Belated Moonlight: He Regretted Only After I Left-Chapter 81: The Laughingstock of Riveria

"Enough!" Old Mr. Donovan snapped sternly, his brows furrowing. "That girl, Stella, is quite good in my eyes! Sensible, fair-minded, trusts Shane at crucial times, and that’s enough! Those baseless rumors are forbidden from now on!"

Old Mrs. Donovan shivered from the outburst and, seeing her husband truly angry, closed her mouth resentfully, though her face still reflected her disapproval.

Old Mr. Donovan looked at his wife’s expression and sighed inwardly.

He knew his wife was protective of their youngest son and, not knowing Stella well, had prejudices.

But he was pleased with Shane’s marriage prospects.

That girl Stella had a clean gaze and a certain resilience in her core that matched well with Shane.

As for those grudges and tactics among the younger generation...

As long as they didn’t cross the line, he couldn’t be bothered and trusted Shane would handle it well.

Now, he just hoped the family could have a celebration soon to lift the heavy mood.

"Proceed swiftly with Shane and Stella’s wedding," Old Mr. Donovan decisively concluded. "That’s the biggest joyous event for the Donovan family now!"

Old Mrs. Donovan pursed her lips, staying silent, but internally grew even more displeased with the cunning future granddaughter-in-law.

"Master, Young Master Sullivan has returned; he’s waiting for you in the study..."

At this moment, a servant entered to report.

"Understood." Old Mr. Donovan rose, leaning on his cane, and walked toward the study.

Meanwhile, the study was filled with the aroma of tea.

Old Mr. Donovan looked at his grandson seated across from him, who appeared calm, and sighed, "You needn’t have any concerns regarding your second uncle’s affairs; proceed with your plans. As for your grandmother, don’t take it to heart; it’s her age, she’s muddled."

Shane Donovan rubbed the warm teacup, his eyelashes drooping, concealing the deep hue in his eyes, "I understand."

"However, Shane," Old Mr. Donovan’s tone grew serious, "Julian Sullivan is a deeply scheming person; working with him is as risky as dealing with a tiger."

"I know what I’m doing." Shane Donovan lifted his gaze.

Seeing his demeanor, Old Mr. Donovan knew there was no need to say more and added, "Your engagement party with Stella, let’s set it for the eighth of next month, which is a good time."

Shane Donovan paused slightly, Stella’s charming face flashing in his mind, his lips barely curling into a smile.

"Alright."

...

Meanwhile, at a newly opened luxury boutique in Riveria.

Grace Quinn was basking in admiration.

She flaunted her freshly done crystal nails, waving her fingers before a gilded dressing mirror while trying on a limited edition silk scarf.

A shop assistant knelt on the carpet, trying on a pair of high heels adorned with diamonds for her.

"Miss Quinn, your fair skin complements this color," the assistant flattered. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Grace Quinn curled her lips in satisfaction, relishing the feeling of being pampered.

This was the life she was meant to live.

Not far away, a few elegantly dressed socialites whispered, their glances occasionally drifting in her direction, faint smiles playing at their lips.

"Isn’t that the much talked-about Miss Quinn? I heard she tried to pull strings to get into Mrs. Lawson’s tea party recently..."

"Shhh—lower your voice. She’s ambitious, intent on establishing herself in Riveria."

"Look at her attire, quite showy but sadly... taste is something that can’t be forced."

"I heard a funny story related to her, seems she got involved in some lawsuit that’s become the talk of the town..."

"Haha, I also heard about it, the ’One Dollar Case’!"

Fragments of whispering floated over, causing Grace Quinn to frown, unable to catch the details, but the subtle scrutinies and ridicule made her uneasy.

She snorted coldly, dismissing it as jealousy, lifting her chin with more arrogance.

Just then, her phone screen lit up—a new message notification.

She casually swiped it open, revealing an electronic court document notice.

[Defamation Dispute... Counterclaim... Plaintiff: Stella Sterling...]

Her eyes scanned lazily downward until they halted on the last line of the counterclaim request—

[Claim for psychological damages: One RMB.]

"One... dollar?" Grace Quinn’s pupils constricted, her smug expression instantly froze.

At that moment, those who were gossiping seemed to also notice the commotion, exchanging glances, smirks barely concealed.

Grace Quinn’s fingers clenched the phone, nails nearly digging into the screen.

Stella, that bitch!

How dare she?!

She shoved aside the assistant still fitting her shoes, stumbling to her feet, ignoring the heels, almost fleeing the store in disgrace.

Behind her, the mocking laughter could no longer be suppressed...

...

"Bang!"

Inside a luxurious apartment in Riveria, a limited edition handbag was viciously thrown against the wall.

Grace Quinn’s chest heaved violently, eyes blazing, screaming shrilly at Audrey Quinn, seated on the sofa rubbing her temples:

"Mom! Have you seen how that bitch Stella humiliated me?! One dollar! She dares to claim one dollar! Now all of Riveria is laughing at me! I’ve become a joke to everyone!"

She waved her arms hysterically, "I don’t care! You must find a way to destroy her! Immediately! I want her ruined! I want her begging for mercy before me!"

Audrey Quinn, troubled by her daughter’s outburst, lowered her hand, furrowing her brows, "Grace! Calm down! How many times have I told you not to act impulsively!"

"Calm down?! How can I calm down?!" Grace’s tears burst forth, "You’re not the one being mocked! You’re not the one publicly humiliated! Of course, you can stay calm! Do you even care about me?!"

"If you don’t, I’ll go to Dad! I’m his daughter; he can’t ignore me!"

"Shut up!" Audrey Quinn’s face darkened, sternly stopped her, covering Grace’s mouth, "How many times have I told you not to mention him! You must not go to him!"

She forced her daughter back onto the sofa, eyes sharp, "Do you think your father’s doing well now? He’s recovering heavily injured; you go to him now? Do you want him to fall faster or us to end more disastrously?!"

Grace, intimidated by her mother’s fierceness, choked on her cries, but the venom on her face remained.

"What should I do then?! Am I destined to be stomped on by that bitch Stella?!"

She clawed desperately at the leather sofa beneath her, nails leaving marks, "I am a Donovan! Why should I hide like a rat?! Why does Stella get to marry gloriously into the Donovan family?!"

Her agitation grew as her voice distorted, "I’ve had enough! I refuse to live in the shadows any longer! I want back in the Donovan family! I want everyone to know that Grace Quinn is the true Donovan heiress! I want to crush Stella into the dirt!"

Audrey Quinn watched her daughter’s near manic state, her heart sinking...

Stella...

That little bitch!

Was this her intention?