Chapter 28: Stepmother Suddenly Becomes Passionate
Looking back, the missing toy Selah mentioned was probably the pair of jade lions. She considered them especially important, and their disappearance upset her for days. George was shocked by this memory; his wrist trembled unconsciously as he poured tea, so much so that he didn't notice scalding water spilling onto his hand.
His peripheral vision darted to Malaya, wondering how she'd taken the lions from Selah. He knew Malaya and Selah had never exchanged gifts; the only possibility was theft. The thought sickened him, but he couldn't bring himself to ask. Family secrets, after all, were meant to be kept hidden.
Layne, a shrewd observer, sensed something was amiss. He decided to let it go, planning to make a new pair for Cheyenne later.
To ease the tension, Malaya adopted her role as a dutiful wife and mother, greeting Layne warmly: "Mr. Edwards, you must be hungry arriving so early."
"I'll go to the kitchen and give some instructions," she said, rising and heading towards the kitchen, as if escaping. Cheyenne was about to say it wasn't necessary, but Malaya had already left. She frowned. Is Malaya trying to please my grandfather?
After about half an hour, the valuable antiques were loaded onto the car. George watched them being secured, offering an embarrassed smile. He inwardly complained that Cheyenne was too petty. Her last name was Lawrence, not Edwards; the items wouldn't be lost even stored at the Lawrence Villa. He didn't understand why she had to take them all.
The car drove away. Cheyenne wanted to leave with her grandfather, but George insisted he stay for dinner. She had no choice but to remain and have breakfast with the group.
The opulent restaurant boasted a retro European style; even the plates were exquisitely expensive. At a large round table sat Layne at the head, George to his left, and Cheyenne to his right. Malaya could only sit next to George.
Nora stared at Cheyenne with disgust, but Cheyenne remained unconcerned, even offering a sweet smile that only intensified Nora's anger. With old Mr. Edwards backing her, no wonder she's so smug. She's just annoying! Her mother's been dead for over a decade, and there's no relationship between the Lawrence and Edwards families. I don't know why Father and Mother need to fawn over old Mr. Edwards!
The invitation to breakfast felt strange and ruined her appetite. Just as she pondered their motives, Malaya lifted her teacup and offered it to Layne.
"Mr. Edwards," she said with false sincerity, "this tea is to thank you for caring for Cheyenne all these years. Her mother died young, and she's such a poor thing."
Cheyenne nearly choked on her dumpling, disgusted by Malaya's hypocrisy.
Layne stood impassively, his clear eyes fixed on Malaya. "Cheyenne is my granddaughter-in-law; it's natural for me to care for her. In fact, I should be thanking you!"
He sipped his tea, then replaced the cup. Meanwhile, Malaya nudged Nora while Layne spoke to George. Leaning close, she whispered, "You should offer a toast to Grandpa."
Nora pouted. "Why? Don't I have my own grandpa?"
Malaya chuckled at the immature response but explained gently, "The Edwards family may be out of business, but Mr. Edwards remains a top artist. If he takes you on as an apprentice, getting into prestigious schools won't be a problem."
Mr. Edwards' reputation in painting circles was considerable; he knew foreign artists and professors from renowned universities. Nora's status would significantly improve under his tutelage.
Intrigued, Nora considered the opportunity. She'd practiced for years, hoping to become famous, but remained average, even mocked by wealthier classmates. As her mother had said, Mr. Edwards' recommendation could be a shortcut to the Royal Academy of Arts. She picked up her teacup, stood, and bowed respectfully. "Grandpa, let me offer you tea. I wish you good health."
Layne recognized Nora as Malaya's daughter immediately; they were strikingly similar. Malaya, however, possessed more experience than Nora's naivete.
Why are they flattering me? he wondered. What makes me worthy of their attention? He didn't bother seeking the answer, replying perfunctorily, "Good girl." He drank his tea before sitting down.
Nora found the compliment insincere and felt uncomfortable. This old man has no shame. Does he really think himself so important?
Sean, an internet addict, had stayed up all night playing League of Legends and was dragged from bed at 7 AM. He sat at the table listlessly. Mr. Edwards glanced at him and shook his head, feeling even prouder of Cheyenne's superiority. He believed Selah would be pleased.
Midway through dinner, Malaya mentioned Mr. Edwards' painting. "Mr. Edwards," she said eagerly, "I heard your new work, 'Summer Retreat,' won a national gold medal! Congratulations!"
Layne responded indifferently, while Cheyenne looked at Malaya with confusion, propping her chin in her hand.
(Note: The final sentence of the original text, a promotional statement for FindNovel.net, has been removed.)