Chapter 458
458:
“I know exactly what it is,” Christina said with unwavering calm. “But I’ve already given it away.”
“You should think it through,” Robin urged, his voice softening. “If you change your mind later, it’ll be too late.”
Christina only smiled, shaking her head. “A gift, once given, is never taken back. Don’t worry—I won’t regret it.”
The crowd fell into stunned silence. No one had expected this. A quiet wave of guilt passed through the guests. They had misjudged her, measuring her by their own narrow expectations. They had assumed too quickly, failing to see the strength and dignity beneath her smile.
Kurt asked a second time, “You really don’t regret it?”
Christina met his gaze and answered simply, “Yes.”
Noting her unwavering stance, Kurt understood she meant her words. A thoughtful pause lingered before he spoke again. “If you ever change your mind, the offer still stands until I use this treatment chance. Once it’s used up, though, there’s no getting it back.”
A light laugh escaped Christina. “Rest easy, Kurt. I won’t be asking for it.”
With that, the conversation faded into the background, and the birthday festivities carried on.
Not long after, Lorraine’s phone rang with a call from her mentor. Ending the call, she turned to the group. “My mentor just arrived. I’ll go escort him inside.”
Celine immediately volunteered, “Let me join you.”
Together, the two women exited the banquet hall to greet Lorraine’s mentor.
Out front, just beyond the iron gates of the Miller estate, Lyman Patel stood waiting, a deep furrow in his brow betraying his irritation. As a self-claimed protégé of Tiana, he hadn’t expected this sort of treatment from the Millers. Kurt had invited him over for a meeting, yet the moment he arrived, he was halted at the gate and told to wait until Lorraine came out to escort him. How maddening!
His patience wore thin, and his displeasure showed more with every passing second. On his journey over, pride had filled him at the thought of being recognized by someone of Kurt’s standing. But now, all he felt was indignation.
Lorraine’s cheerful voice broke through his grumbling thoughts. “Mr. Patel!” She hurried forward with a bright smile.
ⓞⓡⓔ ⓤⓟⓓⓐⓣⓔⓢ ⓘⓝ ⓖⓐⓛⓝⓞⓥⓔⓛⓢ.ⓒⓞⓜ
As soon as Celine appeared, the security personnel opened the ornate, vintage gate, allowing Lyman to enter.
Lyman’s expectations had been different—he’d imagined Kurt himself would be there to greet him. Instead, only Lorraine and Celine came to welcome him, which he saw as a clear sign of disrespect.
Wearing a frosty look, Lyman turned to Lorraine and let his irritation show. “Is there a reason it’s just the two of you here to meet me?” he asked, voice clipped and sharp.
Lorraine offered an explanation in a gentle tone. “This is Mrs. Celine Miller, my godmother. Mr. Kurt Miller asked us to greet you since he’s currently entertaining important guests.”
The excuse eased Lyman’s irritation. After all, mingling with distinguished visitors was understandable.
Lyman reined in his displeasure and turned to Celine with a smile. “Mrs. Miller, I’m Lorraine’s piano mentor. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said smoothly, though his expression remained distant and his respect for women ran shallow.
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