Chapter 267
Ruby and Bailee arrived early, but Ruby insisted on waiting for Eileen, who was running late. Consequently, they found themselves waiting in the café for several minutes until Eileen arrived. Eileen and Bailee supported Ruby as they entered the hotel. A waiter escorted them to the room reserved by Stella. The room was expansive, capable of hosting dozens of guests. An opulent crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting shimmering reflections on the walls.
It was Ruby’s first time in such an extravagant setting, and she felt a bit uneasy. Stella sat beside Ruby while Bryan and Eileen took charge of ordering food. From the moment she entered the room, Stella had been immersed in continuous conversation. Jarred, carrying a bag filled with hotel materials and wedding planning leaflets, was by her side, fulfilling Stella’s requests. Last time they had only discussed the matter; this time, they would make a decision.
After about ten minutes, the waiter began serving the dishes. Soon, the table was adorned with an array of delectable dishes. The scent of the food wafted through the air, prompting Stella to finally stop talking about her plans. “Let’s eat first. Once we’ve finished, we can discuss the important matter,” she suggested.
Curious, Eileen asked, “What’s the important matter?” She had listened as they discussed wedding dresses, photography, and venue options, but she didn’t know what was more important to discuss.
“Silly girl, don’t you require a dowry for your marriage?” Stella said with a smile. “You are destined to be part of our Dawson family. It’s essential that you marry into our family with honor and dignity.”
“Dowry is simply a local tradition. We could adhere to Onaland’s customs,” Eileen said, knowing that Stella and Bryan were doing this for her own good.
“That can’t happen!” A resolute voice cut in.
Everyone turned in surprise as Judie, with Denise at her side, entered the room.
“My daughter must take the dowry,” Denise declared firmly, her words resonating in the room.
Eileen felt her heart sink. She looked at the women who had just entered. Her last memory of Denise was of Denise leaving with Roderick in her arms. At that time, Eileen had cried out, “Mom, don’t leave me!” However, Denise hadn’t looked back.
Now, Denise showed up, her intentions evident. Denise hadn’t glanced at Eileen from the moment she entered the room, her attention fixed on the opulent surroundings and the feast laid out on the table. Observing Eileen’s expression, Stella inferred the identity and guessed at the strained relationship between Denise and Eileen.
Therefore, Stella avoided the core issue and stated, “Regardless of parentage, the Dawson family will welcome her. We will address the dowry matter with her directly.”
“She will listen to me!” Denise declared confidently, scanning the table. Then she approached Bailee, stooped down, and grasped her hand. “Eileen, though I haven’t raised you these past years, I am your mother. Your marriage is crucial, and I must—”
“Denise!” Judie quickly interjected in a hushed tone. “That’s not—”
“Quiet!” Denise snapped, displeased. While it appeared she was scolding Judie, Denise’s real aim was to assert her authority and compel Eileen to recognize her as her mother.
“I’m doing this for your own good. Only your happiness will bring me relief,” Denise said, patting Bailee’s hand.
Bailee was stunned, realizing Denise had mistaken her for Eileen. She shot a glance at Ruby, feeling annoyed and angry. Ruby’s expression was dark. As Eileen’s stepmother, she was in an awkward position now. At a loss for words, she pressed her lips together and remained silent.
“Denise, you’ve confused me with someone else.” Eileen rose from her seat, disappointment and coldness evident in her eyes. “That’s my sister, Bailee. I’m Eileen.”
Denise was rendered speechless. She quickly released Bailee’s hand. She hadn’t expected Ruby to sit so close to Eileen. Denise was convinced that Ruby wanted to get close to Eileen to exploit her for financial gain in the future.
“Eileen, you were just a little girl when I left. I didn’t think you’d change so much over the years,” Denise said, walking around the table toward Eileen.
But just before she could get there, Bryan quickly stood up, blocking Denise’s path.
Denise was forced to step back. Unable to discern Eileen’s hesitance, she shifted her focus to Bryan.
“You’re the man who’s going to marry Eileen, right? My daughter is a graduate of a prestigious university, beautiful and capable. It is wise for you to marry her…” Denise said.
Eileen’s eyes held a hint of disdain. Denise presented her like a village merchant peddling goods. She didn’t know what to do now. Should she engage in an argument with Denise and drive her away?
At that moment, Stella cleared her throat and said, “Eileen, Bryan, let’s remember our hospitality. This is a happy occasion for us. Let’s not disrupt the harmonious atmosphere.”
