SWNOVELS Chapter 17
Because of Orion's words, Yorick had made his way to Silk-River Residences well before noon, finding both his and Orion's attempts to reach Stella via phone futile. Left with no choice, he resorted to knocking on Stella's door. Ten minutes of persistent knocking yielded no response, darkening Yorick's already foul mood. Orion suggested, "Maybe Ms. Quinn headed to the manor earlier?"
The mere thought of Stella going ahead without him nearly pushed Yorick over the edge.
"Went ahead on her own?"
Orion proposed, "Why don't you call Mrs. Quarry?"
Without hesitation, Yorick pulled out his phone and dialed his mother's number.
Imogen answered, informing him that she had tried contacting Stella, who was already on her way to their place.
She questioned, "Why are you calling me? Why didn't you just call Star?"
Veins throbbed on Yorick's forehead in frustration. If he could've reached Stella by phone, he wouldn't be resorting to calling his mother.
"I'm heading back."
He avoided mentioning Stella blocking his number; too embarrassing.
Imogen warned, "Come back then. But I warn you, you better apologize properly, and make sure to promise her you won't see that Ursula again." Through the phone, Imogen's concern was palpable, especially with the entire estate on edge, partly due to Ursula's recent diagnosis of Uterine cancer. Marrying Ursula? That might as well spell the end for the Quarry lineage.
Irritated by Stella not waiting for him and the hefty promises he was now expected to make, Yorick grew even more agitated.
"This thing... Your grandparents already said, if this wedding falls through, they'll disown you."
The threat of collective abandonment from his elders made it harder for Yorick to breathe.
"Why do they like Stella so much?"
"She brings good fortune, a perfect match."
Yorick was left speechless. He couldn't see any good fortune. In this day and age, still clinging to such beliefs?
Imogen cut him off, "Enough talk, hurry back and remember what I told you."
Without waiting for a response from Yorick, Imogen hung up.
Staring at the closed door, Yorick was fuming at Stella. Despite her seeming flaws and odd temperament, she had somehow charmed the elders.
...
Upon Stella's arrival at the Quarry Manor, Yorick was yet to return.
At the sight of her, Imogen greeted her warmly, "My dear, you must've been through so much."
"Imogen, I brought you a gift."
Stella handed over a velvet box, endearing herself further to Imogen.
"You came because I asked, and yet you bring gifts?"
The gesture warmed Imogen's heart even more. She wondered if the Larkins were all bind; how could they not see Stella's value, preferring Ursula over her?
Stella mentioned, "I thought this brooch suited you."
Grabbing Stella's hand, Imogen went upstairs with her. Stella sent her just a brooch, while Imogen took out a luxurious diamond necklace for her.
Faced with such extravagance, Stella tried to decline, "This is too valuable, I can't accept it."
"It was picked out just for you. Jolene Quarry and I bought two in Paris; one for you, one for her."
Whether true or not, Imogen's gesture was clear - she saw Stella as a daughter, especially after Yorick's debacle with Ursula yesterday. She's gifting this priceless necklace aimed to console Stella. Yet, Stella remained unwavering, "I truly can't accept."
With the unresolved issues between her and Yorick, she couldn't accept gifts from the Quarry family.
However, Imogen, determined, placed the necklace on Stella herself.
Today Stella wore a plunging evening gown, the diamond necklace added a touch of elegance to Stella's appearance.
Imogen nodded in approval, "See, perfect for you. When I saw it, I knew it had to be yours."
Stella uttered, "Thank you then."
If Imogen insisted on sending the necklace, there was no reason she couldn't take it.
Their laughter filled the air as they descended the stairs, just as Yorick returned.
Catching sight of the diamond necklace adorning Stella, he paused, recognizing the piece his mother had acquired from Paris, meant for his future bride.