Chapter 119
As soon as those words fell, Calvin’s expression turned cold. He had always been devoted to his wife and loyal to the very end.
A gift that disregarded a wife’s love and efforts was infuriating, and he certainly wouldn’t accept it.
Sensing that he was about to completely fall out with the Larson family, Howard quickly changed his tune. “This is nothing sentimental from my late wife! And certainly not some so- called token of love! It’s just an ordinary piece of porcelain.
“Serena, ever since your birth mother passed, you’ve held resentment toward me. And now that you’ve married into such a prestigious family, you’re making up lies to slander me?
“Are you trying to paint me as some heartless man? Serena, why do you hate He snapped, his voice laced with anger, eyes turning red as if deeply wounded.
What a shameless act of playing the victim!
me so much?”
Serena’s fury surged. In front of everyone, she turned one of the porcelain pieces over.
At the bottom, two carved words stood out. They were Amber’s and Howard’s names.
“Howard, isn’t this your name? If this wasn’t my mother’s work, and if it wasn’t something she made out of love, why would her name be carved into such fine porcelain alongside yours?
“And the most ridiculous part? You dared to use this to gain favor, yet you didn’t even bother to check it properly!”
Serena’s accusations hit Howard with full force.
That name etched at the bottom suddenly became a cruel joke.
Howard opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Rachel’s face paled as she scrambled for a response, but before she could speak, Calvin’s cold voice cut through the silence.
“Mr. Jansen, it seems you have neither affection for your late wife nor genuine sincerity in bringing this ‘t. Our family does not need such porcelain. You’d best take it back with you.”
With that, be turned to Hugh and asked, “Don’t you know how to take care of your wife? Can’t you see how upset Serena is? Take her to the front hall, and let her rest.”
Hugh had been standing there, fists clenched, barely holding himself back. Hearing Calvin’s words, he quickly led Serena away to sit down.
Melissa also helped Calvin inside to rest.
Howard and Rachel exchanged glances, their eye burning with resentment. This was all Serena’s fault,
Still unwilling to give up, they followed along, trying to turn the situation around.
Just then, a maid led Sarah into the room.
Knowing she would be visiting the Larsons, Sarah had taken extra time to dress up, which was why she had arrived a few minutes late.
before
Completely unaware of what had just happened, she barely had time to greet anyone Rachel pulled her toward the main ball with a bright smile. “The gift was a misunderstanding. Howard and I simply thought that since this porcelain belonged to Serena’s mother, bringing it here would be a way of returning it to her. We didn’t mean any offense.
“This is our younger daughter and Serena’s sister, Sarah Jansen. She’s always been well- mannered and thoughtful. She’s also brought a small gift today. Sarah, go ahead and take it
out.”
Rachel urged her on, and Sarah quickly stepped forward to present her gifts one by one.
When she reached Melissa, Sarah’s eyes brightened, and, she carefully opened a sapphire necklace for her to see. “This necklace was designed by a top–tier designer. Please, take a look…
“No need.”
Melissa didn’t even glance at it. She crossed her arms and looked down at her with an air of disdain.
“The Jansen family has used Serena’s name as an excuse to come here. First, you brought my grandfather a token of love from his late wife just to upset him. And now, you’re sending a mistress‘ daughter to offer me a gift?
“What is it? Do you think I don’t deserve nice things?”
Sarah froze, her hands tightening around the necklace. Her eyes darkened at the accusation–a mistress‘ daughter..
Rachel hadn’t expected such a sharp rebuke either. She bit her lip. “I’m not a mistress…”
“You know the truth better than anyone. I wouldn’t dare accept something so insulting.”
Melissa shoved the necklace box away, her eyes full of contempt.
Then, she continued, “Don’t waste your time trying to win me over. Cole is young and easily swayed by a pretty face, but I won’t be fooled. I know exactly what you and your mother are scheming.”
“Mrs. Larson…
Melissa scoffed. “Mrs. Larson? Who exactly are you calling Mrs. Larson?”
“If my sister–in–law is your sister, then by that logic, shouldn’t you be calling me Melissa? No wonder you can’t figure out your place. You don’even know how to address me correctly.”
