MainNovelChapter 216 Weston was handling the exact ssituation, yet his approach toward Citrine was completely different.
He was blatantly playing favorites.
Regina glared at Citrine, her eyes sharp as knives, as if she could cut her down with just a look.
But then she remembered the gift and performance she'd prepared for Elbert today, and her confidence quickly returned.
Tonight, she was determined to steal the show and outshine Citrine Carmichael in front of everyone.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHalfway through the party, Regina strode forward and presented her gift-a delicate watercolor painting. The moment Elbert laid eyes on it, he was clearly taken with it, showering her with praise.
A moment later, Elbert's gaze caught on the artist's signature in the corner of the painting. He brightened, staring at Regina in surprise. "Is this an original by Master Hancock?" Regina nodded, feigning modesty. "We're friends, actually. This was a gift from him." At her words, Elbert and the other guests all turned to look at Regina, sfull of envy at her connection with Master Hancock, others quietly impressed that she'd earned the artist's favor.
In an instant, Regina becthe center of attention.
Citrine glanced at the painting in Elbert's hands, the corners of her lips hinting at a wry, almost mocking smile. Elbert, still thrilled, turned to Regina. "This is so thoughtful of you. I really do love it." After Regina confirmed the gift's authenticity, Elbert's face lit up with genuine delight.
"As long as you like it," Regina replied, her tone demure but her heart swelling with pride.
With that, she turned her gaze to Citrine, her eyes glinting with calculation. "Citrine, I wonder what you've prepared for Mr. Elbert's birthday?" All eyes shifted to Citrine.
Citrine hesitated, unsure whether to give her gift at all, and fell silent for a moment. Noticing this, Regina's eyes darted to the small, black lacquer box in Citrine's hands, a flicker of scorn passing over her face.
Such a shabby little thing-hardly worthy of the occasion.
"Citrine, don't tellthat's your gift for Mr. Elbert?" Regina said, and before Citrine could react, she snatched the little box from her hands.
She turned it over in her palms, feigning surprise. "Citrine, it's Mr. Elbert's birthday. Don't you think you could do better than something so cheap?" A few guests nodded in agreement. "She's right. That looks awfully plain. The box itself seems old-definitely not something fit for a birthday gift." "Honestly, you could pick up something like this for a couple bucks at any discount store. I can't believe she'd bring this out in public." "The Carmichaels aren't exactly short on money. Why be so stingy?" "A family like the Carmichaels, and this is what they bring? It's embarrassing." "Compared to Regina's genuine Master Hancock painting, that little box is just... sad." "Don't touch my things." Citrine's expression turned cold as she snatched the black box back from Regina.
This thing was worth far more than any of them realized-if they didn't want it, she certainly wasn't about to force it on them.
In fact, she'd rather throw it away than give it to someone who didn't appreciate it.
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Citrine looked right at Elbert and said in a clear, unwavering voice, "Since Mr. Elbert isn't interested, 'I'll just keep this little trinket for myself. I'll find something else to give you later." Several guests immediately started whispering, calling Citrine petty and small-minded, but she couldn't care less.
Regina, on the other hand, was practically glowing with satisfaction.
Next, Regina volunteered to perform at Elbert's birthday party-a tradition everyone expected by now, since Elbert was so fond of music and no one dared object.
Regina had studied piano for years and was undeniably talented. She sat at the grand piano, Werk performance so polished piano, se polished it felt like a concert.
When she finished, the room erupted in praise. Elbert beamed at her, unreserved in his compliments. "Regina, you're so talented. You've made your grandfather proud." Regina's heart swelled with pride, though she kept her expression humble.
She glanced at Citrine, a smug little smile on her lips. "Mr. Elbert, my sister is talented too. Why don't we invite her to perform for everyone?"
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