Chapter 59
When Joanna looked into the hall, even Selma, who had been seated, rose to her feet. However, Joanna knew Selma was not welcoming her, but the Snowdrop.
Joanna bit her lip. It was evident that Selma was also intrigued by Snowdrop. She was certain that presenting it would change Selma’s view of her.
But what would happen if she were to find out that the Snowdrop was fake?
“No, I’d never let her find out the truth,” Joanna vowed inwardly.
With that in mind, she lifted her chin, confidence gleaming in her eyes.
“Mrs. Greer Senior!” Joanna called out with a bright smile as she enthusiastically approached Selma.
Yet, Selma merely looked at her and did not respond.
Unfazed, Joanna approached Selma. She said respectfully, “Happy birthday, Mrs. Greer Senior! Wishing you good health and many more years of joy!”
Her voice was soft and pleasing while appearing obedient and sensible before Selma.
Selma nodded faintly. “Thank you, Ms. Lowell.”
“Mrs. Greer Senior, this is my gift to you.” Joanna signaled to Jeremy with a glance. She then turned back to Selma, emphasizing, “The Snowdrop!*
With that, the entire room gasped in unison.
It was real! The Lowells were giving the world’s only Snowdrop to Selma!
Selma frowned as she observed the red velvet box being presented to her. “This is something rare. How did you manage to get it?”
“Mrs. Greer Senior, it was indeed difficult to find the Snowdrop. My family searched high and low for nearly a month before finally finding it,” Joanna answered gently.
She continued, “I even considered giving up at one point. But then, I remembered it was meant for you, so I kept going. With such a grand event as your birthday, only the Snowdrop fits you, Mrs. Greer Senior.”
Joanna spoke with such conviction and confidence. It was as if the Snowdrop was authentic.
Selma sized her up. She was not fond of Joanna However, judging from her expression and tone, the Lowells had genuinely put in effort this time.
“Open it and show me, then.” Selma was willing to show Joanna some respect.
Joanna paused momentarily, thinking
“What? I need to open it as well?”
“Mrs. Greer Senior, this is a valuable herb. Why don’t you open it later=”
Before she could finish speaking, Selma looked up at her. Her stare was imposing, sending chills
down Joanna’s back.
1/2
Though Selma remained silent, her eyes seemed to inquire, “What’s the matter? Can’t you open it?”
Joanna bit her lip, unable to say a word.
After that, Selma calmly said, “Everyone here at my birthday party isn’t a stranger. After all, this is the world’s only Snowdrop. Why not show it to everyone?”
Joanna’s smile froze, and she quickly nodded in agreement. “Sure, Mrs. Greer Senior, whatever you say!”
She was willing to do anything as long as it made Selma happy.
Selma snorted. She thought Joanna was somewhat obedient and sensible.
“Come, open it!” said Selma.
The butler stepped forward, took the gift, and walked over to a table.
In an instant, everyone present gathered around.
The butler promptly opened the velvet box. One could tell from the exquisite packaging that it held significant worth.
Everyone remained silent, eagerly waiting to catch a glimpse of the Snowdrop.
At that moment, someone announced, “Madam Millie is here!”
The crowd turned to look. There was only one Madam Millie, after all.
Selma’s eyes lit up with excitement as soon as she heard that Millie had arrived.
Without a second thought, she rushed out to greet Millie, ignoring Joanna and the Snowdrop.
“Mills!” Selma called out.