NovelEnglishThe Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 102
Chapter 102 The Gifts
"There's no rush. We can eat first," Farris said with a composed tone.
Rita wore a satisfied smile as she lifted her wine glass, her gaze locking onto Corrine across from her. She raised
an eyebrow, challenging her with a playful glint in her eyes.
In previous years, Corrine had never been allowed to attend Farris' birthday celebrations, but this year she had
been invited. Naturally, she had cwith a gift.
Rita had stolen a glance at the gift Corrine brought-a plain, unadorned box that screamed mediocrity, clearly not
something of significant value.
Corrine, fully aware of Rita's scrutinizing gaze, simply took a sip of water, her expression unreadable, offering no
reaction.
Once the meal ended, Rita busied herself organizing the servants to bring out the mountain of gifts, which
numbered in the dozens.
The relatives at the table began unwrapping each gift with precision, presenting them to Farris.
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It was no secret that Farris had a deep fondness for antiques and paintings, so most gifts catered to his refined
tastes.
A standout offering cfrom Diego Newman of the Julee Group, who presented a rare quill pen.
When Rita opened Leah's meticulously prepared gift, she held it out with a bright smile. “Grandpa, do you like
this gem?" she asked, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she handed the glittering stone to Farris.
Farris' eyes
royalty?"
lit up with delight as he glanced at the gem. "Is this a rare gem, one used by
Corrine's gaze flicked up for a brief moment, her lips curving into a subtle, knowing smile.
Leah eagerly replied, "Yes. | specially sought out a collector and bought this for you. | hope you like it."
"This gem is indeed valuable," Farris said with a chuckle, his tone lighthearted. "I'd be quite ungrateful if I didn't
appreciate such a gift."
He cradled the gem with care, admiring its uniqueness, despite its lack of intricate carving.
This type of gem, used exclusively by the royal court and often given as prestigious gifts to the nobility, was a
rarity among common folk.
He examined it repeatedly, unable to tear his eyes away, and despite his usual indifference toward Leah, he
couldn't help but speak with genuine sincerity. "Thank you, Leah."
"I'm glad you like it," Leah replied with poise, her expression composed, lacking any trace of arrogance.
With the appearance of this gem, all the other gifts suddenly seemed insignificant, mere background to its
grandeur.
"Leah's lost sweight recently. She wouldn't say why, but now it's clear-she's been working to win Farris’
favor," Tracy said, admiration in her voice. "Such devotion to an elder is rare."
One of the guests chimed in, "You're truly blessed, Tracy. Your son is outstanding, and now, even your future
daughter-in-law is perfect. It's enviable."
"If I had a daughter-in-law like Leah, I'd consider myself fortunate."
"Leah's such a good girl, Bruce. You should hold onto her tight! Otherwise, if she leaves, you'll have no one to cry
to!"
"Leah and Bruce are of similar age, and they've grown up together. They should get engaged soon-bring new
additions to the Ashton family," one of them suggested.
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As the conversation becmore exaggerated, Leah shyly nestled into Bruce's embrace, but she noticed he
seemed distant.
She leaned into him, following his gaze and noticing Corrine sitting nearby. She bit her lip, and then smiled softly.
"Bruce, what's wrong?"
Bruce snapped out of his thoughts just as his aunt remarked, "Bruce, Leah is so devoted to you. You can't let her
down."
Bruce tightened his arm around Leah's waist, his expression softening as he looked at her with genuine affection.
"l won't."
The Ashton family members exchanged knowing smiles, observing the couple with satisfaction.
As they spoke, they discreetly turned their attention to Corrine, eager to see her reaction.
But Corrine remained unfazed, sipping her coffee as if she were an outsider, her composure unshaken.
The crowd couldn't help but sneer, thinking she was just pretending. They were eager to see how long she could
keep up the act.
Rita, with a casual air, remarked, “Miss Holland, why haven't we seen your gift? This is your first tat my
grandfather's birthday party, so surely your gift is something extraordinary?"
She smiled at Corrine, her eyes glittering with a hint of malicious amusement.
"It's nothing special," Corrine replied smoothly, her calm demeanor unwavering.
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