Chapter 9
Before the party officially began, the younger generation stepped forward one by one to present their gifts and birthday
wishes.
Henry, Oliver, and Elias each brought their wives to pay respects to Gwen.
Then it was time for the grandchildren. As the eldest granddaughter of the Jackson family, Irene drew everyone’s attention when she approached Gwen with Dorian.
She wore an off–shoulder, form–fitting mermaid gown, each step as graceful as a blooming lotus.
Her soft smoky eye makeup made her cat–like eyes glimmer with a dreamy charm, and her stunning looks quickly became the topic of conversation among the guests.
Standing next to the third son of the Barnes family, Irene didn’t lose an ounce of presence.
Irene had already given her gift earlier. After saying a few festive words, it was Dorian’s turn.
Holding a gift box in his arms, Dorian turned to Henry and said, “Mr. Jackson, would you mind giving me a hand?”
Smiling warmly, Henry stood up and helped Dorian unfold the artwork.
As the painting spread open, the Holy Grail came into view. The moment guests laid eyes on it, a collective gasp of admiration. followed
They gathered around, praising the vivid detail and lifelike strokes, marveling that such work must surely come from a
renowned artist.
But as soon as Gwen saw the image of the doves on the canvas, à trace of something familiar surfaced in her expression.
The smile on her face faded immediately.
Dorian offered a graceful smile and said, ‘Mrs. Jackson, this piece is called Holy Grail, painted by Anika, one of the most celebrated needlepoint painting masters.
“T’d like to present this to you, wishing you strength and health, and many more birthdays to come.”
The crowd murmured in amazement-
“I knew it! The way those doves were painted, it couldn’t be the work of an ordinary artist. So it really is from Anika.”
“Mr. Barnes really went out of his way with this gift.”
Dorian’s pride subtly showed in his eyes as he listened to the praise around him.
But the Jackson family, those who knew the truth, were visibly taken aback the moment they heard Anika’s name.
Henry especially, his face paled in fear as he glanced nervously at Gwen
Seeing her sharp gaze grow colder by the second, Henry snapped in a low voice at Dorian, “Dorian, what the hell are you thinking? You could’ve picked anything–why this woman’s work? How unlucky!”
Dorian immediately frowned. “Mr. Jackson, what does that mean?”
Dorian continued. “Anika is widely recognized as a master painter. I remember you once told me Gwen has a passion for collecting artwork and ceramics. That’s why I went out of my way to find this.
“It I’ve done something wrong, I’d appreciate it if you could tell me what it is”
Hearing this, Gwen gave Henry a long, assessing look.
Panic rising, Henry clenched his jaw and snapped, ‘I did say my mother collects paintings and ceramics–but I never said she
liked Anika’s work”
“But you never said she didn’t, Dorian replied, his eyes suddenly sharp and cold. “Mr. Jackson, are you saying this whole thing
Chapter 9
is my fault?”
Dorian thought, ‘It had been Henry’s idea to have me attend the party and make a show of presenting an expensive gift.
“And now he was blaming me for doing it wrong?”
Dorian’s expression cooled instantly as he looked at Henry.
Feeling the shift, Henry grew hesitant. He knew Dorian wasn’t someone to provoke. Seeing that Dorian was clearly angry, he didn’t dare press further.
Then, sensing Gwen’s cold gaze from above, Henry cursed under his breath.
He thought, If I’d known it would blow up like this, I never would’ve invited Dorian in the first place.
Henry quickly turned to Gwen. “Mom, it’s all a misunderstanding.”
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