Chapter 149
To everyone’s surprise, Stellar simply smiled at Janet’s words.
“If I’m not mistaken, this should be the work of the renowned painter and calligrapher, Mr. Malachi Law, from a thousand years
ago.
“At the time, his country had just endured devastation and was in the process of rebuilding.
“This painting reflects his emotions during that period. As for the poem, it conveys the importance of cherishing a prosperous
homeland…”
Janet listened in stunned silence as Stellar spoke with eloquence, citing historical references with ease.
Every word felt like a slap to her face.
When Stellar finished, she turned to Janet. “Miss Cole, do you think I’m correct? Or would you like to add something?”
If she had thought it was just her imagination before, now she was certain–the girl standing before her harbored clear hostility.
But why? They had never met before. Where did this animosity come from?
“I…”
Janet had only thought of using an expensive gift to win Laurence’s favor.
She knew jewelry, luxury brands, and all the things women typically admired, but scholarly knowledge like this? She had no clue.
“No, nothing to add,” she muttered awkwardly.
Standing nearby, Mary couldn’t help but roll her eyes and speak up in Stellar’s defense.
“Miss Cole, you were mistaken earlier. The handcrafted gifts our young lady prepared aren’t cheap at all. That teapot is made
from fine porcelain, a highly sought–after collector’s piece.
“And the hairpin? It was crafted from pure sapphire, set in solid gold. Its value is in the millions.”
She listed each item one by one, leaving Janet utterly speechless.
All these little trinkets were worth millions?
Yet she had just mocked them as cheap.
Realizing how ignorant she had been, Janet’s face turned beet red, burning with embarrassment and frustration.
Meanwhile, the Rivers family only treasured Stellar even more.
“Oh my, our Stellar is a real gem! Even the gifts she gives are the finest!”
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Chapter 149
Martha beamed with pride, already itching to call her friends and boast.
Stellar smiled sheepishly.
Janet’s hostility was blatant, but since it was their first meeting, Stellar decided to go easy on her.
She had just arrived, after all.
+20 Bonus
There was no point in making a fuss over someone like her, especially when Stellar knew something no one else did–the
painting wasn’t even an original.
However, by dinnertime, Janet took the initiative to approach Stellar.
“Stellar, I was rude earlier, and I want to apologize. Since this is our first time meeting, I haven’t given you a proper gift yet.
Luckily, I happened to bring something for you.”
As she spoke, Janet pulled out a small gift box from her bag and handed it over.
“This is a bracelet I won at an auction for four hundred thousand dollars. It might not be as valuable as the gifts from Grandpa
and Grandma, but it’s a token of my sincerity. I hope you’ll accept it.”
She seemed to be extending an olive branch.
But the moment Stellar heard the price, she refused without hesitation.
“No need.”
She had no intention of owing anyone such a favor.
“Are you saying you still won’t forgive me? Or… do you think it’s too cheap?”
Janet’s expression fell, her eyes shimmering as if she were on the verge of tears.
“It’s not that,” Stellar patiently explained.
“It’s just that it’s expensive, and since you bid for it yourself, you must really like it. I wouldn’t feel right taking something so
important to you.”
“It’s fine, Stellar. As long as you like it, I don’t mind giving it to you.”
Janet spoke softly, then forcefully pushed the gift box into Stellar’s hands.
Frowning slightly, Stellar reached out to return it.
But in the next second, Janet suddenly loosened her grip.
With a crisp clatter, the gift box fell onto the marble floor.
All eyes immediately dropped to the floor.
Chapter 149
Stellar froze.
Janet quickly crouched down, picked up the box, and opened it to check inside.
The bracelet had snapped cleanly in two.
