Chapter 148
“You have no idea how much effort the Rivers family has put into finding you over the years.
“Grandpa and Grandma have been heartbroken from missing you, and not long ago, Grandpa even fell ill.
“Thankfully, you finally decided to show up, or who knows what would have happened!”
It was meant to be a kind sentiment, but to Stellar, something about it felt off.
“Stellar didn’t go missing by choice. No one in the family blames her, and my illness has nothing to do with her. Janet, don’t put
so much pressure on her.”
Laurence was sharp as always, cutting straight to the issue in her words.
Janet’s face turned pale, and she immediately looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, Grandpa. I got too emotional and misspoke.”
Laurence nodded, choosing not to dwell on it with a younger generation.
The family quickly shifted their attention back to Stellar.
“Stellar, this is a gift from me.”
Julian handed her a card. “This is an all–access pass to my resorts, hotels, and restaurants.
“Whenever you’re traveling, just show this card at any Rivers–owned property, and you can stay for free as long as you like.”
On the other hand, Adrian simply placed a document in front of her. “I recently acquired the Ocean Cruise. It’s yours now.”
Laurence and Martha were even more generous.
“This is twenty percent of Rivers Corporation shares, a gift from your grandparents to our precious granddaughter.”
Stellar was stunned.
Compared to what she had prepared, this… this was too extravagant!
“I…”
The words of refusal were on the tip of her tongue when Martha gently touched the hairpin in her hair.
“You handcrafted such a beautiful gift for me. Are you saying I can’t give you something in return?”
“You have to accept it!” Laurence added firmly.
Her uncles nodded in agreement.
“This was always meant to be yours, Stellar. Accept everyone’s goodwill. Think of it as making up for all the hardships you’ve endured over the years, okay?”
1/3
Chapter 148
Claude looked at her with a warm, gentle gaze.
Stellar felt an indescribable warmth in her heart and, in the end, was moved enough to nod.
From now on, she would do her best to repay everyone’s kindness.
“Thank you, everyone.”
Standing to the side, completely ignored, Janet watched the scene unfold, nearly breaking down with jealousy.
+20 Bonus
For years, she worked tirelessly to please every member of the Rivers family, yet in the end, what she received wasn’t even a
fraction of what Stellar was given.
Why?
Her gaze landed on the hairpin in Martha’s hair and the teapot on the table.
She sneered internally.
Weren’t they just cheap handicrafts?
Stellar’s gifts were completely unsophisticated and not worth a second glance.
“I didn’t expect my sister to be skilled in handicrafts. These gifts may be inexpensive, but at least they’re thoughtful. Oh, by the
way, I brought a gift today as well.”
Janet spoke with a sweet smile as she stepped forward, opening the gift box in her hands.
She pulled out a scroll and spread it across the table.
A breathtaking landscape painting, rich with bold strokes and majestic scenery, came into view.
The grandeur of the piece was striking, and anyone who laid eyes on it couldn’t help but be impressed.
In the upper left corner of the scroll, a poem was inscribed in powerful calligraphy, adding depth and emotion to the piece.
Catching the admiration in Laurence‘ eyes, Janet’s lips curled with satisfaction.
She knew how much he loved art and calligraphy.
This antique painting had cost her a fortune, and she had pulled numerous strings to acquire it.
How could a worthless teapot compare?
“I’m sure my cousin has never seen such a painting before! What do you think of it?”
She deliberately mocked Stellar, certain she wouldn’t understand its value.
