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 nce, her toneced 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 intoughter, unable to keep hisposure. “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‘pliments with a stoic expression. The


    des 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 hisrades in


    defense of their homnd.


    “An original by Ethan!” he eximed, astonished.


    Ethan, known for his mystical approach to traditional Westemndscapes, 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,mented one of the guests, unable to hide their envy.


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    “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 usation 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


    dered, “This is indeed a fake.”