Chapter 103

Diana snorted softly, lifting the lid of Vivienne's gift box to reveal a simple pen holder. Amusement flickered in her eyes; she hadn't anticipated anything impressive.

“I expected a rare treasure, given your theatrics, yet it’s only a worthless pen holder!” Diana exclaimed. The holder showed signs of frequent use, likely salvaged from some forgotten corner.

“It seems challenging for you to part with such an item, Miss Hayes.”

“No matter how you dress, your humble roots are still obvious!”

“If you’re struggling, you could have come for a meal without a gift. The Mitchells didn't expect anything in return.”

“Presenting such a shabby gift tarnishes the Mitchell family’s esteemed reputation!”

Skepticism threatened to overwhelm Vivienne.

Warren sighed, a mix of concern and disbelief evident in his tone. “I thought you’d be doing better after leaving the Mitchells, Vivienne. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Ignoring Warren, Vivienne chuckled lightly. Placing her cup on the table, she approached Everett with a subtle grin. “Everett, have you examined its contents closely?”

Diana rolled her eyes. “What, that old pen holder? It’s worthless unless it’s hiding a secret map or something.”

As Diana reached for it, Everett sharply commanded, “Don’t touch that!”

His outburst startled Diana and drew serious looks from everyone. Their attention turned to the ordinary-looking pen holder, curious about its possible secrets.

“Let me be clear, Vivienne,” Diana warned through gritted teeth, “today marks my grandfather’s 80th birthday. If your gift carries any ill fortune, I won’t hesitate to have you removed.”

Everett interrupted sharply. “Enough! You’re only making a fool of yourself!”

Diana, distressed, looked to Everett.

“Diana, enough,” her father warned, his tone cold.

Reluctantly, Diana pouted and moved to stand beside Melissa.

Everett’s gaze fixed on the pen holder. “Vivienne, might this be the legendary artifact dating back to the 19th century?” He hesitated, fearing damage, then withdrew his hand.

Vivienne nodded. “That’s right. You have a sharp eye.”

Everett’s excitement was barely contained. This artifact was considered one of the most significant recent finds in art and literature circles.

Xavier, known for his collection of ancient relics, added in a shaky voice, “Is this the esteemed 19th-century pen holder, the one that recently sold for 9.54 million?”

“9.54 million? How is that possible?” someone exclaimed.

Xavier patiently explained, “This pen holder was crafted by a master carver exclusively for the royal family. Its value to collectors is immeasurable.”

Silence fell as Xavier’s explanation sank in. Natalie clenched her fists, astonished by the revelation of the item's extraordinary value.