Chapter 82 A Gift
Lucky Draw
The moment there was a stir at the entrance, Melody felt a faint sense of uncase. But when Ginny and Ryan stepped inside, heads high and presence unmistakable, she nearly bit her own tongue out of spite.
Ginny wasn’t supposed to come. Why had she shown up after all?
And if she was going to come, why now? Why dressed like that?
Melody had always known Ginny was prettier than her. But because Ginny never cared to dress up, and she herself was skilled at showing off her own beauty, it created the illusion that she had the upper hand.
But today… today, Ginny must’ve hired a professional stylist. Whoever did her makeup didn’t just enhance her features—they brought them to life.
And that dress? It didn’t just flatter her, it amplified her elegance tenfold.
In the blink of an eye, Melody’s spotlight vanished.
She hated this feeling.
Flustered, she instinctively turned to Chandler, hoping for his attention. But he, too, was watching Ginny.
1/6
14:19
Chapter 82 A Gift
Lucky Draw
Panic bloomed in her chest, and so did something else–resolve.
If she hadn’t been sure before, she was now: Ginny had to be eliminated.
“You’re here,” Chandler said, the joy in his voice betraying him. Even he didn’t realize just how happy he was to see her–until he reached her and noticed she wasn’t wearing the dress he’d picked out for her.
His smile faltered.
Then he saw the matching outfits–hers and Ryan’s. Clearly a couple’s ensemble.
His expression darkened.
When he spoke again, his tone had cooled.
“Why are you only arriving now? I reminded you—it’s Grandpa’s birthday today. He’s always treated you well. How could you…”
“Chandler,” Josh interrupted before he could finish.
He’d seen Ginny the moment she entered. At first, when Chandler rushed toward her, he’d thought perhaps his foolish grandson had finally come to his senses. But the words he uttered nearly made the old man explode.
2/6
14:19
Chapter 82 A Gift
Lucky Draw
So he cut him off and turned to Ginny with warmth in his eyes.
“You’re here–that’s all that matters. Early, late–it doesn’t make a difference.”
Josh had already made his stance clear earlier. But his open favoritism toward Ginny now left no doubt in anyone’s mind: the Pierce family patriarch held this granddaughter–in–law in very high regard.
And suddenly, the guests‘ attitudes toward the Wheeler family began to shift. Their expressions turned curious and speculative.
Kevin, meanwhile, was still reeling.
Wasn’t Ginny supposed to be locked in a mall storage room?
How had she made it here?
And that dress–when they’d gone to the boutique that day, the shop assistant had said there was no stock left. So how was Ginny wearing it now?
This woman was more capable than he thought. He’d gone through so much trouble to keep her away, and yet here she was, not only showing up, but stealing the show.
“Ginny, you finally made it.” Melody stepped forward with a too–bright smile. “Grandpa has been waiting for you since this
3/6
14:19
Chapter 82 A Gift
afternoon.”
“Oh right, didn’t you resign recently?” she added.
建
Lucky Draw
It was a gentle dig on the surface, but anyone with half a brain could hear the implication: Ginny wasn’t working right now, so showing up this late to Josh’s birthday celebration was a blatant sign of disrespect.
Before Ginny could even respond, Josh spoke up again. “Melody, I don’t believe the Pierce family’s affairs concern you.”
He hadn’t known about Ginny resigning, so yes, he was surprised—but not disappointed. He trusted her judgment. Whatever the reason, it was her decision to make. And no one— especially not Melody–had the right to shame her for it.
The old man might not have been able to protect her from the outside world, but here, in his home, no one was allowed to
mistreat her.
Ginny glanced at him, heart tangled with emotion.
She’d long since given up hope in Chandler. But if there was one thing about this family she wasn’t ready to let go of, it was this kind old man.
So she forced down the bitterness and smiled as she presented the gift she’d prepared.
4/6
14:19
Chapter 82 A Gift
Lucky Draw
“You hurt your back when you were younger, and it never fully healed. I made this ointment myself–if it helps, let me know, and I’ll make more for you.”
She was trained in Western medicine, yet she had taken the time to study alternative herbal remedies just to create this gift.
This wasn’t about money–it was about thoughtfulness. Josh understood the gesture instantly, and his eyes lit up.
“You’re very thoughtful,” he said, accepting the gift with both hands. “Come, let’s sit over there.”
Earlier, the Wheeler family had given him a priceless antique. Yet he hadn’t looked half as pleased as he did now, holding a simple jar of ointment.
Kevin, watching from nearby, was thoroughly unimpressed.
He sneered, then spoke up, loud enough for all to hear.
“That kind of ointment? The expensive ones might run a ten, maybe twenty at most per sheet. Judging by the weight, she gave you twenty at best. So that’s–what? Not even 400 dollars total?
“You used to be an orphan, Ginny. Back then, being frugal made sense. But now you’re the daughter–in–law of the Pierce family. Isn’t this gift a little… stingy?”
He was smiling, but there was no warmth in it. Only cold mockery.
5/6
14:19
