Chapter 5

Three days after the divorce, the Quinn family hosted a family dinner at Quinn Manor.

The invitation was sent by Richard's mother, Linda Quinn It was a red and gold card, inviting the whole family to a reunion dinner.

When I got the invitation, Aunt Julie was helping me pack.

"Stella, you really shouldn't go," Aunt Julie said. "Mrs. Linda Quinn her words could wake the dead."

I slipped the invitation into my bag. "If she wants to see me, I'll go."

Aunt Julie grew anxious. "You're already divorced. Why put yourself through that?"

"Some things can only be settled face-to-face," I replied.

Quinn Manor was in Southside, an old estate Richard had bought after making his fortune. Two large red lanterns hung at the entrance, as if to announce a celebration.

When I walked in, the place was already packed.

Linda Quinn was wearing a dark red velvet sweater, with gold bracelets on her wrists. Claire sat beside her, peeling an orange for her. Ryan sat on the other side, pouring coffee for Claire.

Richard caught sight of me and his brows tightened. "So you actually showed up."

Linda tossed the orange peel onto the plate. "Divorced and still acting all high and mighty, making the whole family wait for you."

I slipped off my coat and handed it to a servant. "According to the invitation, dinner was at seven. I walked in at 6:58."

Linda snorted. "Quick with the comebacks now, huh? Used to play mute, but I guess the mask's off."

Claire quickly jumped in, "Aunt Linda, Stella got divorced. She's not in the best mood."

Linda patted her hand. "You're the sensible one. If you'd joined the Quinn family sooner, we wouldn't have had to endure all this frustration for over twenty years."

Some of the relatives at the table started laughing.

One of them said, "Stella, since you're divorced, why not stay for a celebratory drink before you leave?"

Another chimed in, "Yeah, Richard and Claire should finally tie the knot."

I sat down. "So this isn't a family reunion. It's a chance to parade the new wife in front of me."

Linda shot me a glare. "Cut the sarcasm. We gave you the money, what else do you want?"

I looked at Richard. "You didn't tell her I haven't spent a single dollar of it?"

Richard froze.

Linda was stunned. "What do you mean you haven't used any of it?"

I pulled out my bank card and keys from my bag and set them down on the lazy Susan.

"I'm not taking the house, the car, or the money, for now," I said.

Ryan immediately jumped in, "Mom, don't pretend you're above it all. Later you'll claim we kicked you out with nothing."

I looked at him. "Relax. That's not what I want."

Claire's hand paused mid-peel.

Linda let out a cold laugh. "So you don't want the money, you want Quinn Enterprises? Seriously? Who do you think you are?"

Someone at the table immediately chimed in, "Stella, Richard built the company from the ground up. You were at home with the kids, don't go claiming credit for his success."

I shot back, "Who says I was at home raising the kids?"

Uncle Charles picked up some food. "Then tell us, what did you actually do?"

Richard cut in, his tone serious, "Let it go, Uncle Charles."

Claire said quietly, "Richard, everyone wants to clear the air."

I looked at her. "What is it you're so eager to clear up?"

Claire set down the orange. "Stella, I know you hate me. But Richard has always provided for you and given you a respectable life. You should really count your blessings."

"I should be grateful?" I shot back.

"You don't have a job or any income, and even after leaving Richard, you still get to live in a big house, something most women can only dream of," she said softly. "Don't throw away the last bit of goodwill between us."

Linda nodded. "Hear that? She knows how to handle things better than you do."

I took a slow sip from my glass.

"Claire, do you even know who paid the rent for Richard's first warehouse?" I asked.

Claire looked at me. "I don't know."

"That's exactly why you feel so free to run your mouth," I said.

Richard finally spoke up. "Stella, let's not bring up the past."

"Why not?" I shot back, locking eyes with him. "What, scared Claire might get hurt, or your mom will act like nothing ever happened?"

Linda slammed her fork down on the table. "What are you trying to say?"

I pulled out an old receipt and set it on the table.

The paper was yellowed with age, bearing the faded official stamp of the market authority from back in the day.