Chapter 200
In a candid assessment, Flora acknowledged Selene’s talent as quite impressive. Yet, after spending some time with her, she concluded Selene still had a lot to leam about humility and grace. “Two more years of polishing are needed,” she thought.
“Flora, what are you babbling about? Do you even know what Club 257 is? Roy shot Flora a sideways glance, her tone laced with disdain
Flora returned the look with equal contempt. “Not only do I know about Club 257, but I also know someone else was Grandpa Josiah’s
real savior”
“And who might that be? Ray chuckled, amused by the clolm.
With utmost seriousness, Flora stated, “Me.”
Ray burst into laughter, unable to keep his composure. “Connor, you better keep Flora in check. She’s got a knack for spinning tales without batting an eye.
Amidst the crowd, Selene listened to the guests‘ compliments with a stoic expression. The accolades felt undeserved.
By her side, Yvonne seemed to pick up on Selene’s hesitation and quickly whispered, “Selene, what are you thinking? Everyone believes you saved Grandpa Josiah. If you deny it now, what will they think of you or of the Brimer family?”
Selene didn’t care much for her own image, but she couldn’t bear bringing shame upon her family. Despite Yvonne’s usual naivety, her words rang true this time.
Selene wavered, her confession stuck in her throat, ultimately choosing silence.
Josiah, meanwhile, searched the crowd for his rescuer, somehow feeling that the young woman before him wasn’t the one. The search would have to wait until after the birthday celebration.
After, it was time for the guests to show their appreciation. The Brimer family presented their gift.
Paul stepped forward first. “Grandpa Josiah, I’ve heard about your fondness for antique art, I’ve gone to great lengths to acquire this contemporary masterpiece, The Grand Landscape‘ by the elusive artist, Ethan.”
As Paul finished, Wade and Yvonne hurried to unveil the artwork, revealing a breathtaking view of majestic mountains and rivers, evoking a sense of national pride and valor.
Josiah was visibly moved. He was transported back to days of solidarity with his comrades in defense of their homeland.
“An original by Ethan!” he exclaimed, astonished.
Ethan, known for his mystical approach to traditional Westem landscapes, had rebuffed numerous offers from national galleries, choosing to paint solely what pleased him and selling his works as he saw fit. His approval was not easily won, regardless of the price. Flora, too, was taken aback by the painting. She pushed through the crowd for a closer look, her brows knitting together in scrutiny.
“The Brimer family really pulled out all the stops to secure an Ethan original. Paul’s gesture puts all our gifts to shame, commented one of the guests, unable to hide their envy.
“It was purely by chance that I came across Ethan’s work, Paul replied, barely concealifig his excitement. “Recently, I saved an art enthusiast who, in gratitude, sold me this Ethan original for three million.”
No sooner had Paul finished than a clear, female voice countered, “You spent three million on a counterfeit? The Brimer family really does have money to burn.”
“Flora, what are you talking about?” Yvonne exploded, perceiving Flora’s accusation as a deliberate attempt to embarrass them. “Flora, please, don’t make a scene,” Raul interjected, trying to calm her down.
“Tm not making a scene, Flora insisted, her gaze fixed on the painting. In front of all the guests, she declared, “This is indeed a fake.”
