Chapter 814
Chapter 814:
Norene stepped in quickly, her laugh smooth but her words laced with barbs. “Oh, Stella, no wonder you’re a researcher. Such clear thinking. We’re only worried about you, that’s all. Life in a prominent family isn’t simple—there are rules, expectations, social graces. Not like the world you used to know. Right, Karson?”
She deftly shifted the attention to Karson, hoping for his support.
Technically, Norene wasn’t wrong. Stella hadn’t grown up with the Carters. Her manners couldn’t compare to Nina’s polished upbringing.
But Karson didn’t even look up as he speared a piece of steamed grouper with his fork. His voice cut through the room, deep and commanding. “Mealtime’s for eating, not idle talk. If the food can’t keep you quiet, then don’t eat. I know exactly what Stella is doing. Mind your own business.”
His bluntness struck like a whip. Daniel and Norene stiffened, then lowered their heads, picking at their food in silence, thoroughly chastised.
Then Karson turned to Stella. His sternness melted into warmth. With the serving tongs, he placed a plump abalone on her plate. “Stel, eat more. You’ve gotten thinner. No matter how busy the institute keeps you, you need to take care of yourself. If you need anything, tell me.”
The favoritism in his tone was unmistakable.
Stella’s eyes softened. She looked down at the abalone, warmth flickering in her chest. Her grandfather’s care was real. “Thank you, Grandpa,” she said quietly.
Beside her, Lance remained silent, eating steadily. But each time his gaze brushed over Stella, his eyes carried quiet support. Like Karson, he stood firmly by her side.
Across the table, Nina’s nails dug into her napkin. Jealousy twisted in her chest until it felt unbearable.
Lance’s gentle eyes, her grandfather’s favoritism, Stella’s calm poise—it was all too much.
Suddenly, she slammed her fork down, her voice cracking with suppressed tears and rage. “Grandpa—you’re playing favorites!”
All eyes snapped to Nina the moment she spoke.
Karson’s brows furrowed, his tone cold. “Nina, what’s your problem this time?”
“I just can’t accept this!” Nina’s eyes brimmed with tears as she pointed at Stella, then shot a bitter glance at Lance. “The second she shows up, everything starts revolving around her. Your affection, the family’s attention… why does she get it all?”
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Her chest heaved as she pushed on, her voice trembling. “I love William Briggs, and I want to marry him. Grandpa, you always said a match between our families would be a good thing. So why is it suddenly impossible now that she’s your real granddaughter?”
Her final words hit like a slap. The air at the dining table tightened; faces darkened all around.
Under the table, Norene gave Nina’s sleeve a sharp tug, a silent plea to let it go. But Nina, fueled by jealousy and humiliation, refused to back down.
Lance’s expression darkened, his brows drawn low. A frosty glare swept over Nina, filled with undisguised disappointment.
Stella’s grip on her fork tightened. She lowered her gaze to the untouched abalone on her plate, her appetite gone.
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