Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Elena stepped forward with a smile and slipped off the diamond bracelet on her wrist, fastening it around Abigail’s
“Consider this a gift from me,” Elena said.
Abigail knew Adam was trying to give her a solid backing. She lowered her eyes, hiding the emotion there, and gave a small smile. “Thank you, Mrs.
Fletcher,
Elena feigned displeasure, “Still calling me Mrs. Fletcher? Are we really that distant?”
Abigail tock a deep breath and said, “Elena,”
Elena immediately beamed and looked over at Ralph, saying, “Looks like your grandpa gave you what you always wanted – a little sister, in’t you going to say something to Abby
od his tongue against his cheek, forcing down the anger rising in his chest as he let out a cold laugh. “Abby, welcome to our family
Ralph pressed
Abigail lowered her eyes and responded softly, “Thanks, Ralphie.”
At the party, Cillian raised his glass. “Thank you all for coming to celebrate my father’s birthday. Here’s to his health and many more years ahead
As his voice faded, Adam came down the stairs flanked by Abigail on his left and Ralph on his right.
The guests below caught sight of the trio and began whispering among themselves.
Daniella’s eyes were filled with jealousy, but her face showed nothing but tearful grievance.
Bianca patted the back of Daniella’s hand gently, her voice full of sympathy. “Dani, it’s not a bad thing for Mr. Fletcher to see Abby as a granddaughter. Ralph is now your lancé.”
Of course Daniella knew that. But that didn’t stop her from resenting the fact that Abigail had Adam’s support.
“Mom, I’m fine. I’m really happy for Abby. It’s just that Abby doesn’t like me, Daniella said.
Bianca felt uneasy. Her gaze landed on Abigail beside Adam, and the thought that Abigail would rather cory up to Elena than call her “Mom” stung Bianca felt that Abigail wasn’t thoughtful at all compared to Daniella.
“So what if she doesn’t like you? As long as Mom, Dad, Chris, and I love you, that’s all that matters,” Stephen said with disdain. The look he gave Abigail
felt like it could cut
Daniella smiled sweetly, “Stevie, Mom, Dad, you’re all so good to me. I really love you guys”
Her words made Bianca feel even more comforted. Bianca looked at Abigail again and thought, ‘Whatever, it’s not like Abigail’s my only daughter. Compared to her, Dan is so much more thoughtful”
As soon as Adam made his way downstairs, someone came over to greet him and casually probe into Abigail’s relationship with the Fletcher family. “Mr. Fletcher, who is this young lady?”
Adam chuckled, “This is Abigail Gibson. She’s like a granddaughter to me. Abby, this is Reuben Gallagher
Hearing the surname Gallagher, Abigail recalled that Samuel’s mother’s maiden name was also Gallagher
“Mr. Gallagher, it’s a pleasure to meet you, she said with a smile.
Adam didn’t hold back when introducing Abigail. Everyone present had to show respect to Adam, and just like that, Abigail instantly became the center
1/3
$21:13 Wed 18 Jun.
Chapter 21
of attention.
Since it was a birthday party, of course the guests had prepared gifts. Adam sat in the main seat, with Ahipal and Ralph standing beside himi
The Fletcher family presented their gift–an original oil painting by a renowned 19th century artist. It was an extravagant gesture
Elena made a point of saying, “Ralph picked this out just for you”
“Very nice” Adam nodded with a smile as others also stepped forward with their birthday offerings
Once most people had already presented their gifts, Daniella approached with a gift her hands. “Mr. Fletcher, I wish you all the best.”
Elena looked at Daniella with a warm smile. “You’ve really blossomed into a beautiful young lady, Dani, I wonder which lucky guy will end up with you.”
Compared to Abigail, who was only Gabriel and Blanca’s biological daughter, Elena much preferred Daniella, the girl she’d watched grow up in her eyes, Daniella was accomplished and favored–definitely worthy of Ralph.
“Mrs. Fletcher, you’re too kind,” Daniella said, her face flushing with shyness as she glanced at Ralph.
Ralph looked back at her and smiled, “Dani, what did you prepare?”
Daniella opened the gift box. Inside was a painting.
Stephen immediately spoke up, “Mr. Fletcher, Dani painted this hersell”
Elena looked even more pleased, clearly delighted that the girl she had her eye on as her daughter in law was so talented.
As Daniella listened to the compliments from the Fletcher family, her eyes lit up with satisfaction. “I wonder what Abby has prepared for Mr. Fletcher
She sounded casually curious, but everyone’s eyes shifted to Abigail. It was obvious Adam hold her in high regard.
“Abby, whatever you give me, I’ll love it,” Adam said as he gently patted her hand, his voice warm and indulgent.
ok out the birthday gift she had brought. It was a wooden box without any fancy wrapping, plain at first glance.
Abigail took
Gabriel and Blanca frowned. They thought, ‘That thing looks cheap. She’s giving it in front of so many people–clearly trying to embarrass us
“Mr. Fletcher, I know you love chess. This is a chess set. Abigail remarked calmly.
Just as she finished, a mocking voice rang out. “Adam treats you so well and you just give him a chess set?”
The speaker was a female relative from a side branch of the Fletcher family, Abigail didn’t even look at her. In her mind, the gift was for Adam, and no one else’s opinion mattered.
Daniella’s expression flickered. She quickly spoke up, sounding flustered, “No way, I’m sure Abby’s gift isn’t just any chess set. Abby, go on, open the box and show them.”
The woman scoffed, “I bet she doesn’t even dare open it.” Before she could finish, Adam glanced in her direction, and she instantly fell silent.
“Mr. Fletcher, you can open it and see. I’m not sure if you’ll like it,” Abigail said naturally, unfazed by the woman’s earlier remark.
Adam looked at her and could tell she wasn’t just putting on a brave face. “I told you, as long as it’s from you, even a leaf would be the most precious t in my eyes.”
A gentle warmth stirred in Abigail’s chest. Sheknew Adam said that to stand up for her. She didn’t say anything and quietly opened the box
Everyone leaned in for a look. Their eyes widened in surprise, and a chorus of gasps followed. “Is that a gemstone chess set?”
Chapter 22
