Stand Me Up? I'll Marry His Billionaire Uncle novel Chapter 86

She offered a tissue, her voice gentle and coaxing. "Come on now, Chloe, you're not going anywhere today! So many important people will be here—I even heard Stellan's coming!"

"Your sister is just trying to scare you, sweetheart. She used to cry for days if her pet hamster died. There's no way she'd ever hurt someone for real."

Grace Quinn's tone was soothing, almost musical. "Be good, Chloe. When you get the chance later, at least make sure Mr. Stellan remembers your name. Otherwise, the Lawsons will only ever know your sister, and never realize how special you are. You're the daughter your father and I adore most, you know that, right?"

Under her mother's persistent reassurance, Chloe's nerves finally calmed.

Of course. Sunny was nothing more than a paper tiger—she, on the other hand, was the beloved Carrington heiress, sheltered by both parents.

She dabbed away her tears with the tissue and managed a small smile. "I understand, Mom. Just keep an eye on Sunny for me, okay?"

Grace patted her hand. "Don't worry. Go on now."

—

When Abbot arrived, he was hit by a wave of nostalgia.

So Wendy had passed on, joining his own wife below. The two old friends would finally be reunited after all these years.

He paid his respects quietly, bowing his head for a moment of silence.

"Sunny, try not to be too sad. Life and death come for us all; no one escapes this fate. You have to look ahead," he said, voice gentle with sympathy.

Sunny nodded, her face composed and unreadable.

When Stellan arrived, he noticed her silence and felt an uncomfortable twist inside. He parted his lips, wanting to say something, but the room was crowded—now wasn't the time.

Nearby, Chloe stood in her black dress, catching sight of Stellan's tall figure by the memorial portrait. Her eyes brightened with anticipation.

Mom was right—someone like Stellan was truly one of a kind in all of the Capital.

And with Grandpa Lawson clearly harboring some guilt toward the Carringtons, if she could win over Stellan, would she ever need to worry about Sunny again?

Sunny watched as Chloe trailed after Stellan, her brows knitting in suspicion.

Just what was that troublemaking stepsister plotting now?

Worried Chloe would stir up drama, she followed discreetly.

She'd barely reached the corridor when she heard Chloe's theatrical voice: "Oh, I'm so sorry, Uncle Stellan! I lost my balance and spilled tea on your jacket."

Sunny gave a small nod. "I'm fine."

He stepped closer and gently patted her head. "Liar."

"You're not fine at all."

Sunny's throat tightened.

"Uncle Stellan…"

Stellan stopped, carefully pulling her into his arms, resting her head on his shoulder as if she were something precious.

His usually stern features softened with a tenderness he barely showed, and he spoke quietly: "Sunny, you don't have to be so strong when you're with me."

Watching from a distance, Chloe bit her lip so hard she nearly drew blood.

That bitch! She's after him too?

As if she could ever be worthy!