Chapter 35
All eyes in the grand hall turned toward the large, mysterious box being wheeled in, including Liam.
As the cart rolled closer, a rich, intoxicating fragrance filled the air.
Liam immediately recognized the scent–it was all too familiar. His eyes narrowed slightly as his mind flashed back to that night just a few days ago.
He turned sharply to Victor. “You little punk,” he said. “Is this what you’ve been tinkering with in your room these past few days?”
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Victor grinned and nodded. “That’s right. I worked hard to keep it a surprise. You have no idea how much effort it took. I was constantly worried you or the butler would get nosy and break into my room for a peek.”
Liam let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “Enough with the smooth talk,” he said, waving a hand. “Show me what it is already.”
Liam was certainly curious, but not to the point of prying the door open for a peek–after all, it was his own house.
Victor reached for the black cloth covering the box and carefully pulled it away. Beneath the cloth was a glass case, and inside sat a stunning orchid.
A collective gasp rippled through the room.
The orchid stood tall and poised, like a refined lady at a grand ball.
Its leaves were so lush and vibrant that they looked as if they could drip with morning dew.
The flower itself was breathtaking, so beautiful it almost seemed unreal.
Liam shot to his feet, circling the orchid with wide–eyed admiration.
The guests exchanged glances–there was no doubt about it. This gift had struck right at his heart.
Victor lifted a hand. “Wait, Dad,” he said. “Sit back down for a second. There’s another surprise.”
Liam hesitated for a moment before reluctantly settling back into his chair.
The room fell into an expectant hush.
Victor, still wearing that knowing smile, grasped both sides of the glass case. With deliberate care, he lifted it. The moment the glass was removed, the fragrance inside rushed out in full force, saturating the air in an instant.
“What an incredible scent!” a guest exclaimed, inhaling deeply.
“Unbelievable!” another murmured. “I feel refreshed just breathing it in!”
Excited murmurs spread through the room. Even those who typically disliked strong scents found themselves enchanted by the orchid’s aroma.
There was something different about it–something beyond just its pleasant smell. It was invigorating.
Liam, sitting closest to the flower, took in a deep breath.
His eyes brightened, and his posture straightened. “Amazing,” he declared, his voice filled with delight. Throwing his head back, he let out a hearty laugh. “This… this is fantastic!”
His joy was unmistakable.
Turning back to Victor, he studied Victor with a mix of admiration and curiosity. “Alright, spill it,” he said, his voice laceri with intrigue. “Where did you get this?”
Victor smirked but said nothing.
Liam huffed, though amusement danced in his eyes. He gave Victor a light kick. “You little brat,” he said, shaking his head.
The man who had earlier presented Liam with an elaborate orchid painting clenched his fists. His expression darkened as he watched the scene unfold.
If Victor hadn’t unveiled this living masterpiece at the last moment, his painting would have been the highlight of the evening.
But now, with this blooming flower stealing the spotlight, all of his efforts were completely overshadowed.
No one would even remember how much trouble he went through to obtain that orchid painting.
Anyone in his position would find it impossible to accept.
Liam, still mesmerized, took another deep breath before suddenly waving his hand. “Cover it up!” he ordered. “Quick”
Victor chuckled but obeyed, carefully placing the glass case back over the orchid.
A collective sigh of disappointment echoed from the guests.
“Take it to my greenhouse–no, actually,” Liam corrected himself, his excitement barely contained. “Send it straight to my room! Be careful!”
The butler sprang into action, motioning for the staff to transport the precious flower with utmost care.
-All eyes followed as the orchid was wheeled away, its lingering scent still hanging in the air.
As the party continued, guests lined up to offer Liam their compliments, but many discreetly approached Victor, eager to learn the origin of the rare orchid.
Money wasn’t an issue for any of them, and after seeing just how extraordinary that flower was, they were all itching to get one for themselves.
Its fragrance alone felt invigorating, almost as if it could purify the air and clear the mind. Having a few pots of it at home would definitely be a game–changer.
Victor, however, dodged every question with a polite but evasive smile.
He wasn’t about to reveal his secret.
After all, he still had six more of these orchids growing at Yvonne’s place. If word got out, half the city might come knocking on her door.
And that would be a headache.
No matter how persistent the guests were, Victor refused to budge.
Later that night, after the last guest had left, Liam hurried back to his room. The butler followed closely behind, helping him carefully remove the glass cover once more.
The butler let out a low whistle. “I have no idea where Mr. Manson found this, sir,” he admitted. “I’ve never seen an orchid bloom this beautifully.”
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Chapter 35
“Who knows…” Liam couldn’t hold back his laughter. He grumbled about Victor always running around outside, constantly taking leave from the hospital, but the joy in his eyes was impossible to hide.
Deep down, he couldn’t be more pleased.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted them.
A housemaid stepped in, bowing respectfully. “Sir, Mr. Manson asked me to inform you that he’ll be traveling to Blorence City for about a week.
Liam’s pleased expression froze and he let out a frustrated huff.
That kid!” he grumbled. “I swear, he can’t sit still for even two days!”
Meanwhile, Victor was already at the airport with Ian.
The two had planned to go to Blorence City together. It had already been a week since they last left, and they had no idea how Yvonne was doing.
Ian called Kelvin and found out Yvonne had just been dropped off at school–it was her first day.
After asking for the school, they headed straight there, eager to surprise Yvonne.
Meanwhile, atIslaton Kindergarten, Yvonne stood at the front of the classroom, shifting uncomfortably under the expectant gazes of her new classmates.
The teacher took her hand, offering a gentle smile. “Don’t be nervous,” she said softly. “Just introduce yourself, okay?” Yvonne blushed and nodded. She had practiced this moment in her head countless times.
But now that her voice barely came out above a whisper.
Giggles and whispers spread through the room.
“We can’t hear you!” one kid shouted.
“Louder!” another kid added.
The teacher raised a hand to quiet them.
“Alright, everyone,” she said warmly. “Our new friend is a little shy. Let’s give her some encouragement. How about a big round of applause?”
She clapped first, and soon the whole class joined in.
Yvonne clenched her hands tightly. When the applause died down, she finally took a deep breath, saying the words she had rehearsed many times before coming in.
“M-
- “I ho
A
ΑΓ
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