Chapter 655
Stella quickly reached out and touched his arm in a comforting gesture, trying to reassure him. “Please, don’t be upset. My words weren’t meant to be harsh. Eileen was also a victim back then. I’ve witnessed the deep bond you two share, and I won’t stand in the way of her joining the family just because Gabriela isn’t your biological child. However, I can’t bear the thought of Gabriela inheriting the Dawson family’s assets if she isn’t truly your daughter.”
“You’re being incredibly harsh and insensitive,” Bryan responded, pulling his hand away. “Don’t you understand Eileen? If anything had really happened between her and Benjamin that night, do you honestly believe she’d still be alive? Do you think she’d still be with me?”
If something had happened, Eileen might have struggled to continue living for Ruby’s sake, but she would never have stayed with Bryan afterward. She would never have let Bryan raise a child that wasn’t his own.
“I think I understand Eileen very well,” Stella said, lowering her head. “However, considering all the harm I’ve caused her, she’s been disappointed in me. She changed, disappeared for a time, and came back with a child. How can I trust her now?”
Bryan glanced over at Eileen in the kitchen, his voice cold. “You don’t see her as part of the family, and you fail to understand things from her perspective. You can let Jarred take you to the wedding, but Eileen and I are leaving now.”
Rising from his seat, Bryan made his way to the kitchen. Stella, filled with anxiety and uncertainty, almost spoke but hesitated, afraid Eileen might overhear.
Eileen was discussing baby food with the kitchen staff when Bryan approached, gently grasping her wrist. “Let’s go home now.”
“Now?” Eileen was startled, her eyes wide with confusion as she stared at Bryan.
Before she could respond, he gently pulled her out of the kitchen. Eileen noticed Stella’s evasive gaze and realized that Bryan’s intention to leave now likely had something to do with Stella.
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She quietly changed her shoes at the entryway and followed Bryan to the car.
It wasn’t hard to figure out—if Bryan was angry, it had to be about her or Gabriela. Yet, she couldn’t imagine what issues Stella could have with her or Gabriela.
Bryan seemed reluctant to offer any explanation, particularly with the wedding the next day, knowing Eileen would need to see Stella tomorrow.
Creating a fuss now wouldn’t resolve anything; it was better to wait until after the wedding.
“I’ve just added the chefs at Dawson Mansion on WhatsApp to inquire about making food for tomorrow,” Eileen mentioned, passing her phone to Bryan. “You can contact them and get some instructions.”
Bryan cast a quick glance at her before taking the phone and beginning to send messages. Once he was done, he returned the phone and looked back at Eileen, making sure she wasn’t going to ask for anything else.
His heart remained heavy, a wave of bitterness constricting his throat. With a furrowed brow, he stared out the car window. The harsh midday sun streamed beams of light beneath his nose, making his deep eyes appear even more shadowed.