Darcie hesitated for a moment. She was sure Trevor had taken it before she let go. 'Did he do that on purpose?' she thought.Thoughts of the plane crash filled her mind, and she was about to speak when a voice from afar interrupted."What's happening?"Wenham had just finished paying his respects to his late wife. He was startled when he heard the commotion and walked over to see what was going on."I accidentally dropped the oats I made for Stella," explained Darcie. She then turned to Trevor, saying, "I'm sorry, Trevor. I thought you had it. Did you get burned?"Trevor glanced at her inquisitively, withdrew his gaze, and said, "It's okay. It's just a shame Stella can't taste your food now."He looked at his sister affectionately and said, "Sorry, sis."Stella chuckled, "I think I've had my fill of Darcie's cooking for now. I couldn't have finished that bowl of oats anyway. Let's take the broken dish as a sign of good luck."Wenham joined in, "Agreed. I'll have Sandra clean it
Stella's words were a clear, undisguised jab at Jaylene's previously feigned illness during the family reunion.Jaylene's face turned pallid with anger. "You—"Possibly anticipating another impulsive remark, Darcie finally intervened, "Stella, the essential oil you have isn't made from roses. I detect scents of sandalwood, chamomile, and wild orchid, but not roses."Stella hesitated, furrowing her brows. "That's not right. They specifically told me it was infused with roses. I bought it because roses are my favorite."Trevor's eyelid twitched. 'Huh? Wasn't she obsessed with sunflowers?'"Some sellers might intentionally claim certain ingredients to boost sales, especially in the field of fragrances. Ordinary users find it difficult to discern the exact additives, making them vulnerable to deception. You can come to our company next time you want some essential oils. Tell me the fragrance you desire, and I can personally help you create a blend," Darcie replied softly.Stella sm
Stella recalled the days spent at the Saun family home. Watching Wenham's tender care for the pot of roses, she noticed his demeanor softening. 'Was he seeing those roses as reminders of someone he lost long ago?'"Dad originally planned to build a greenhouse in the yard for them. He wanted to plant more roses, but then Darcie had an allergic reaction. So, he put that idea on hold," Trevor shared.Stella gave a wry smile. "That's quite the coincidence, isn't it?"Her skepticism lingered. Rivera's temperature rarely dropped below minus four or five degrees. Roses aren't that fragile. They shouldn't have perished after just two days of frost, even if they were a cultivated breed.Of all the flowers, Darcie was allergic to the roses that Freesia loved so much. The issue did not seem entirely coincidental."Trevor, why did you deliberately knock over that bowl of oats when we were downstairs? Did you find out something?" Stella asked in a low voice.Trevor shook his head. "I'm not
Stella recalled the post she made to scare Keegan.She was surprised to see Marshall at her house. 'Why isn't he celebrating New Year's with his family?' she thought.However, she found it impolite to send him away, as he was already at the door.Stella took the wine, thanked him, and smiled. "I just reposted someone else's picture for fun. I assumed that not many people would check their social media on New Year's.""I just finished work and saw your update, so I thought I'd drop by and see you."Stella was about to ask how he knew she was at the Saun residence, but then she thought about the previous post. She was afraid that Keegan would not be able to find her, so she shared her location. It was understandable that Marshall would know where she was."You're working on New Year's Eve?" Stella was surprised. "Is the law firm that busy nowadays?"Marshall chuckled and shook his head. "Not really. Everyone's on vacation. I just didn't feel like going home. My aunt is there."St
Keegan was perplexed. "Not really. Why?""Well, your ex-wife had prepared quite the surprise for you," said Vermont.Keegan's eyelids twitched. "What the hell are you talking about?"Vermont snorted. "Trevor just posted a picture of Marshall at his house in the group chat. Don't you know what that means?"Keegan furrowed his brows, and his face darkened."If your ex-wife is with Marshall, will the child she gives birth to have your last name or his? When the time comes, should we congratulate you or him?" Vermont added.Keegan gritted his teeth. "Shut your mouth!""Tsk. This is serious. I don't earn money easily. Plus, my wife will likely control my spending in the future. I have to keep track of everything and reciprocate—"Keegan hung up the call before he could finish.Vermont smirked and texted Felicity. [Miss Bandit, wanna watch a show?]Felicity, who was also bored on New Year's Eve, quickly replied, [What show? Did you book the entire theater for Stella? How many movie
"What gives her the right to criticize my mom? Mom took care of you when you were in school, yet your wife is the one who gets all the benefits. How dare she judge my mom? What kind of a person is she?" said Felicity."If it weren't for your incessant calls, annoying my mom, and forcing me to come over every New Year, do you think I'd show up willingly?" she continued."I've said what I needed to say and had my meal. Please don't contact my mom from now on. I can see that you're doing well, and my mom is doing well too. She hasn't remarried, not because she has no suitors, but because she doesn't want to encounter a jerk like you!"After venting, Felicity was ready to leave."Stop right there."She turned around, intending to return the money her father had given her. However, a figure rushed toward her and gave her a strong shove. Felicity stumbled and awkwardly fell to the ground.She was in so much pain that her face turned pale.Her half-brother had pushed her. Shocked by th
Vermont chatted with Felicity for a while, gradually learning about what happened that night. He felt a sense of heaviness in his heart, and he reached out to pat her head. "You must take me with you next time. Your brother only bullies you because you're short. Let's see if he dares to do anything with me around."Felicity snorted, "Well, I did give him a shoulder throw. They should know that I'm—ouch!"...that I'm a powerful woman."Vermont held her up and whispered, "Stop talking. Just rest and save your energy."Felicity closed her eyes. "Coming to the hospital to roast my butt on New Year's is truly embarrassing.""At least it's not hemorrhoid surgery," Vermont chuckled."Get lost!"Vermont stood up and said, "I'll go get you some water.""Kay."Once Vermont left, he knocked his head and thought, 'Damn! She's so fair!'Meanwhile, Darcie had just finished cooking the pierogies when Keegan arrived.Trevor opened the door, saw Keegan, and gave him a once-over. "Did the gas
Stella chuckled, "Maybe next time. It takes a few hours for the gelatin to set. How about chicken noodle soup? We have some chicken soup left.""It's all the same if you're cooking. I look forward to tasting your creation," Marshall replied warmly.Keegan snorted and muttered, "He's both ignorant and fearless, hah."No one else heard what he said, as his voice was soft and the TV was blaring.However, Stella was standing behind him and vaguely caught something. So, she asked, "What did you say?"Keegan paused momentarily and said, "I said it lacks vinegar, seasoning, and taste."'Was that really what he said?' Stella pursed her lips and observed him for a few seconds before she headed to the kitchen.Since Marshall had spoken, she did not want to ruin his mood on New Year's Eve.Once Stella left, Jaylene took the opportunity to sit next to Keegan and poured him some tea.Marshall glanced at Keegan, who was eating with his head down. He did not display any particular reaction t