They weren't allowed to attend the luncheon. Would Maria be bold enough to bypass all bodyguards and force their way into the Luncheon?

Reuben was rather certain that Maria wouldn't take such drastic measures.

"Mom, it's alright. Let's head back to the Lemna Yard," Maria suggested, catching Julie off-guard with her unexpected composure.

Julie had always seen Maria as someone who wouldn't easily step back from confrontations.

“Are we really just going to head back without doing anything, Maria?"

Julie inquired, her disbelief evident in her tone.

“We are," Maria responded with a reassuring nod, her face the picture of serenity.

Reuben's chuckle broke the brief silence.

That was the way to go!

Sometimes, it was wiser to step back than to face an unwinnable confrontation.

Across the way, Barbara's smile mirrored Reuben's satisfaction.

They shared a fleeting look, and she departed, her mood visibly lifted.

Without any hesitation, Maria pivoted and began making her way toward the Lemna Yard, with Isla closely behind.

After pausing for a moment to process the turn of events, Julie quickly caught up, a mix of confusion and concerns evident in her strides.

As they walked, Julie broke the silence.

"What's the plan for the lunch? We can't really expect Reuben to bring us food, can we?"

Maria stopped and turned to face Julie.

“Mom.

"

"Yes?" asked Julie.

"Just wait a bit. I have a feeling they'll be inviting us to that banquet soon enough."

Julie raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“Really? How can you be so sure?"

In the midst of the banquet in the grand hall, Canaan forcefully slammed his hand onto the table, his voice brimming with indignation.