Chapter 1456

Ariel suppressed her words and bid farewell before leaving the venue with her son. Once they were gone, Stella turned to Keegan and said, “Marshall’s mother is a little strange. Why did she give me her younger son’s pendant as a sign of gratitude? It feels like a movie where the protagonist can make requests by holding on to a certain family heirloom.”

Keegan stayed silent. At first, he did not understand Ariel’s intentions. However, after hearing her words, he seemed to grasp it.

Ariel likely sensed Marshall’s feelings for Stella. She came here to sever any lingering romantic ties between them.

Whether it was adopting Stella as her goddaughter or giving her the pendant, her objective was clear.

She wanted to push them into a sibling relationship and extinguish any romantic sentiments Marshall might have.

Stella tugged at Keegan’s sleeve. “Hey, I’m asking you a question. Why aren’t you responding?”

Keegan returned to reality and calmly said, “How should I know what she means? Maybe she finds you charming and adorable.” He had no interest in playing messenger for Marshall’s affections.

Stella was taken aback. ‘Smooth,’ she thought.

Meanwhile, Marshall’s face remained cold. It was not until they were in the car that he spoke in a low voice. “I’ve been able to control my feelings well, mom. There’s really no need for this.”

Ariel pressed her lips together, and after a long while, she said, “I can see she still has feelings for Keegan.”

Marshall found his mother’s words annoying. “Do you think I don’t know that?”

“Then, why don’t you give up?!” Ariel asked, and she was slightly agitated.

Just a few days ago, when she was organizing his son’s study, she found piles and piles of papers with Stella’s name written all over them.

Marshall closed his eyes. After a moment, he said, “Is it wrong to like someone in secret? Why do you have to force me to stop?”

This statement broke through Ariel’s defenses. Her eyes reddened, as she choked up. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt. You’re all I have.”

Stella was a member of the Saun family. Now that she had a new identity, it was likely that Frederick would agree to their relationship. This was precisely what worried her the most.

Marshall seemed to have grown tired of this conversation. He remained silent for a long while before he said, “Let’s go home.”

Ariel felt uneasy, but she did not regret her actions.

After seeing off all the guests, Stella asked Trevor for a few envelopes and went to Olivia.

Olivia was still instructing the staff to clean up the venue. When she heard Stella calling for her, she walked over.

Stella did not beat around the bush. “Olivia, today’s banquet was a great success, thanks to you. I thought of helping your business and repaying the favor, but in the end, I had to ask for your help again. I owe you even more now. I’m not very good at expressing myself, but I’ll remember this favor. If you ever need any help in the future, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do everything I can.”

Olivia smiled at her words and let out a sigh. “Friends don’t keep scores like this. It’s true that I did more than I was asked. But, by holding the event here, business would be booming with so many dignitaries from Rivera in attendance, witnessing the grandeur I provided. You’ve helped me plenty, Stella.”