The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 41

Not long after, Hewitt, Frazier, and their family made their entrance.

They cast curious glances toward Chuck and his family, who were already gathered—especially toward Stefan, whose presence sparked visible amusement in their eyes.

"I'd already heard whispers about our family before I even stepped out today. Seems trouble really does travel fast," Zoey said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Hank played along, pretending innocence. "What kind of whispers, Zoey?"

After deliberately letting her gaze linger on Stefan and Sara, Zoey replied, "It's the talk of River City's elite circles—they're saying the Stewart heiress is marrying an ex-convict. We've become quite the laughingstock."

"Then these rumors stain us all. How unfortunate," Hank added coldly.

"Exactly. One bad apple spoils the whole bunch," Zoey said mockingly.

Chuck's expression tightened, his anger evident. Yet, as the elder, he held back from scolding the younger generation directly, settling instead for a sharp, disapproving glare toward Stefan.

Stefan remained unruffled, almost detached. He recognized the siblings' coordinated taunts—their thinly veiled contempt aimed squarely at him—but saw no point in engaging. Some battles weren't worth fighting.

"Are you quite finished, Zoey?" Sara's voice cut through, cool and sharp, her eyes fixed on Zoey.

Instinctively, Zoey straightened, her posture accentuating her curves.

For years, she'd felt overshadowed by Sara in every conceivable way. Now, with this opening, she was determined to stand tall—and to make Sara feel small.

"Oh, Sara, are you offended?" Zoey smirked. "I suppose it's only natural. Someone as proud as you, hailed as River City's top beauty, must feel quite the comedown marrying an ex-con. I understand."

Sara retorted with a cold laugh, "What gives you the impression I feel the comedown at all? Next time you hear this gossip, you can tell them plainly: I agreed to marry Stefan. But you—all these snide remarks about the match—are you criticizing Grandpa? Let's not forget who arranged it."

Just then, Micah entered from the inner hall and took his place at the head of the room.

Zoey opened her mouth to reply, but under Micah's stern and penetrating gaze, she closed it again, offering only a sullen hum.

Audrey spoke up calmly, "Repeating 'ex-con' makes it sound like Stefan committed some horrible crime. He was imprisoned unjustly—a scapegoat."

"Audrey, it sounds like you're quite taken with him," Celeste remarked, her smile thin and insincere.

"Naturally. Stefan is a capable man."

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