Eleanor had always guarded the Hayes family’s reputation, but today, utterly out of character, she actually said these things right In front of everyone.

Fiona shot Andrew a look, hinting, “What’s wrong with your mother? Why does she have to let everyone know our business?”

Frowning, Andrew motioned for them to sit down first, signaling he’d handle it himself. “Mom, what on earth are you trying to do?”

“The four of you went out to eat without inviting Ste and me, so we came on our own. You paid for usb, /band that’s fine. But bjust /blook at what your wife said, what your son said, and what your daughter did.

“What? You guys are part of the Hayes family, and we aren’t?” Eleanor said angrily.

Not far away, Jordan was also present today. Seated at a prime vantage point, he had a clear view of the dramatic scene. He had long recognized Ste–her emaciated frame all skin and bones, eyes hollow like dried–up wells.

He was still debating whether to go over and bsay /bhi when a suddenmotion broke out at their table.

Andrew leaned in, frowning as he whispered urgently to Eleanor, “Mom, could you tone it down? Everyone’s staring.”

“Today, let everyone watch and judge for themselves. They’ve been profiting off Ste, but now they’re out feasting without inviting either of us. They didn’t even know Ste was discharged from the hospital today.” Eleanor’s voice rang out for everyone to hear.

Eleanor shot them a re and retorted indignantly. “Aren’t you just ashamed of us? That’s why you never bring us along.”

Even Ste was stunned by Eleanor’s uncharacteristically bold move today. She felt a surge of warmth in her chest because Eleanor was standing up for her.

Seeing how they showed such tant disregard for Ste’s dignity and reputation, Eleanor was determined to

expose them.

Andrew was about to speak, but Eleanorb, /bwith a formidable surge of defiance, cut him off. “And another thing!” she dered. “Our Ste never, not once, wanted to marry Henry. It was them who forced my granddaughter into this.

“We had an agreement that every child in the family would get a share. Max and Anna got theirs without question, but when it came to Ste, she had to fight tooth and nail to get what was rightfully hers.

“Ste told them she’d only agree to the marriage if her shares were transferred to her. She was so worried they’d tamper with the bshare /btransfer agreement that she even went out of her way to hire ba /bwyer.

“Ste was so worried they’d realize she knew thewyer that she went out of her way to find ba /bsmall, obscure firm. But even then, they still managed to uncover it.

“They bribed thewyer’s boss and threatened him not to help my granddaughter anymore. My Ste has no one to rely on but me. If I don’t speak up for her, who will?”

The manager had initiallye to intervene, but after hearing these words, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy,

Andrew felt everyone’s piercing stares, as if their eyes could burn holes right through him. Flustered, he spoke up. “That’s not it. My mom’s been a bit muddledtely. She just spouts nonsense sometimes. bPlease /bdon’t believe her. Sorry for all the trouble, everyone.”

And then Andrew leaned in and whispered urgently into Eleanor’s ear, “Mom, isn’t that enough?”

“There’s so much more. After Ste came back, her brother beat her brutally, and my son evenshed her with a whip. As for Henry, he’s worse than an animal. He pretended to help us, but in reality, he was only after Ste’s blood.

“I know many of you saw Fiona’s tearful performance in front of the reporters the other day, I won’t deny that Ste did receive timely treatment, but let’s be clear, it was all just an act to make those four look good.

“Why should my granddaughter be sacrificed? What did she ever do wrong? All she wanted bwas /bto get into Quentiham University, have a good life, maybe even find true love, but even that man ran off with her own sister.

I

“Even thest bit of life bshe /bhad left, that bastard Henry tried to take that btoo/b. She’s lost everything, If I don’t fight for her, who will?” By this point, tears were streaming down Eleanor’s face.

Ste felt a pang in her heart. “Grandma, it’s okay. See? I’m all better now.“”

Eleanor snapped. “Ever since you came back, they haven’t cared about you bat /ball. They’ve been constantly bleeding you dry, taking money from you, and now they won’t even let you sue. Where bcan /bwe possibly go to seek justice for that?”

No one could figure out how Ste managed to make so much money all by herself, but if even half of what Eleanor said was true, then the Hayes family was downright inhuman.

Most people were still inclined to believe Eleanor. After all, she was Andrew’s mother. She wouldn’t publicly shame her son like this in front of everyone if it weren’t true.

Many onlookers were whispering and nodding disapprovingly toward them. Max and the others could barely stomach their food. Fiona, seething with anger, pushed her food around distractedly and whispered urgently to Max and Anna, “Let’s get out of here.”

Anna protested reluctantly, “But we just got here.”

“Let’s juste back another time,” Fiona hissed urgently. “Can’t you see how everyone’s staring at usb?/b” As Fiona spoke, she kept stealing furtive nces around. She felt utterly humiliated.

Andrew couldn’t calm Eleanor down bat /ball. If it weren’t for the shares she held, he wouldn’t be in such a bind. He c ‘That bdamn /bold hag, every time she looks like she’s on death’s doorstep, but she just won’t kick the bucket.

He decided to regroup and n this out carefully when they got home.

Max couldn’t stand it any longer either. He and the others stood up, exchanging meaningful nces with Andrew.

Inwardly.

Andrew understood their silent message. Knowing he couldn’t do anything about Eleanor, he said helplessly, “Mom, you and Ste go ahead and eat. We have other matters to attend to, so we’ll be leaving first.”

“Where do you think you’re going? I’m not done yet!” Eleanor snapped.

Ste quickly handed Eleanor a ss of water..

Eleanor took a long gulp of water, watching them leave with sharp eyes. Almost instantly, her whole demeanor brightened. “Hey. You know what? Getting all that off my chest actually feels pretty darn good.”

‘Grandma is just so adorable. It’s like she’s young again, Ste thought, her heart full of affection. She gently said, “Grandma, let’s stop worrying about them. They’re gone now anyway. Let’s just rx and enjoy our meal.”

“Exactly,” Eleanor said, her tone lighter. “Let’s enjoy this meal.”

Ste also gave the manager an apologetic nod. The manager gave her a reassuring smile, signaling that he didn’t mind.

Gradually, the crowd dispersed to their own affairs, though murmurs of the incident still lingered among them. Ste and Eleanor couldn’t care less about the gossip swirling around them.

Eleanor sighed, “Well, that’s it. I’ve burned all bridges with them this time.”

“Grandma…” Ste watched her with quiet concern.” After all, Andrew was still Grandma’s son. If Eleanor sided with him, she wouldn’t make a fuss about it.

Eleanor looked at Ste and said firmly, “Ste, don’t overthink it. What I mean is, they’re definitely going to make ba /bmove soon. I still hold the majority shares, and they’ll stop at nothing to take them from me.

“So after we finish eating, we’ll go see thewyer I’ve arranged beforehand. Don’t worry, those bastards won’t be able to track him. down. Once everything’s settled, you’ll be the major shareholder.”

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