Chapter 14
Neil thought he had misheard. Before Neil recovered from his surprise, Gabriel hung up. “Did the brat wise up?” Neil thought. ‘Well, whatever.‘ Neil looked at Gina with a smile. “Call me Grandpa, Gina. Mr. Jackson is too formal.”
Gina couldn’t bear to refuse. T’ll call you Grandpa Neil.”
“Sure,” Neil said.
They chatted for a while until they were interrupted. Ethan had brought Olivia to Neil. Ethan said, “Grandpa, Olivia had a gift for you.”
Olivia placed the gift box on the table.
Neil didn’t bat an eye. He asked, “Couldn’t she give it to Isaac?” Isaac Hills, the butler, usually handled them. Presenting it to him was an attempt to curry favor.
Olivia felt awkward. Did Gina speak ill of her to Neil? She adjusted her mood and smiled. “Grandpa, I just want to wish you a happy birthday in person.”
Neil eyed Olivia. “Grandpa? I don’t remember I’ve such a granddaughter.”
Olivia sucked in a breath, her face stiffening. She signaled to Ethan.
Ethan stepped up. ‘Grandpa, Olivia went into a lot of trouble for this gift. Take a look.”
Neil was unfazed. “Go on then. Open it.”
Olivia was relieved. She glanced at Gina who continued to eat. ‘How pretentious, Olivia thought. When she returned home, she would tell her mother and brothers how Gina bad–mouthed her to Neil to make them hate Gina even more.
Olivia took the painting from the box and presented it to Neil “Mr. Jackson, this is Gena’s latest work. I bought it for you as
soon as it was sold.”
Neil’s eyes lit up. His expression softened. Gena was his favorite painter. Neil loved collecting her works. Unfortunately, Gena rarely painted. Whenever a piece was created, it was immediately sold. Neil had people constantly monitoring Gena. However, it was difficult to get his hands on one.
How did Olivia manage it? Neil was surprised.
Olivia noticed the change in Neil and felt triumphant. She wasn’t afraid of Gina badmouthing her when she had this trump card. She eyed Gina and snickered inwardly.
Neil took the painting and examined it. “How much did you spend on this? Fll have Isaac transfer it to you.”
Olivia spoke, “No need. It’s a present. You don’t need to pay me back.”
Gina’s lips curved. “Indeed. Because it’s worthless. The painting is a fake.”
Gina’s words shocked everyone.
Olivia’s face changed instantly. However, she suppressed her anger and pretended to be wronged “Cina, I know you dislike me. I can overlook the things you did to me before. However, you can’t defame me thoughtlessly.”
1/2
Chapter 14
Olivia spoke vaguely about “the things Gina did“, as though she was giving Gina a way out and being understanding.
Ethan’s heart ached for Olivia. He pointed at Gina. “Gina, you’re too much. Do you think it’s true because you say so?” Ethan turned to Neil. ‘Grandpa, she’s here to stir things up. Kick her out.”
Olivia retreated into Ethan’s embrace, crying pitifully.
Gina glanced at Olivia. Olivia always used this weak and harmless demeanor to gain sympathy. The Miller family was particularly susceptible.
However, this wasn’t the Miller family.
Weil’s face darkened. He ordered Ethan, “Shunt up.” Neil asked Gina, “Why do you say it’s a fake? I’ve collected works by Ms. Gena. This piece does resemble her style.”
Neil’s tone was gentle. Ethan was furious. “How could Grandpa be so nice to her? What trick did she use to charm Grandpa?”
“Because Gena has not produced any works in the past year,” Gina stated.
Ethan snickered. “How do you know that? Did she tell you? No one knows when Gena released new works. Olivia put a lot of effort into buying an authentic piece. How can you defame her?”
Neil lost his temper.
“Shut up. Are you deaf?”
Ethan couldn’t tolerate it anymore. ‘Grandpa, how can you believe her nonsense?”
Neil couldn’t come up with a retort. Although he liked Gina, he couldn’t be outrightly biased. If Gina couldn’t prove it, it would be unfair to accuse Olivia.
“Why don’t you ask?” A low magnetic voice rang out.
Gabriel was back. He strode to the dining table, his face falling on Gina. “Why didn’t you tell me you’re here?”
I didn’t even know I’d be here. Besides, why would I tell you?” Gina thought. Out of courtesy, she didn’t ignore Gabriel. “Does it matter? You see me now, don’t you?”
Gabriel smiled faintly.
Ethan was dumbfounded. Why did it feel like Gabriel was quite familiar with Gina? What was going on?
Olivia first admired Gabriel’s dashing face. She had never seen Gabriel before and thought Gabriel might be Ethan’s cousin or something. But seeing that Gabriel seemed to know Gina, jealousy rose in Olivia
SEND GIFT