Stella had only ever seen such a long table on TV. She never thought that there were people who
would use it in real life.
But the Fords were a large family that numbered in multitudes. Once all were at the table, Weston
introduced some of his relatives to her.
Stella, in turn, greeted them all politely.
Clearly, they were all curious about her, though they maintained a friendly and courteous demeanor in
front of her.
Wendy made sure to express her satisfaction with her new daughter–in–law. The words she said were
obviously a hint that the others should treat Stella well and build a good relationship with her.
These people were all shrewd by nature and knew exactly how to read expressions.
If there was one person there who clearly wore a forced smile, it was probably Guinevere.
With Warren Ford there, she could just barely concoct a reason to join the family dinner. Besides, she
was also Zachary Ford‘s biological mother, and since she was taking care of him today, it seemed
reasonable that she
would stay for the dinner that was meant only for the Ford family members. Stella could imagine now
that if she were to continue living with Weston, Guinevere would take every chance and opportunity
she got to appear in front of her.
To think that a grand wedding was not enough to make her give up, not even after the truth about what
she did in the past was exposed at the engagement party! Despite all the odds, Guinevere still
persevered.
If it hadn‘t been for the strained relationship between Stella and Guinevere and the fact that they were
enemies, Stella would have conceded and even admired Guinevere‘s steadfast determination.
Warren Ford finally took his seat and made a brief speech. The people around him started making a
toast to his health , and soon, others joined in to wish him a happy birthday.
Stella knew that as long as she stayed by Weston‘s side and followed him, she would not go wrong.
Apart from Warren, the other person who attracted the most attention at the birthday banquet was, of
course,
Zachary Ford. Since he was Warren‘s only great grandchild, he was naturally showered with adoration.
“Great–grandpa!” the boy shouted as he climbed down from Guinevere‘s lap and darted towards
Warren. When got to him the boy acted all kittenish and said, “Great – grandpa...”
Warren smiled so widely that his eyes narrowed to slits. He picked the boy up in his arms and cried,
“My dear boy!”
“What do you want to eat?” he asked Zack, pinching his chubby cheeks. “I‘ll give it to you!”
“Grandpa ,” Guinevere interjected , “why don‘t you put him down? He‘ll just get in your way.”
Wendy joined in and echoed Guinevere‘s sentiments.
“Nonsense!” argued Warren. “How can a little boy be in my way?”
It was clear that he loved Zack very much by the way he would let him sit on his lap.
After that, Guinevere made no more objections.
Others at the dinner were well aware of this situation. Some of them looked at Guinevere with
meaningful eyes and tried to start a conversation with her so she wouldn‘t feel so left out.
With Zack there, it could be said that she had a trump card that would forever make her at least a half–
member of the Ford family.
“...Are you upset?” Weston asked, glancing at Stella.
Stella shook her head and said nothing.
Weston held her hand under the table and assured her,“ If you‘re feeling unwell, I can take you back to
Stardust Mansion tomorrow.”
Although Warren Ford’s birthday banquet lasted several days, this dinner was the most important
occasion they had to attend. After this event, Weston could easily make a reasonable excuse not to
stay here anymore.
Besides, apart from these necessary social events, Weston wanted Stella to stay at home at all times.
He wanted her to be there by his side whenever he went home. He wanted her to stay within his line of
sight and not go anywhere else. “No,” Stella replied with knitted brows. “Everyone’s here to celebrate
Grandpa‘s birthday. If you bring me home suddenly in the middle of everything… I don‘t want people to
think that I‘m too fussy, and I don‘t want to give them any reason to gossip about you either.”
This was not the answer that Weston wanted. But she had been considerate of him and wanted to do
what was best for him, and that made him happy.
“Okay,” he said. “If you don‘t want to see her again, I‘ll make her leave later.”
Stella knew that by “her,” he meant Guinevere.
She made no response and just sat quietly beside him.
Soon the dishes were served up. One man wearing an apron suddenly stopped when he walked past
Stella and began acting weirdly.
Stella thought that she was in his way, so she tried to stand up
Just then, the man‘s expression suddenly changed.
“You despicable woman!” he shouted.
He then pulled out a transparent glass bottle from under his sleeves and violently hurled it toward
Stella!
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