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Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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“Wait a second–what’s that smell?” Liam narrowed his eyes, his weathered but sharp gaze locking onto Victor.
Victor stiffened. His face went through several expressions before settling on an awkward grin. “It’s… nothing! Just cologne,” he said, forcing out a chuckle.
Liam scoffed, unimpressed. His lips pressed into a firm line, and his stare grew heavier, laced with suspicion. “Cologne, my ass!” he barked. “I’m your father–I know what are you thinking.”
His voice carried a weight that brooked no argument. “What are you hiding?”
Running home in the middle of the night, sneaking around, and trying to hide something–clearly, something was off.
Victor hesitated. His hand twitched toward the doorknob, ready to reveal the orchid he had painstakingly kept secret. But at the last second, he stopped himself.
‘Wait. That is supposed to be a surprise, he thought.
Letting out a dramatic sigh, he quickly stepped forward and nudged Liam toward his bedroom. “You’ll find out soon enough. Just give it a couple of days, alright? Let’s keep some mystery in life.”
Liam grumbled, his eyes narrowing even further. “You-”
“Alright, alright, enough questions,” Victor interrupted, ushering Liam inside with well–placed pats on the back. “It’s late! You should get some rest.”
Once back in his own room, Victor exhaled in relief.
Victor carefully cradled the orchid, inhaling its soft, lingering fragrance. He debated locking it away in his cabinet for safekeeping, but he thought it needed fresh air.
He agonized over the decision for nearly an hour before finally settling on placing the plant by the balcony, where it could breathe freely.
To be extra cautious, he locked his bedroom door, then went straight to the butler and retrieved his spare key–just in case. He had to make sure no one would snoop around while he was at the hospital.
Of course, his secrecy only made the rest of the household more curious.
The moment Victor left the house the next morning, Liam was already at his door, conspiratorially whispering to the butler.
He wondered if there was some kind of living creature hidden inside the room.
This routine continued for several days.
Finally, the day of Liam’s birthday arrived. The Manson estate buzzed with energy.
Relatives, business partners, and close allies filled the grand hall.
As the household staff welcomed guests, Victor remained locked in his room, meticulously preparing his gift.
Just as he finished securing the final touches, a sharp knock made him freeze.
“Who is it?” he called out cautiously.
Victor had gone to great lengths to keep his plan a secret. He wanted his gift to be the highlight of the evening so he couldn’t afford to mess it up now.
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“Victor, are you sneaking around like a thief? tan teased.
Victor’s shoulders relaxed instantly. He quickly unlocked the door and ter fan in before coming again, Wing it just us cautiously.
Ian took a quick glance around the room before his gaze landed on the balcony.
There, a beautifully arranged flowerpot eat in place of the old one, with traces of soil scattered on the ground.
“The flowers are in full bloom. Smells amazing fan remarked as he crouched down beside Victor, helping him tidy up
“We should cover the scent. The moment you step into the hall, everyone will notice, fan suggested.
Victor nodded. “Got it. I’ll wrap it up as soon as I finish repotting”
As he carefully placed a glass cover over the flowers, a grin spread across his face. “Dad is going to love this”
lan gave a small nod of agreement.
Once everything was neatly arranged, Victor draped a cloth over the pot and called for a servant to fetch a small cart to wheel it into the party hall.
When they were done, he and lan exchanged a glance.
“Let’s go see Mr. Manson,” Ian said to Victor.
Tonight, Ian was representing the Holmes family at the party.
Ever since Tinley’s accident, her temperament had been unpredictable, so he had taken over attending social gatherings in her place.
People were used to it by now–everywhere he went, someone would inevitably ask how Tinley was doing.
As soon as they stepped into the hall, Liam immediately locked eyes with Ian.
The two walked straight up to Liam, chatting and laughing, a sight that filled the other Manson family members with envy.
The Manson family was large, and while many of the younger members were accomplished, Victor was undoubtedly the most favored.
Some of the extended family members watched with jealousy, especially a man standing just a few feet away from Liam. He was of the same generation as Victor, but their fates couldn’t have been more different.
No matter how hard he worked, he could never match Victor’s place in Liam’s mind.
At that thought, a glint of darkness flashed through the man’s eyes.
Soon after, a flicker of hope emerged in his heart.
He had spent months securing a painting from the renowned artist–an exquisite orchid painting that Liam, an avid orchid lover, was sure to appreciate.
He couldn’t help but look forward to the gift–giving segment.
As the gift–giving segment of the evening began, the younger family members presented their offerings–expensive, rare, and luxurious gifts.
But at Liam’s status, he had seen it all.
Chapter 34
He accepted each one with a polite smile, but there was little excitement in his mind.
It was always like this; he had seen too many gifts over the years.
The man stepped forward, holding a long box.
He delivered the usual well–wishes before smoothly transitioning to his main point.
“I know how much you love orchids, Mr. Manson,” the man said, bowing slightly as he presented the gift. “So, I sought out the renowned artist and was fortunate enough to obtain one of his orchid paintings for you.”
With that, he carefully lifted the scroll from the box and unfurled it.
The hall erupted into murmurs.
“This must’ve taken a lot of effort to acquire,” someone commented.
Another guest chimed in, nodding enthusiastically. “He’s right–everyone knows how much Mr. Manson loves orchids, but this is the only gift that truly hits the mark.”
Hearing the whispers of approval, the man felt a swell of satisfaction.
He smiled and slowly unveiled the painting.
The image of an orchid, full of life and elegance, came into view. Every stroke of the brush was perfectly placed, capturing the resilience and grace of the flower.
Liam’s eyes lit up as he let out a hearty laugh. “Wonderful! Truly wonderful!”
It was clear–he genuinely loved the gift.
Seeing his delighted reaction, the butler quickly stepped forward to carefully roll up and store the painting.
The man turned slightly, casting a smug glance at Victor. His eyes held a silent challenge.
But Victor wasn’t even looking at him. He was whispering something to lan, completely unbothered.
The man clenched his chest, holding back a breath as he shot a fierce glare at Victor.
‘Fine, he thought, ‘let’s see what kind of gift you bring out
As he glanced around at the already–presented gifts, his confidence grew. ‘Everyone else has given their presents. There’s no way anyone can offer something that will impress Liam more than mine.‘
He thought, Victor is the last to present his gift. If his present doesn’t meet expectations, it will only make his failure more glaring
The man curled his lips into a smirk and stepped aside.
Stepping forward, Victor swept his gaze over the room before smiling. “Bring it in.”
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
Two servants wheeled in a cart, carrying a large, covered object.
The sheer size of it piqued everyone’s curiosity.
“What is that? It’s huge.” One guest craned their neck for a better look.
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Chapter 34
“Could it be a sculpture? another murmured, eyes narrowing in curiosity.
“A sculpture that big? Really?” someone scoffed, crossing their arms in disbelief.
“Wait… do you smell that? A soft, intoxicating fragrance fills the airt a man shooted
