Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 295

Everyone in the Vaughn family knew exactly what Zoe was like. Since this was Stella's first time appearing as Julius's wife, there was no way she would instigate anything.

That meant Zoe had definitely thrown the wine. And everything Stella claimed Zoe had said? That sounded exactly like the kind of unhinged garbage Zoe would spout.

She was incredibly immature and completely oblivious to the setting.

If Julius's wife was genuinely wronged at this banquet, even if Wilfred and Fidelia didn't blame Suzanne, her husband Vincent certainly would.

Processing all of this in a split second, Suzanne made a decisive move and turned to Stella. "Stella, I am so incredibly sorry.

"She wasn't invited today. Please don't take whatever she said to heart. Julius isn't like that at all.

"It's just Zoe's entirely one-sided delusion. Come, sit next to me. Dinner is about to be served. We can talk after we eat, alright?"

After saying this, she shot Zoe a sharp, warning glare, silently ordering her to behave. She then nodded at the butler, signaling him to keep a close eye on the girl.

The seasoned butler, having served the family for years, instantly understood the directive and nodded in return.

Suzanne's message was clear: If Zoe behaved, she could stay for dinner. If she caused a scene, she was to be physically dragged out.

Stella replied with a perfectly sweet smile, "Okay, Aunt Suzanne. Whatever you say."

Since Julius's aunt had extended the olive branch, she couldn't disrespect her by refusing, so she followed her to the tables.

Julius let out a quiet breath of relief. He had been terrified that his girl would storm out in anger. After all, she had a fiery temper, and given her young age, he wasn't sure if she had the patience for high-society pleasantries.

Jason also breathed a sigh of relief. He had been genuinely afraid Stella was going to just start throwing punches.

He had just managed to calm down, but Jason's words instantly reignited his fear. He really might end up sleeping on the couch tonight.

Also, he needed to keep a hawk's eye on Zoe. He absolutely would not let her anywhere near Stella.

Suzanne had planned to seat Stella right next to her, but Julius swooped in and intercepted.

"Aunt Suzanne, Stella is from the younger generation. It wouldn't be appropriate for her to sit at your table. She'll sit with me."

He felt infinitely safer keeping her by his side.

Suzanne sighed softly. "Alright, then make sure she gets plenty to eat. As for Zoe, I truly hope this doesn't drive a wedge between you two. She's just foolish and immature. I'll talk some sense into her."

Stella hadn't planned on speaking, fully intending to let Julius handle it. But the man was just staring at her like a mute statue. Suzanne had clearly been talking to him—why was he looking at her?