Mina was fascinated by the unfolding drama before her. She watched Stella keenly and noticed that she was angry but was trying hard to conceal it. She could see that Raphael, Adrian, and her other two grandsons were drawn to Stella's beauty. She also knew Maria was exaggerating her encounter with Stella.
So, after a while of bickering, she gave her final verdict and called the drama to a temporal end.
"Maria," Mina called softly. "I understand that you are angry with Stella for an error she has apologized to you for, severally. One look at her messy clothes and anyone can conclude that she suffered the same fate as you did. I understand that you would like to see her punished for nothing. But unfortunately, I won't indulge your childish fantasies. Instead, I will reward Stella's generosity by inviting her over to dinner, today.
"What!" Everyone in the room chorused at the same time.
Stella was shocked at Mina's declaration.
