Final Verdict

Mina was fascinated by the unfolding drama before her. She watched Stella keenly and noticed that she was angry but was trying hard to conceal it. She could see that Raphael, Adrian, and her other two grandsons were drawn to Stella's beauty. She also knew Maria was exaggerating her encounter with Stella.

So, after a while of bickering, she gave her final verdict and called the drama to a temporal end.

"Maria," Mina called softly. "I understand that you are angry with Stella for an error she has apologized to you for, severally. One look at her messy clothes and anyone can conclude that she suffered the same fate as you did. I understand that you would like to see her punished for nothing. But unfortunately, I won't indulge your childish fantasies. Instead, I will reward Stella's generosity by inviting her over to dinner, today.

"What!" Everyone in the room chorused at the same time.

Stella was shocked at Mina's declaration.

'Dinner? Stella echoed in her heart.

At the moment, all Stella wanted to do was leave the mansion and never set foot on it again. She could tell from the appalled glares of all the females present except Mina, that she wasn't welcomed in the house.

Stella thought of saying something to Mina but she knew it would be rude to turn down the old woman's request in front of her children. So, she remained silent and waited for the right time to speak.

"Mina, please, you can't possibly invite a stranger into our home for dinner. This is a special family dinner we haven't had in over a year. It is meant strictly for only family members. Moreover, we know nothing about this young lady except for the fact that she works at our farm. There are other ways you can show your appreciation, like rewarding her with cash." Camila said pleadingly.

"Camila," Mina shot her a chilly stare, "do not provoke me with your ill-thought words. Am I not allowed to do as I please in my own home? Moreover, aren't you inviting Sonia to the same dinner? Isn't she also a stranger to the family? Did I challenge you? Don't you question my decision ever again?"

"Mum, you invited Sonia?" Adrian's forehead furrowed.

"Adrian, not now!" Camila hissed. She turned back her attention on Mina and said,

"I'm so sorry, Mina," Camila clasped her hands pleadingly. "I'll go back to the kitchen and see to things." She hastily left the room for fear of further infuriating Mina.

"Maria, since I'm in a slightly jolly good mood today, I'll pardon you for challenging my words, but don't try that ever again," Mina said sternly. "Now, can you be a darling and extend the same forgiveness I offered you to Stella?"

Maria grumbly said, "Okay," and mumbled something to Stella that sounded like, 'I forgive you,' before storming out of the room furiously.

Luna rolled her eyes at Stella before also leaving the room, behind her sister.

"Boys, if you don't mind, I would like to have some private words with Stella."

"Okay, Mina," Andrew and Philip both left the room after waving goodbye to Stella.

Raphael and Adrian both lingered for a few seconds before leaving, each concealing their individual disappointment.

While Raphael was angry at Mina for ruining his chance to have Stella grace his bed and cure his urgent sexual needs, Adrian was disappointed with his mum for inviting his ex-girlfriend, Sonia without his consent.

Adrian couldn't hide the fact that he was physically and emotionally drawn to Stella. He was even seeking an opportunity to talk with her in private.

Adrian didn't want Sonia presence to ruin his chances of befriending Stella.

Hence, he decided to seek out his mum and see if they could reschedule Sonia's visit.

Back in the living room, Stella sincerely thanked Mina for her kindness. She appreciated Mina for inviting her to the family dinner but pleaded with her that she won't be able to attend.

"Stella, it will give me great joy for you to be my guest at the dinner. Do not break an old woman's heart by turning down her request. I won't be able to face my children if you shame me that way."

Stella opened her mouth to say something but no words came out. She was unwilling to hurt the old woman's feelings by outrightly rejecting her invitation. So she decided to just accept it and aviod everyone path.

'What could go wrong in a simple dinner?' Stella pondered.

Mina smiled as she stood up and motioned for Stella to follow her. She led her through a hallway, into a gigantic bedroom.

Stella was both impressed and wowed by the beauty all around her. She followed Mina with an apprehension about what the old woman planned on doing next.

Inwardly, Stella couldn't help but wonder why the old woman took a certain weird liking towards her. 'It can't be because of the grape,' she concluded in her thoughts. She was still debating on the mystery behind Mina's generosity when the name Sonia popped into her head.

"Who is this Sonia and what is her relationship with Adrian?" Stella quizzed her thoughts. "Since Mina addressed Sonia as a stranger, that means she's not married to Adrian. But could they be dating? Is that the reason why Raphael addressed him as unavailable?"

"Sit down on the bed dare child while I get someone to help you with some new clothes." Mina tapped on the bed.

"Thank you, Mina." Stella smiled in appreciation as she accustomed her eyes to her new environment.

The High-quality furnishings with opulent, expensive touches and the relaxing mild flowery scented air, got Stella wondering if she was still on Earth or in heaven.

She slowly sat down on the king-sized plush and cozy bed while unconsciously stroking the white soft sheets in her hands. She was tempted to lie down and roll on the bed but she quickly cautioned herself and sat up straight.

Mina smiled at the hidden euphoria in the corner of Stella's eyes as she rang a bell beside the bed.

Instantly, two maids came into the room and bowed politely.

"See to it that she is properly cleaned up and dressed in befitting clothes." Mina calmly instructed.

"Okay, Mina," the two maids walked over to Stella. Each took her by either of her hands and led her out of the room like a princess.

As they left, Mina couldn't stop herself from beaming at her plans of matchmaking Stella to Adrian.