I Stopped Waiting and Started Loving novel Chapter 24

As soon as those words were spoken, several faces around the table shifted.

One of the older women put down her chopsticks, speaking with a thinly veiled sarcastic edge.

"Dad, is that really appropriate? Quentin has been abroad for so long, he's probably used to his freedom. There are so many rules at the main estate—he won't be comfortable here."

"Besides, they're newlyweds. You know how young couples are at this stage. Having us older folks around just makes things awkward for them."

In reality, everyone at the table knew she was just terrified Quentin would use the overnight stay to curry favor with Arthur and snatch a larger piece of the inheritance.

The atmosphere at the table instantly turned tense.

Quentin sat there, completely unfazed. He didn't offer a single word of explanation, entirely unbothered by their scheming.

Bonnie glanced at him.

If no one answered, Arthur would lose face, and Quentin would be left in an awkward spot.

She turned to the woman, keeping a warm, polite smile on her face.

"You're absolutely right. Quentin is very busy with work and prefers quiet spaces."

The woman's face had just begun to show a hint of triumph when Bonnie smoothly pivoted.

"However, Grandfather is getting older, and what he needs most is company. When Quentin was abroad, he told me constantly that his biggest regret was not being able to stay by Grandfather's side to fulfill his familial duties."

Quentin glanced at her, his dark eyes shifting slightly, but he didn't expose the lie.

Bonnie continued to smile. "Now that he's finally back, it doesn't matter how busy work gets. Duty to our elders always comes first."

Bonnie looked directly at the woman, her smile failing to reach her eyes.

"Since you're so considerate of us, I'm sure you're equally devoted to the family. You'd want Grandfather to be as happy as possible tonight, wouldn't you?"

The woman nearly choked, her face turning an ugly shade of gray, but she couldn't utter a single word in retaliation.

If she argued, she'd be publicly labeling herself as a bad daughter.

"Hahahaha! Well said!"

Arthur burst into booming laughter and slammed his hand on the table to make it final. "It's decided. You two are staying tonight!"

After dinner, the lively chaos of the Vance estate slowly died down.

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