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 Ste via phone futile. Left with no choice, he resorted to knocking on Ste''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 Ste 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 Ste, who was already on her way to their ce.
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 Ste by phone, he wouldn''t be resorting to calling his mother.
"I''m heading back."
He avoided mentioning Ste 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 Urs again." Through the phone, Imogen''s concern was palpable, especially with the entire estate on edge, partly due to Urs''s recent diagnosis of Uterine cancer. Marrying Urs? That might as well spell the end for the Quarry lineage.
Irritated by Ste 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 Ste 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 Ste. Despite her seeming ws and odd temperament, she had somehow charmed the elders.
...
Upon Ste''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."
Ste 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 Ste''s value, preferring Urs over her?
Ste mentioned, "I thought this brooch suited you."
Grabbing Ste''s hand, Imogen went upstairs with her. Ste sent her just a brooch, while Imogen took out a luxurious diamond ne for her.
Faced with such extravagance, Ste tried to decline, "This is too valuable, I can''t ept 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 Ste as a daughter, especially after Yorick''s debacle with Urs yesterday. She''s gifting this priceless ne aimed to console Ste. Yet, Ste remained unwavering, "I truly can''t ept."
With the unresolved issues between her and Yorick, she couldn''t ept gifts from the Quarry family.
However, Imogen, determined, ced the ne on Ste herself.
Today Ste wore a plunging evening gown, the diamond ne added a touch of elegance to Ste''s appearance.
Imogen nodded in approval, "See, perfect for you. When I saw it, I knew it had to be yours."
Ste uttered, "Thank you then."
If Imogen insisted on sending the ne, there was no reason she couldn''t take it.
Theirughter filled the air as they descended the stairs, just as Yorick returned.
Catching sight of the diamond ne adorning Ste, he paused, recognizing the piece his mother had acquired from Paris, meant for his future bride.