Chapter 16
Chapter 16 Blessed Fate and a Perfect Match
Finished
Because of Jason’s words, Ethan arrived at Kingston Heights early in the afternoon. Neither his calls nor Jason’s could get through to Stella.
With no other choice, he had to knock on her door. He knocked for a full ten minutes, but there was still no response. His face, which had barely recovered from its earlier grim expression, darkened completely.
Jason hesitated before suggesting, “Could it be that Ms. Dawson went to Keene Estate first?”
The thought of her not waiting for him made Ethan’s expression twist with barely restrained anger.
“She went ahead without me?
Jason said, “Why don’t you call Madam Madeline?”
Ethan pulled out his phone and dialed his mother.
Madeline answered and informed him that she had already spoken to Stella–she was on her way to Keene Estate.
She added with some confusion, “Why are you calling me? Just call Stella directly.
The veins on Ethan’s forehead bulged. If I could get through to her, would I be calling you?
“I’ll head back first, he said curtly,
He didn’t mention that Stella had blocked his number–it was too humiliating to admit.
Madeline warned him sternly, “Listen, when you get here, you’d better apologize properly and promise her that you won’t ever see that Lillian woman again.”
Over the phone, she continued to lecture him, clearly worried. The entire Keene Estate was in an uproar, especially after learning that Lillian had been diagnosed with uterine cancer. Marrying her? That would be risking the Keene family’s future!
Ethan was already irritated that Stella had left without waiting for him. Now, hearing that he had to make such a serious promise to her only made him more agitated.
“This matter-
“Your grandparents and both sets of great–grandparents have already said that if this wedding falls through, they will disown you.”
Disowned by all the elders in the family? Ethan’s breath hitched. “Why do they like Stella so much?”
‘She’s blessed, and your astrological signs are a perfect match.”
Ethan was speechless!
He hadn’t noticed anything particularly lucky about Stella, but hearing that their signs were a good match almost made him lose his composure. Who still believes in that stuff these days?
Madeline sighed. “Enough talking. Just come back and remember what I told you.”
Before he could respond, she hung up.
Ethan stared at Stella’s tightly shut door. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to wring her neck. This woman- useless as she seemed–had somehow managed to win over all the elders in the family. Then again, considering their generation, she didn’t need to do much. Just having an auspicious birth chart was enough to charm them.
By the time Stella arrived at Keene Estate, Ethan still wasn’t back.
Chapter 16 Blessed Fate and a Perfect Match
Madeline beamed. “You didn’t have to bring me anything! I was the one insisting you come
Her thoughtfulness made Madeline like her even more.
Finished
How could the Reed family have been so blindinch a wonderful girl, and they still claimed she wasn’t as good as Lillian. Madeline thought.
Stella explained, “I saw this bronch and thought it would suit you?
“You’re so considerate. I’ve also prepared a gift for you; Madeline took Stella’s hand and led her upstairs.
Stella had given her a simple brooch, but Madeline presented her with an extravagant diamond necklace.
Seeing the dazzling piece, Stella inmediately declined. “This is too valuable. I can’t accept it?
“I bought it specifically for you. Last month, when I went to Lorasia with Sutton, I picked up two–one for her and one for you.”
Whether that was true or not, Madeline’s meaning was clear–she regarded Stella as family.
Given Ethan’s scandal with Lillian the day before, she was using this necklace to console Stella.
Still, Stella remained firm. “I really can’t accept it
Her situation with Ethan had no resolution, and she had no intention of accepting anything from the Keene family.
But Madeline was determined. She even placed the necklace around Stella’s neck hersell.
Stella had worn a low–cut gown that day, and the necklace added a touch of opulence to her appearance.
Madeline nodded approvingly. “See? I knew it would look perfect on you. The moment I saw it, I thought, it belongs to you.”
Stella sighed. “Well, thank you then.
If Madeline insisted, she might as well accept it graciously.
The two of them laughed as they walked downstairs together–just as Ethan returned.
The moment he saw the diamond necklace around Stella’s neck, he froze for a second. He recognized it immediately.
Last month, when his inother brought it back from Lorasia, she had said it was meant for her future daughter–in–law.