Stella didn’t want to put Eileen in a dilemma. Before Eileen and Bryan could say something, Denise pivoted and claimed an empty seat. “Judie, come sit here,” she said.
Judie also sat down, but their seats were a bit far from Stella.
Denise looked at Ruby and Bailee before rising from her seat. “You two, switch seats with us. That’s Bryan, right? I’d like to sit beside Bryan’s mother; it’s more convenient for me to discuss the matter with her that way.”
“Denise!” Judie said quickly, trying to remind Denise that Stella was Bryan’s grandmother.
But Denise didn’t pay attention to Judie, walking over to Ruby and waiting for her and Bailee to get up from their seats.
“Enough!” Eileen rose to her feet, her gaze icy.
Prior to meeting Denise, Eileen had entertained fantasies about her biological mother, longing for maternal affection. But now, she felt nothing but disgust toward Denise. “Now that you’re here, you stay and dine. The matter about my marriage concerns only me and my mother, Ruby. It is none of your business. If you’re satisfied with this, enjoy your meal here. If not, you’re welcome to leave,” Eileen said, gesturing toward the door.
Denise wanted to retort, but she noticed the man beside Eileen emanated a chilling aura. Besides, Stella’s eyes were unreadable, yet her stern look was intimidating.
She shouldn’t provoke them. They’re the Dawsons. We need to tread carefully,” Judie advised.
Denise swallowed her pride, resumed her seat, and requested additional cutlery from the waiter.
Eileen’s words brought tears to Ruby’s eyes, but she tried hard to keep her composure, not wishing to create a scene in front of the Dawson family members. The dinner proceeded. Stella recognized that delving further into the dowry matter would be unwise, as it could cause discord. She didn’t want to discomfort Eileen and trusted that Eileen would address Denise after the meal.
Perhaps because Stella avoided further discussion on the dowry matter or because the atmosphere felt somewhat awkward due to her presence, Denise lowered her posture slightly. Taking the initiative, she said, “You’re Bryan’s mother, correct? I see you’re still concerned about your son’s marriage at this age. If there’s anything that I can help you with, just let me know.”
“Denise!” Judie quickly said. “That’s Mr. Dawson’s grandmother!”
Denise was taken aback and blurted out, “So the Dawson family doesn’t regard my daughter seriously. Why send Bryan’s grandmother to handle their marital affairs? Where are his parents?”
“No rule dictates that parents be present to discuss their child’s marriage,” Eileen replied firmly, indicating that even her mother, Denise, couldn’t interfere in her marriage.
“I am your real mother, Eileen!” Denise’s anger flared.
Eileen raised her eyebrows slightly, meeting Denise’s gaze head-on. “That’s why I let you stay for the meal today, but your words hold no weight with me. You had better understand that.” The room’s atmosphere soured.
Denise’s expression fell upon hearing Eileen’s words. Sensing the tension, Judie said hastily, “We need to be patient. We can’t rush this.”
Even Judie couldn’t tolerate Denise’s blunder of mistaking Bailee for Eileen earlier.
“Fine! Since Eileen graciously invited me to stay,” Denise said sarcastically, digging into the food. The elegant setting was marred by her, with some decorative engravings on the plates being devoured. There were over ten dishes on the table, and she tasted them all. A heap of food crumbs amassed in front of her. Overwhelmed with shame, Eileen couldn’t even bring herself to lift her head.
Suddenly, a pair of warm hands enveloped hers. It was Bryan, leaning closer and whispering, “When we return, I’ll cook you a better meal.” He attempted to lighten the mood.
Everyone at the table, except Denise and Judie, didn’t touch their food. After the meal, while Denise and Judie went to the restroom, Stella comforted Eileen, saying, “Every family faces challenges. I’ll give you space to deal with yours. Don’t worry about those kinds of people. If they’re after money, just give it to them. Don’t let it bother you. If you need, I can help you. We can talk about the dowry next time.”
Stella possessed astute insight into people; she understood that Denise’s motives revolved around money. Though Eileen felt warmth, she couldn’t muster a smile. “Thank you, Stella,” she said.
The group left, with Eileen making no effort to wait for Denise and Judie. Upon leaving the hotel, Eileen saw Stella watching as she got into her car. She was about to drive Ruby and Bailee home when Denise rushed out of the hotel and approached her.
“Stop, Eileen! You’re truly not taking me seriously. Why didn’t you tell me that you’re leaving?” Denise said.
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