a moment, and Stella was hesitant about following Wenham around. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, she worried about handling conversations. To her surprise, she found little need to speak. As Wenham indulged in a few drinks, he became quite chatty. Stella only needed to greet the people and let Wenham do all the talking.Whenever someone paid her a compliment, Wenham would linger for a chat.After finishing their rounds, they went back to the center
The Hall family owned a lot of businesses in various industries. But with the loss of their daughter in their later years, they found themselves no longer interested in managing them. That was when Wenham stepped in and struck a deal with the Saun family. As a result, all of Freesia's shares fell under his name. Even though Darcie was the primary operator of the company, her stake only amounted to thirty percent, with Wenham retaining the majority.Now that he handed Caline over to Stella, he instantly leveled the playing field for the two of them within the company. Darcie felt a tightness in her chest. She quickly pieced together that this was Wenham's way of expressing his displeasure about the hotel selection and also as compensation to Stella.At the same time, Jaylene's face darkened. She had expressed her desire to be part of Caline's management on multiple occasions, only to be met with Wenham's refusal, citing her health as a concern. Yet, Stella did not even need to ask bef
The room dimmed as Stella, Wenham, and Trevor settled into their seats after descending from the stage. Soon, the soft sound of orchestral music filled the air. Suddenly, the stage lit up, and the backdrop changed. A deep, resonant voice filled the room, and a troupe of performers entered in a precise formation. With the progression of the music, the opera unfolded.Cordelia immediately lifted her head upon recognizing the familiar tune. Once she spotted the performers on stage, she excitedly grabbed Keegan and said. "That's Lancelot Lewie! That's Lancelot Lewie! How is he here? You never mentioned he would be performing!"Keegan gently removed his grandmother's hand from his arm and said, "I can't believe you're fawning over celebrities like a teenager at your old age, Grandma."Cordelia's eyelid twitched. "You little scoundrel. Who are you calling old?" She said. She would have hit him if they were not in public.Cordelia was there to witness the official announcement of Stella b