Chapter 192: Not Taking the Bait
Stella deliberately revealed Terrence's past relationship to unsettle Meredith, hoping to disrupt their marriage.
However, Meredith's reaction was not as Stella expected. She thoughtfully nodded, "No wonder your son was so eager to marry me. After one relationship was ruined by you, he wouldn't want to risk being single at thirty. A man at his age without a woman by his side might be misunderstood."
Stella was momentarily taken aback, then sternly said, "Meredith, are you not understanding me? My son's heart belongs to another woman, not you. Doesn't that bother you?"
Meredith casually replied, "Why should I be bothered? Who doesn't have an ex these days? With someone as wealthy and handsome as Terrence Sterling, it would be more suspicious if he didn't have past relationships. It's really not a big deal." Stella was left speechless.
Meredith truly saw no issue with it, remarking, "What's the big deal about having an ex-girlfriend in this day and age?"
"You..." Stella, frustrated and at a loss for words, said, "Meredith, this place is called Thornfield Gardens. Do you understand what that represents? It means my son hasn't forgotten his ex. He loved Azure. Aren't you upset?"
Meredith responded with genuine sympathy, "Now that you mention it, I feel even sorrier for my husband. It shows he's a man of deep feelings, the kind who are rare these days. I'm lucky to have found such a gem. Why would I be upset? Being with him is exactly like finding a bargain."
Meredith's face showed no signs of anger; instead, she truly felt pity for Terrence being thwarted by his mother in love. "Meredith," Stella raised her voice in frustration, "I get it now. You're just after my son's money. You don't truly love him."
Meredith laughed, "Mrs. Sterling, are you perhaps too obsessive? Can't stand seeing your son with another woman? You've already ruined one relationship; what, you want to drive me away too? Let me tell you, if that happens, your son would be heading into his second marriage, and I'm no Azure. I'm tougher than that; you won't be able to break us up."
Meredith wasn't about to fall into Stella's trap. Why should she worry about the past when Terrence was committed to their life together?
As long as he treated her well, whether he was a saint or a sinner, she wouldn't care, let alone fuss over a past girlfriend.
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Meredith's cheerful demeanor and strong stance left Stella gasping for a retort, "You're talking nonsense. What obsessive? Regardless, I don't acknowledge your relationship with Terry."
"The law acknowledges it, and that's enough," Meredith replied nonchalantly, her tone light and curious, "Mrs. Sterling, why not tell me more about my husband and his ex? How did you manage to break them up? Was she pretty? Is she prettier than me?"
Stella was left speechless.
Meredith's unconventional responses completely disarmed Stella.
Frustrated, Stella stormed off, and Meredith called after her, "Why leave so soon, Madam? Please stay with us for dinner."
"You seductress!" Stella cursed as she hurried away.
She had intended to unsettle Meredith but ended up agitating herself instead.
Stella realized that Meredith was far from as vulnerable as Azure had been.
After Stella had left seething with anger, Terrence arrived home early, at 7 PM.
Meredith, serving the steamed turbot she had prepared, mentioned, "Your mother visited today, but she seemed quite upset when she left."
Terrence, sensing something amiss, picked at the fish with his spoon and inquired, "What did you say to upset her so?"
He wasn't accusing; he was merely curious, eager for the gossip.
As Terrence helped her with the fish, Meredith, eating it, countered, "Why did you buy this house originally?"