Chapter 4
Amaris’s hand was tightly held by Fenalla. She lowered her head shyly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, and gave a small, hesitant smile. “Mrs. Hik. L. Lactually.
Her stammering dragged on so painfully that Oric finally cut her off, his tone flat and indifferent. “Mrs Wynn, you seem to be mistaken. Amaris came here by train
“What?” Fenella blinked in surprise
Amaris finally finished her thought, her voice soft but steady. The train it was shaky the whole way- and it was delayed too.
Ber statement caused a ripple of shock across the room.
“She’s Mr. Wynn’s daughter from his first wife, but really? Not even a plane ticket for such a long trip? That’s just cold.”
She’s Mr.
“Forget a plane ticket–what about high–speed rail? From the sound of it, she came here on one of those old, green–skin trains”
“Well, a stepmother’s love isn’t the same, is it? Look at Amaris’s plain outfit, then look at may dressed head–to–tor in designer Labels. That poor girl must’ve had it rough in the countryside”
Even Fenella’s gaze softened her eyes filling with pity as she looked at Amaris
Her tone turned gentle, “You must be exhausted, child, Eat something first, then let Osric take you upstairs to rest.”
Amaris nodded lightly, her eyes flashing with a glint of mischief as she shot a subtle, taunting glance at Fira and Ismay, raising her eyebrows as if during them to make their move.
anthe
Eira froze, her whole body going stiff. Did that girl seriously show up here after riding a traint Sure, she grew up in was taking it way too far.
countryside, but this? This
Anger flared in her chest, and she felt bumiliated, as if Amaris had done this just to embarrass her. She quickly signaled Ismay
Ismay stepped forward with poise, a carefully chosen gif in hund. Her voice was honeyed and soft as she presented it to Fenella. “Mrs. Hale, huppy birthday. This painting Whispering Pines, was specially commissioned from Mr. Moss himself. He even mentioned that if he weren’t busy with an International exhibition, he’d have come in person to celebrate your birthday.”
When she unfurled the painting, a wave of awe rippled through the room.
“Wait, is that really a Mr. Moss original? One of his works and for tens of millions last year. Seeing one up close is unreal
“Ive heard Ismay isn’t just gorgeous–she’s got brains too. Does this mean she’s one of Mr. Moss’s disciples?”
“Whispering Pines is such a thoughtful gift for Fenalla. It symbolizes health and vitality. Honestly, this is next–level impressive”
Famon Moss was a legend in the world of oil painting–his works were rare, and his reputation as an aloof genius only added to the allure.
The unveiling of Whispering Pines instantly stole the spotlight, and the guests couldn’t stop gushing. Even Fenella’s face lit up, her expression softening into a pleased smile as she nodded her approval.
Ismay’s lips curled inso a triumphant smirk as her gaze instinctively drifted toward Ouric, clearly expecting him to acknowledge her effort. Ouric’s eyes lingered on the painting, and for once, he was genuinely impressed. As someone who admired Exmon’s work, he even considered stepping closer to examine it.
But before he could move, a low, deliberate voice broke through the buzz. Wow. What a sheltered reaction. The painting’s fake”
Oric traze mid–step. His sharp gaze snapped toward Amaris, his expression instantly darkening
Sheltered? Is she seriously talking about me?‘ he wondered.
Amaris took another sip of her coffee, hiding a smirk behind the rim of the cup. Tamon! That stuck–up prick giving Ismay a painting? What a joke. Even if he did, even if he came crawling on his hands and knees, there was no way she’d waste my time learning from someone that full of himself. And that painting was just lying around in her grandpa’s storage room. If this thing’s actually legit, then pigs can fly, she thought.
“Amaris, what are you mumbling about?” Ismay’s voice was solt, with that fake sweetness she always put on
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10:05 AM
Chapter 4
But her eyes sparkled with mischief, waiting to see Amaris trip up and make a fool of herself.
Amaris ser her coffee cup down deliberately and stood up, her calm gaze locking onto Ismay. “I was just saying about this painting of yours-”
Oric’s light cough cut her off. She paused and glanced at Fenalla, whose polite smile carried a trace of warmth.
matter how
It was her birthday, after all. And with her health already delicate, this wasn’t the time to blow things up and embarrass Ismay–no m tempting it was. Amaris knew she couldn’t risk upsetting Fenalla on her big day.
Osric stepped in smoothly, his tone casual but firm. What Amaris meant to say was this painting is quite unique. As he spoke, he gave her sleeve a slight mug, subtly telling her to sit back down.
But Ismay wasn’t about to let things go that easily. Her smile widened, sweet as sugar but with an edge as sharp as a blade. “Oh, Amaris, since you came all this way to celebrate Mrs. Hale’s birthday, you must’ve brought a special gift too, right? Why don’t you show us? I’m sure we’d all love to see what you prepared
From the moment Amaris had walked in, Ismay’s eyes had been glued to the plain, unimpressive cloth bag in her hand.
“What could possibly be in there? A leaf of bread? Ismay thought smugly. She’s broke as hell, but she’s still got the nerve to call my painting fake? Let’s see how she wiggles out of this one
As expected, lumay’s question left Amaris momentarily stunned. She hadn’t even known was Fenalla’s birthday when she arrived, let alone prepared a gift.
“1” Amaris hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Before the awkward silence could stretch any longer, Eira quickly stepped in, her tone light and slightly dismissive. “Oh, let’s not make a big deal out of it. Amaris probably just forgot in all the excitement of seeing Mr. Hale again, isn’t that right?”
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