Fall in Love with the Dominant Billionaire
Chapter 172 The Enigmatic Offering
Lucinda’s words were designed to incite, yet no one leapt to Reese’s defense. It was common knowledge that the Flynns were a prestigious family, and Reese’s marriage into it, regardless of the reasons, could not dispel the unspoken consensus that she was not one of them. It was only a matter of time before Grandpa Flynn would likely show her the door.
The assembled guests, a shrewd lot, would not stand up for a simple country girl. The atmosphere grew heavy with tension; earlier conversations dwindled, and all eyes turned to Reese, as though waiting for her to falter.
Malcolm’s forehead furrowed subtly, a glimmer of anger in his eyes.
“Lucinda,” he said, “Reese and I are partners – our gifts come from the heart, not like you, keeping a score of every y gain and loss.”
“Even so,” Lucinda responded smoothly. “They’re married, but Reese is a newcomer to the family. It’s her first birthday with Grandpa Flynn. It wouldn’t be unreasonable for her to give something on her own, would it?”
Everly slipped up beside Lucinda, linking arms with her and laughing Oh, Lucinda, you’re too much. How could she afford a gift? Malcolm takes care of her expenses. But she did do something sweet last month, buying Malcolm a suit with her own paycheck.”
A cold spark flickered in Reese’s eyes. Everly was indeed fanning the lames, but Reese remained composed. The more Everly boasted now, the more humiliated she would be later.
Everly had yet to experience the sting of public embarrassment, but Reese planned to teach her a lesson – to demonstrate that careless words could command a hefty price.
Lucinda feigned a revelation, “Ah, so she used her paycheck to buy Malcolm a suit. That’s somewhat commendable. But Reese, you might not be aware that Malcolm has always worn custom suits. Off–the–rack suits can’t match his refined aura; don’t let him become a laughing stock.”
Malcolm’s eyelashes fluttered, his gaze filled with evident disgust.
“Lucinda,” he retorted, “Even if my wife bought me some discount clothes, I would cherish them just the same. Gifts from her don’t come with price tags to me–it’s the thought that counts. But I suppose that’s difficult for a divorcee like you to understand.”
In her younger days, Lucinda was notorious for her questionable character, often disguising her sanctimoniousness as well–meaning advice. She believed her snide remarks were subtle, but everyone saw right through her.
She was no different from a gossip–her ex–husband had grown weary of her constant theatrics and had filed for divorce.
One would think the divorce would have served as a wake–up call, but instead of reforming, she became even more troublesome, bringing her drama right to my doorstep.
Who does she think she is?
Lucinda hadn’t anticipated Malcolm’s retort, especially over a girl named Reese, and touching on the sore point of her divorce. She was livid, shaking like a leaf, her complexion turning a livid hue,
She pointed a trembling finger at Malcolm, too enraged to form coherent words.
Malcolm, have you lost your senses? She’s just an ordinary girl, and because she’s easy on the eyes, you’re smitten, forgetting your own identity?
Im well aware of who I am; I’m just not sure if Lucinda has figu
His
implication was c
figured out where she stands.”
was clear: Reese was his wife, the woman he shared his life with, while Lucinda was nothing more than a distant
Chapter 172 The Enigmatic Offering
relative. She had never made any meaningful contribution to the Flynn family, and yet there she was, causing a stir.
Lucinda felt as though she might explode; she didn’t dare cross Malcolms, who might well become the Flynn’s heir. Her own son’s future could depend on him.
But Reese would have to leave the Flynn household eventually. Couldn’t she even voice her opinion about the younger generation?
So, she turned her attention to Reese: “Reese, by not bothering to get Grandpa Flynn a present, you’ve caused an argument between Malcolm and mo–an elder in the family. What were you thinking?”
Reese seemed unfazed by the confrontation. Alyssa, however, had been nervously watching Malcolm. He had really stuck his neck out for Reese.
Alyssa admired Reese’s composure but was concerned about the potential for trouble. Knowing Lucinda, this meddlesome woman would latch on to Reese’s oversight with the gift and blow it out of proportion.
Finally, Alyssa couldn’t hold back any longer. “Lucinda, Grandpa hasnt even made a fuss about it. Aren’t we making too much of a fuss over this?”
“Alyssa, you’ve got quite the soft spot for Reese, Lucinda jabbed, hitting a little too close to home. “Don’t you see? She’s married into the Flynns for a piece of the pie. Bet she hasn’t set foot in a place as grand as this before, and now, she’s living the high life, looking to make the most of it. You’re too nalve; you might end up being taken for a ride.”
Reese, meanwhile, couldn’t help but marvel at Lucinda’s audacity–she had an opinion on everything and assumed it was the gospel
truth.
Alyssa rolled her eyes and shot back, “Lucinda, I know what’s what, and I can handle my affairs. Why don’t you use some of that sharp wit to school your son? He’s been loafing around the office every day; seems like he’s just in it for the paycheck.”
“How can you talk about your cousin that way? Lucinda protested, always quick to defend her son. “He just needs some guidance. Malcolm’s too busy to lend a hand, and since my boy’s just an intern naturally, he’s still learning the ropes. Give it some time.”
Any criticism of her son would instantly ignite Lucinda’s temper.
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the door, and an employee walked in. “Sir, someone outside is making quite an entrance, claiming they’ve come to celebrate.”
Grandpa Flynn was on his feet in an instant, “Let’s go see what this all about.”
The group moved to the foyer, where two delivery men were carrying in a table laden with exquisite teaware that was clearly worth a fortune.
A discerning observer in the crowd whispered, “Isn’t that the legendary red sandalwood, said to be over a century old21–heard the last known piece belonged to a renowned collector and it’s valued at small fortune. Who would be generous enough to give away
such a treasure?”
“By the looks of it, it might very well be, another added. “Such treasures are once in a lifetime finds. Perfect for Grandpa Flynn who loves his tea. Whoever managed to secure this has really pulled off something.”
Grandpa Flynn asked, “Can you tell me who sent this?”
Fall in Love with the Dominant Billionaire
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