Chapter 35
“It’s right here!” Winter had already sent someone to grab th present. It was not as showy. as Charles‘, but it was still top–notch. “Grandpa, this is from Xavier and me. We wish you happiness and peace!”
Everyone knew Winter could charm the stars out of the sky, especially with her celebrity status and her picture–perfect image of elegance and grace.
When everyone saw Winter’s gift, they could not help but gush, “Wow, the old man’s got some amazing luck, having such a devoted granddaughter!”
Winter had brought a painting, knowing full well Samuel would love it. She had scoured high and low for it. Then, with a smug look, she turned to Noelle. “So, Noelle, what’s your gift for Grandpa?”
All eyes were on Noelle then. The unspoken comparison between Samuel’s granddaughters had begun. Next to Winter’s glow, Noelle seemed to fade into the background, her quiet. nature making her seem even more subdued. She had barely said a word throughout this
scene.
Noelle’s brow creased ever so slightly as Winter’s self–satisfied voice reached her ears.
She knew exactly what was going on in Winter’s head. It was not like she had not seen this before. She always figured it was easier to avoid drama than to stir it up. Winter, however, was not one to let things slide. Ever since the whole Xavier debacle, she was relentless.
“Right, Noelle? Your grandpa adores you. What present did you bring him?” chimed in Jade, stepping up at just the right moment to look like she was backing Noelle up. “You’re aware, aren’t you, that Grandpa’s been worried sick about you? He’s worried you’re unhappy. He’s been counting the days until you’d come home, and it wasn’t easy for him to finally get his wish.”
Jade clutched Noelle’s hand as if she was shielding her from embarrassment. “Noelle, honey, I know you’re upset, but we’re all family here. Today’s grandpa’s birthday, and you’re the picture of devotion. You wouldn’t want to spoil his special day, would you?”
Ieaning in close, Jade whispered, “Listen, Noelle, grandpa’s getting on in years. He can’t
indle
any stress. Plus, your sister and Xavier are pretty much married already. Why tear apart, huh?”
le was all sweet talk and reasoning, convinced she was making perfect sense. Did she even care about how Noelle felt?
Feeling her blood boil, Noelle was blindsided by Jade’s audacity in front of everyone. She could not help but let out a bitter laugh. “So, you’re using grandpa’s birthday bash to corner. me into submission? Mom, why go to such lengths? I’ve said it a million times–I’m done with Xavier.” She could not fathom why they would not stop hounding her.
“You say that, but Grandpa thinks we’ve been picking on you. If you can chear Grandes us Mom will hook you up with someone even cooler, know plenty of awesome guys”
Noelle brushed off Jade’s hand and stepped up to Samuel with a small, polite smile. Of course I’ve got a gift for grandpa. Do you want to see it now?
Samuel was about to say it was not necessary, but Noelle’s troubled look and the expectant eyes made him nod. “Alright, alright. What’s Noelle got for me? I’m gonna love whatever it is
He then looked over at Mr. Thompoon. Mr. Thompsont
“Sir, I’ve been keeping Miss Noelle’s gift safe. Take a look, sir. This is what Miss Noelle has for you.”
Mr. Thompson opened the gift box to reveal a fountain pen, which left everyone a bit stunned. After all the anticipation, just a pen seemed like a letdown.
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