Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 70

He didn't like it!

"Weren't we just putting on an act? Why would you take it seriously? But hypothetically, if the Hawthornes actually tried to swap Chloe in for me, what would you do?"

Julius muttered under his breath, "I took it seriously."

"What?" Julius had spoken so softly she didn't catch it.

"Nothing. I'd have my men throw them out, obviously. You and I are legally married. Do they really think they can just swap brides whenever they feel like it?"

Stella thought for a moment before saying, "I have a feeling Frederick will wait until you're out of the house to try and talk to Nadine. We need to give her a heads-up as soon as we get back."

"Agreed. We'll tell her right away, and I'll inform security. If anyone from the Hawthorne family shows up, they are permanently banned from entering the manor."

When the two returned to the manor, Nadine looked up in surprise. "Why are you two back so early? Didn't the Hawthornes insist you stay for lunch?"

Stella walked over and gently held Nadine's arm. "Nadine, isn't it better that we came back to eat with you?"

Nadine chuckled warmly. "Of course it is! But tell me, did the Hawthornes pull another one of their stunts?"

Julius smiled. "You're too sharp, Grandma. Earlier at the Hawthorne house..."

Julius recounted exactly what had happened during their brief visit.

After hearing the story, Nadine's heart ached for Stella. "Stella, don't you be upset over that. There's nothing special about that room anyway. Let them have it. I'll give you a massive new villa of your own."

"Nadine, I'm not actually upset! I was totally faking it! I'm such a good actress, I even had Julius fooled for a second."

Her playful tone made her look incredibly charming and youthful, almost like a teenager.

Julius sighed helplessly. "Grandma, that was supposed to be a surprise for Stella. Why couldn't you keep a secret?"

"Haha! I didn't realize Stella didn't know! I completely let it slip. Stella, since it's meant to be a surprise from Julius, just pretend you didn't hear a word I just said."

Stella blinked slowly. She had heard every single word loud and clear. How was she supposed to pretend otherwise?

Still, she played along, turning back to Nadine. "Nadine, I completely spaced out just now. What were you saying?"

Julius decided not to treat them like idiots. "It's fine. The place is fully ready. We'll move out for a bit. But if we leave, you'll be all alone in the manor, Grandma. Why don't you come live with us?"

Nadine firmly declined. "I'm used to living in the manor, and I don't want to go anywhere else. It's actually better if you two move out. The manor is too far from your office anyway. You waste so much time commuting every day."

There was no way she was going to tag along and be a third wheel for the newlyweds.