Chapter 70
Chapter 70 Gifts That Bind and Divide
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Naomi was far more discerning than Ruby. It seemed that, although the two spent much time together, Naomi hadn’t adopted her cousins poor judgment. That was a relief. Otherwise, he might have had to discourage their closeness. Naomi had been raised with too much care for that.
Arabella listened to Naomi’s critique and glanced at her, slightly surprised she possessed some genuine knowledge.
She then turned her attention back to Florence. Mom, do you really like this piece p>
“Of course I do.” If Arabella liked it, that was reason enough for her.
“Then I’d like you to have this ‘Phoenix Reborn‘ painting,” Arabella said with a warm smile, offering the scroll to her mother. Since returning, it had been Florence constantly giving her gifts. She hadn’t yet had a chance to reciprocate.
When she saw the painting at the auction, she had immediately thought of Florence. Now, seeing her genuine appreciation, Arabella felt truly pleased.
“For me? But I thought this was your find,” Florence said, genuinely taken aback.
Arabella’s smile softened. “I had you in mind when I bid on it. I’m really happy you like it p>
The unexpected gift left Florence both delighted and momentarily flustered. She hadn’t imagined Arabella’s early outing was to find a present for her.
Touched, Florence pulled Arabella into a gentle hug. “So you went to the auction this morning for me. Thank you, my dear p>
“Mom, no thanks are needed. I’m your daughter Giving you a gift is only natural,” Arabella replied, returning the embrace.
Florence nodded, her contentment evident.
“I’m going to hang this painting Arabella gave me in the most prominent spot,” Florence declared, her voice brimming with happiness.
“Jonathan, help me decide. Where should we put it?” For a moment, Florence seemed as excited as a young girl, looking to her husband for ideas.
“The house is large enough. Anywhere you prefer will be perfect,” Jonathan said, deeply moved by the tender exchange between mother and daughter.
This warm scene, however, stoked the envy simmering within Naomi and Ruby.
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Chapter 70 Gifts That Bind and Divide
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“Arabella, did you only bring back one painting from the entire auction?” Ruby asked, her tone laced with jealousy and a hint of sarcasm.
Arabella glanced at Ruby before carefully lifting the calligraphy scroll.
“Dad, Mom, I also acquired a piece of calligraphy. Would you like to see it p>
Hearing this, Jonathan’s interest was instantly piqued. “Absolutely! Unroll it, let’s have a look.” Having been impressed by the painting, he was now very curious about the calligraphy.
“Of course p>
“Naomi, could you help me hold this end p>
Arabella handed one end of the scroll to Naomi, asking her to support it while she carefully unfurled the artwork.
Ruby watched, skeptical. She refused to believe Arabella could have gotten lucky twice.
As the scroll gradually revealed its contents, the bold, flowing script immediately captured Jonathan’s attention.
“Can this be… a work by Master Laird?” He recognized the distinctive style, but with the scroll only partially open, he hardly dared to believe it
Arabella merely smiled and continued unfurling it without confirming.
A moment later, the scroll was fully revealed. Jonathan inhaled sharply. “It really is! A genuine piece by Master Laird p>
He immediately stood and moved closer for a detailed inspection. As he studied it, he murmured appreciatively, “Superb… truly superb. This is an exceptionally rare find!
“Arabella, you must have paid a considerable sum for this. I’ll cover the cost for you later,” Jonathan said, his voice rich with pleasure.
“Thank you, Dad,” Arabella replied with a sweet smile. She hadn’t spent a cent of her own, and now she was being reimbursed. It was a profitable arrangement, to say the least.
Naomi, observing Jonathan’s evident satisfaction, felt her own disappointment deepen. It seemed Arabella’s auction trip had been carefully calculated. Every item she purchased catered to Florence’s and Jonathan’s tastes. She was clearly using these gifts to cement her place within the family.
Who would have thought someone from a modest background could be so strategically clever?
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Chapter 70 Gifts That Bind and Divide.
“Dad, your eye is as sharp as ever. You recognize Master Laird’s hand immediately.
“What are your thoughts on the piece itself?” Arabella asked with keen interest.
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Ruby, afraid of misspeaking again, stayed silent. She merely shot Arabella a scornful look and muttered under her breath, “Such a suck–up p>
Jonathan studied the bold characters on the scroll intently before offering his analysis. “The calligraphy is powerful and spirited. The strokes are elegant yet dynamic, flowing with a serpentine grace. It is undoubtedly a masterpiece.
“And the fact that you selected it, Arabella, shows remarkable taste and judgment,” he added, offering praise without reservation.
“Thank you, Dad. You’re too kind,” Arabella replied with practiced modesty.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.