Chapter 357
The elderly woman appeared to be well over 80 years old, her movement hindered by a noticeable limp. Nevertheless, she had put in the effort of dressing elegantly for the occasion. As she scanned the room, her eyes settled on Cynthia, and she made her way over to her with determination. Before she could reach her, Arnis quickly intercepted, his tone laced with worry, “Grandma, I said I’d bring my friend to meet you later. What brings you here by yourself? Is everything okay?
Alma Merson, the elderly lady, offered Cynthia a warm smile and a gentle wave as she greeted her in Uprian. “Young lady, come here.”
She embodied the adage, “one’s personality reflects one’s appearance,” and her kind demeanor indicated she was not the type to be overly strict or demanding. Being Arnis grandmother, Cynthia already held a favorable view of her. Standing respectfully before Alma, Cynthia greeted her in fluent Uprian, “Hello, Mrs. Merson. My name is Cynthia Larson.”
Alma clasped Cynthia’s hand within her own, her smile radiant with affection. “Excellent, You’re such a beautiful girl I’ve heard about how you’ve been a pillar of support for Arnis at the border. I’ve long wanted to express my gratitude personally, and I’m delighted to finally have the opportunity”
Cynthia responded modestly, “Mrs. Merson, Arnis is a dear friend. It’s natural for us to support each other.”
“You’re a thoughtful child.” Alma’s eyes sparkled with approval as she looked at Cynthia, clearly pleased with her grace and poise. She considered how someone as striking as Cynthia could potentially influence Arnis‘ preferences. Her expression brightened as she slipped a bracelet off her wrist and placed it in Cynthia’s hand, “Take this. Consider it a gift from me.”
Cynthia glanced down at the emerald bracelet shimmering in her palm, its opulence evident at first glance. Knowing it was improper to accept such a lavish gift upon a first meeting, she attempted to hand it back. “Mrs. Merson, this is too generous. I couldn’t possibly accept this, especially since we’ve only just met.
However,
Alma firmly grasped Cynthia’s hand, her voice soft yet insistent. “Please, take it, my dear. It’s not of significant value to us.”
“I can’t accept this, Mrs. Merson. Despite her reluctance, Cynthia found herself unable to return the bracelet to Alma, fearful that it might accidentally drop during their gentle tug of war. With all eyes on them, she did not want to cause embarrassment to Alma. Reluctantly, she decided to keep the bracelet temporarily, planning to return it to Amis later.
Alma, interpreting Cynthia’s acceptance as compliance, watched her with even greater fondness. Her attention, however, soon shifted to Liam, who stood behind Cynthia, bearing features characteristic of Clusia. Curious, she inquired through Amis, ‘And who is this?”
“This is Liam Sullivan, the CEO of Sullivan Group, and also the husband of Cynthia Arnis introduced
“Husband” Upon the introduction, Alma’s expression momentarily stiffened before she regained her composure. Turning to Cynthia, she asked, “Ms. Larson, you married so young?”
Cynthia, nodding, then realized she should clarify further and stepped back to grasp Liam’s hand, her face alight with joy. “Yes, my husband adores me dearly.”
Alma maintained her smile, though a hint of regret tinged her voice as she remarked, “Talented women are never without admirers.” Just then, Hallet and Queena approached to greet Alma. After exchanging pleasantries. Alma announced to the group, “Everyone, enjoy yourselves tonight. I tire easily these days and will take my leave now. She motioned for Arnis to escort her back to her quarters,
As they departed, Queena shared her surprise with Cynthia. “I had no idea she would be so particular. Despite her age, she’s so elegantly dressed. I assumed she would be quite strict, but she’s actually quite friendly”
Cynthia shrugged slightly. “Maybe she sees us as children, being friends of Arnis Looking down at the emerald bracelet in her hand, Cynthia felt conflicted. She had intended to return it to Amis immediately, but now that he was occupied, she would have to wait. Holding such an expensive gift made her uncomfortable.
It was only at that moment that Queena noticed the emerald bracelet Cynthia was holding. Her eyes widened in surprise and quickly shifted to a puzzled frown as she queried, “Why didn’t I receive a gifi?”
Hallet, noticing her disappointment, raised his eyebrows playfully and offered, “I could buy you one if you’d like.
Queena’s checks turned a shade of pink as she awkwardly declined, “I don’t want a gift from you. She then hurried away, with Hallet trailing behind her.
Cynthia, observing the interaction between Hallet and Queena, shook her head with a mixture of amusement and resignation. Suddenly, a hund reached out and seized the bracelet from her. Cynthia turned sharply, only to see Liam holding the bracelet with a grim expression. He remarked sarcastically, “The wife of the CEO of Sullivan Group shouldn’t need to accept gifts from them. I’ll make sure it’s returned later” Although Alma had appeared gracious, Liam sensed an ulterior motive behind her gesture. He firmly believed that they should not keep the bracelet.
“I think you’re right.”
Cynthia, linking her arm with Leed in a gentle tone,
12:36 PM
Chapter 357
Meanwhile, Arnis was assisting Alma back to her room. Once they were alone, Alma dismissed the servant and turned to Arnis with an inquiry. “What do you think of that girl from earlier?”
Arnis, slightly puzzled by the question, asked, “Which one?”
“That friend of yours Alma clarified.
“Oh, she’s great. What about her?” Arnis replied, still confused
Alma’s eyes lit up with hope as she pressed, Tho you like her!”
friend, so yes, I like her, Arnis answered honestly.
-she’s my
Alma breathed a sigh of relief at his response, then ventured further, “Why don’t we convince her to stay and become your wife?” Alma was well aware of Amis‘ sexual orientation, he was interested in men Cynthia was the only woman she had ever heard of who made a significant impression on him, and Alina was particularly impressed after meeting Cynthia. Despite knowing it was somewhat inappropriate, Alma felt compelled to suggest it, thinking it might change Arnis preferences
Arnis mood darkened, and he responded sternly, “Grandma, Cynthia is a friend, and she’s married. Please don’t entertain such ridiculous ideas”
Undeterred. Alma casually mentioned. “You know, people can get divorce. Besides, their marriage in another country doesn’t hold here. If you want, I can arrange for her to stay.”
Arnis grew increasingly frustrated as he listened, quickly shutting down the conversation. “I see Cynthia strictly as a friend, nothing more. I have no romantic feelings for her. Don’t do anything reckless. With that, Amis promptly left the room.
Alma watched him go, her eyes narrowing slightly in determination. She vowed silently, Arnis, I will try regardless of the outcome. I cannot stand by and watch you continue on this path.”
SIND GIFT