Now They Want My Forgiveness - Chapter 96: Chapter 96

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 Stella and me, so we came on our own. You paid for us, and that's fine. But just look 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 Stella—her emaciated frame all skin and bones, eyes hollow like dried-up wells.
He was still debating whether to go over and say hi when a sudden commotion 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 Stella, but now they're out feasting without inviting either of us. They didn't even know Stella was discharged from the hospital today." Eleanor's voice rang out for everyone to hear.
Eleanor shot them a glare and retorted indignantly, "Aren't you just ashamed of us? That's why you never bring us along."
Even Stella 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 blatant disregard for Stella's dignity and reputation, Eleanor was determined to expose them.
Andrew was about to speak, but Eleanor, with a formidable surge of defiance, cut him off. "And another thing!" she declared. "Our Stella 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 Stella, she had to fight tooth and nail to get what was rightfully hers.
"Stella 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 share transfer agreement that she even went out of her way to hire a lawyer.
"Stella was so worried they'd realize she knew the lawyer that she went out of her way to find a small, obscure firm. But even then, they still managed to uncover it.
"They bribed the lawyer's boss and threatened him not to help my granddaughter anymore. My Stella has no one to rely on but me. If I don't speak up for her, who will?"
The manager had initially come 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 muddled lately. She just spouts nonsense sometimes. Please don'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 Stella came back, her brother beat her brutally, and my son even lashed 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 Stella's blood.