Now They Want My Forgiveness - Chapter 93: Chapter 93

Stella took the phone, downloaded the necessary apps, logged into her payment account on the social app, and transferred some money to Kevin.
Kevin stared in astonishment, "Stella, I just bought you a phone. Why did you send me money?"
"Phones aren't cheap. I can't let you pay for it. Take the money, or I'll be upset."
Kevin didn't want to upset her, and knowing how stubborn Stella could be, he reluctantly accepted the transfer. "Alright, dinner's on me."
"Alright." Though Stella could only eat a little due to her limited appetite, sharing a meal with Kevin still felt heartwarming.
Kevin glanced around. "You're supposed to be discharged today, right? How come no one came to pick you up?"
Stella wasn't surprised. She'd made things clear to Fiona last time, so their absence was expected. Eleanor probably didn't even know. Stella didn't even want them to come. She was perfectly fine going back alone.
Kevin asked, "But are you really okay to go home like this?"
"Yeah, I can. I'm going home," Stella said firmly. She had already packed her meager hospital belongings.
Seeing that he couldn't persuade Stella, Kevin offered to take her home. Stella didn't stand on ceremony.
At the doorstep, Stella didn't invite Kevin in. The Hayes were notorious social climbers, so long as someone had money, nothing else mattered. Stella knew they might make some cutting remarks to Kevin, and she wanted to spare him that.
"Let's keep in touch," was all Stella said to him before entering the Hayes residence.
"Sure thing."
As soon as Stella stepped inside, she didn't see Fiona and her family of four anywhere. Instead, it was Eleanor who greeted her.
The moment Eleanor saw Stella, she rushed to her side. "Stella, you're back already? Did the hospital discharge you? And what's with this bandage on your forehead? Where are they?" Eleanor asked, her voice full of surprise and concern.
Stella didn't answer right away.
Eleanor glanced around, appearing just as clueless.
Mary stormed over, fuming. "I just heard from the servants that they haven't had a buffet in ages. Since it's the weekend, they all went out for one today. And get this, it's pretty expensive."
Eleanor's face darkened instantly. "No wonder they've been sneaking around all morning. They were trying to keep it from me."
Stella didn't mind being left out herself, but when she realized they hadn't even invited Eleanor, her anger flared up. "Grandma," Stella declared, "I'm going to treat you to the buffet."
"Let's just have a simple meal at home. No need for the buffet. At my age, I can't eat much anyway, and neither can you. Why waste money?" Eleanor said.
"Even if we can't eat much, we're going. How dare they feast with the blood money they've drained from me while we're left out? We must go."
Mary chimed in eagerly, "That's right, ma'am, you and Stella should go. I just happened to overhear which buffet they're at. When you get there, if they refuse to pay for you, just make a huge fuss. Aren't they terrified of losing face?"
Eleanor turned to Stella, her expression hardening with resolve. Those four had truly gone too far. "Let's go," Eleanor declared firmly.
With the family car still available, they had the driver take them straight to that buffet restaurant. At the front desk by the entrance, Stella approached the staff and said, "We're looking for Fiona and Andrew."
The receptionist suggested they make a call. "I'll do it," Eleanor said firmly. She picked up her phone and called Andrew.
The phone rang for what felt like ages with no answer. Just as Eleanor was about to try calling Fiona instead, Andrew finally picked up. The moment Andrew stood up, Stella spotted him.
Andrew edged toward the exit, careful not to draw attention from other patrons. "Mom, did you need something?"
"Where are you?"
"I'm out. What's up?"
Eleanor asked, "Never mind. But why is it so noisy on your end?"
Andrew said nervously, "Uh, just got some things to do. Mom. If that's all, I'll hang up now."