Chapter 16
The phone rang for ages, but no one answered.
“Mr. Harnett must really be resting. I’ll try calling again tomorrow…” It was clear what Yanina meant. Everything she said
earlier was true.
Sherry glanced at Steven, whose face was pale, and then at Christina, who looked both embarrassed and furious. She quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
She said. “Dad, it’s totally normal for the young to mess up when picking gifts. It’s the thought that counts for Steven.” Well, he can take that thought back with him, Carl replied, folding up the painting and pushing it back toward Steven. Though Carl didn’t outright say the painting was fake, his tone and attitude left no room for saving face.
Steven lowered his head, teeth clenched, and his eyes filled with red streaks as he glared at Yanina.
He had plotted for ages, given countless gifts, and treaded carefully just to win Christina’s heart. But now, because of Yanina’s interference, all his efforts had gone to waste
He thought. What an insufferable woman! But right now, the priority is to salvage my reputation in front of Carl. I’ll deal with her later‘
Then, Steven forced a smile and said, “Mr. Zamora, this painting really is from my grandfather’s collection. He must been deceived by someone, which caused this mix–up. I’m really sorry.
Tll definitely find a better gift to make up for this mistake, and hope you won’t hold it against me.”
have
Sherry realized that Steven was embarrassed but also realized he was flexible and knew how to admit when he was wrong- Plus, with the Hopper family backing him, he still had value. After weighing her options, Sherry decided to support him this
lime
She said, “Dad, you heard him. Steven’s grandfather was also fooled. He meant well, so please don’t blame him.”
Christina, whose face turned red with anger when the painting was declared fake, shot back. “So what if it’s not by Mr. Harnett? Whoever painted it had to be talented.
“Someone just wants the glory for herself, saying she painted it. Who would buy that? She’s just a shameless scammer, charming my grandpa and acting like she owns a place in the Zamora family…
“Christina!” Before Garl could intervene, Ethan raised his hand and struck Christina, but at the last moment, he couldn’t bring himself to hit her face and slapped her shoulder instead
Christina’s shoulder instantly reddened from the blow, and she instinctively stepped back. “Dad! You’re siding with this woman, too!” she cried, tears brimuning in her eyes as she ran out
“Mr. and Mrs. Zamora, I’ll come back another time, Steven said to Ethan and Sherry, utterly embarrassed and took the chance to follow Christina ouL
As Sherry watched the two leave, she shot a frustrated look at Elban
Christina had always been the center of their world–they would even hate to scold her, let alone hit her. Today, Ethan had crossed a line, and though he hadn’t hit her face, Christina wouldn’t take it lightly.
“I should go check on her, Sherry said, starting to move toward the door
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Chapter 16
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“You can’t!” Ethan stopped her firmly. “She’s an adult now; it’s time for her to act like one. Can you really protect her. forever!”
Sherry didn’t say anything else, but her glare at Yanina was loaded with hostility. She thought to herself, ‘If it weren’t for interference, whether the painting is real or not wouldn’t matter
r her
Dad would be happy, and Christina and Steven’s relationship might flourish. It’s all her fault!‘
Quinci sensed the tense atmosphere and quickly jumped in to smooth things over. “Sherry, don’t worry. Christina just has a temper: this will blow over.”
She turned her gaze to Yanina, adding. “You’re quite the enigma, knowing Mr. Harnett. No wonder Dad wanted you to marry Cameron before. I want a daughter–in–law like you.”
“Too late for that!” Carl replied, his tone affectionate. Then he turned to Ethan and Sherry. “From now on, I don’t want to see Steven around here. He might be good–looking, but his intentions are questionable.”
“I get it. Dad. I’ll have a talk with Chris, Ethan said, his voice low. He didn’t want a scheming son–in–law either..
Dad…” Sherry began to protest but fell silent at Ethan’s look.
“By the way. Yani, how well do you know Mr. Harnett?” Ethan asked, studying Yanina.
“We just happened to meet, Yanina replied casually, but no one seemed to buy it. Just a chance meeting, and yet she knew all about Sherman’s schedule and painting habits?
But since Yanina said it, they couldn’t pry any further. Carl stood up, stretching his shoulders. “Dinner’s over. Everyone should go back to their rooms and rest
“Vanina, come with me to the study. I need to ask
you something
Yanina nodded, said her goodbyes to the others, and followed Carl into the study, offering her support
Once inside, Carl took a seat and regarded her closely. “Do you realize you messed up
Yanina bit her lip. “Grandpa, do you mean I shouldn’t have visited Mr. Harnett on the sly, or that I shouldn’t have mentioned
our connection!”
“You’re not clueless. You know where you went wrong? Carl pressed on. Do you remember what your grandfather told you when you left him**
Yanina lowered her gaze, tears beginning to well up. She hadn’t seen her grandfather in eight years. No communication, no greetings–it was like being an orphan.
“He told me to forget the past and said no matter what happened. I couldn’t go back, she whispered.
Then how could you go see Mr. Harnett?” Carl’s voice rose. “If something happens to you, how would I explain that to your grandfather?”
A rare anger flickered across Carl’s face, “He’s been protecting you for eight years, even avoiding contact. You’re risking everything he’s worked for.
He just wants you to live like a normal person–to get married and have kids. Don’t complicate your life.”
Yanina wiped away her tears and nodded. “I understand. Thank you, Grandpa”
Carl looked at her with affection, pulling her down to sit next to him. He opened a drawer and took out a small box, placing igently in her hands.
