Chapter 173
Chapter 174
Every guest in the banquet hall instinctively turned toward the entrance.
The two men in black suits walked with measured steps, carefully supporting the large object covered by an elegant golden cloth. Judging from its shape, it was rectangular, but beyond that, no one could tell what it actually was.
Curious whispers immediately spread throughout the hall.
“Who are they p>
“What’s under that cloth p>
Since no one recognized either of the men, everyone could only stand quietly and watch as they made their way across the hall.
Finally, they stopped directly in front of Marcus.
One of them bowed respectfully before saying, “Mr. Marcus, we’re sorry for arriving late. Something unexpected came up on the
way p>
Marcus simply nodded. “It’s fine p>
The moment everyone heard those words, another wave of whispers erupted. “So… it really a gift p>
“He actually prepared something p>
“I thought he was bluffing p>
Victoria’s expression froze. Her body stiffened as an unpleasant feeling rose inside her chest.
He really prepared a gift… For a brief second, she felt as though she had made herself look foolish before everyone. However, she quickly forced herself to calm down. Even if he had brought a gift, so what?
She refused to believe it could surpass everything already displayed in the hall.
A faint sneer returned to her lips.
“So you actually did bring something after all,” she said mockingly. “But judging from the shape… it’s just a frame p>
Marcus nodded without hesitation. “Yes p>
Victoria immediately laughed.
“A frame?” she repeated loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. “Look at that. Such a poor person’s Style p>
She folded her arms and shook her head.
“You made such a huge scene just for a picture frame? And you seriously claimed it would be the most valuable gift here? Everyone brought diamonds, antiques, luxury watches, rare collectibles, and priceless artwork, yet you’re presenting… a frame p>
Several guests couldn’t help chuckling. “I knew it p>
“So that’s his priceless gift p>
“What a joke p>
Victoria smiled triumphantly before looking at Sweedy.
“Miss Sweedy, don’t be deceived. Poor people are always like this. They wrap ordinary things with fancy words and expect everyone to believe they’re extraordinary p>
Before anyone else could speak, Sweedy calmly shook her head.
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“As long as it’s given sincerely,” she said with a gentle smile, “I’m grateful regardless of its value p>
Victoria secretly rolled her eyes but remained silent.
Marcus stepped forward, accepted the framed gift from the two men, and respectfully handed it to Sweedy.
“Happy birthday p>
Sweedy smiled politely.
“Thank you p>
Perhaps because of the argument that had taken place only moments earlier, she decided to opett Marcus’ gift immediately instead of setting it aside with the others.
She carefully removed the golden cloth. Just as Victoria had predicted… It was indeed a framed piece.
Victoria instantly brightened.
“I told everyone,” she said proudly. “Go ahead and look at it. It’ll probably be some ordinary landscape painting or a cheap decorative picture p>
Several guests nodded, already expecting nothing impressive.
However… The moment Sweedy’s eyes landed on the artwork inside the frame…
Her smile slowly disappeared. She froze completely.
The banquet hall gradually became quiet.Sweedy didn’t blink.
She simply stood there, staring at the framed piece as though her entire world had suddenly stopped moving.
Several long seconds passed.
She slowly reached out with trembling fingers and gently touched the surface of the frame.
Her breathing became uneven and her lips quivered slightly.
“This… ‘she whispered almost inaudibly. “This… can’t be p>
The entire banquet hall gradually fell silent.
Moments ago, everyone had been laughing at Marcus. Now, every pair of eyes was fixed on Sweedy, wondering what she had seen that could leave her so motionless.
Mr. Zed frowned slightly before walking over. “Sweedy… what’s wrong?” he asked gently as he stepped beside his daughter. Curious, he lowered his gaze toward the framed painting. The moment he saw it, his expression froze. His eyes widened slightly before he slowly looked back at Marcus. “How… did you know this p>
Without waiting for an answer, he carefully took the frame from Sweedy’s trembling hands and turned it toward the crowd.
“It isn’t some expensive antique,” he said quietly. “It’s simply a painting p>
Everyone looked closely.
The painting portrayed the breathtaking white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The sunset bathed the ocean in golden light, while gentle waves rolled peacefully onto the shore. It was breathtakingly beautiful, almost lifelike.
Several guests looked puzzled.
“It’s just a beach p>
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“I don’t understand p>
“Why are they reacting like this p>
Mr. Zed smiled bitterly before looking back at the painting. “This… was my late wife’s favorite place in the world. Whenever we had time, the three of us would travel there together. She loved watching the sunset on this beach. Even after she became seriously ill, she would often tell me she wished she could visit Grace Bay just one more time p>
His voice became noticeably softer. “Unfortunately… she never got the chance p>
Sweedy sniffled as tears slowly welled in her eyes. She gently took the frame back into her hands and ran her fingers across it once more. “I… I don’t know why,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “The moment I saw it… it felt like Mom was standing beside me again. I miss her so much p>
She hugged the painting tightly against her chest. “I love this gift p>
The atmosphere inside the hall completely changed.
Victoria’s face darkened.
She refused to accept what was happening.
Stepping forward, she forced out a laugh and said, “Please don’t let him fool you. This is exactly how poor people manipulate others. They know they can’t compete with expensive gifts, so they play with emotions instead. That painting probably cost less than two hundred dollars p>
Sweedy’s eyes instantly turned cold.
“Enough p>
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried through the silent hall.
“Don’t you dare speak about my mother like that again. And don’t you ever call this gift ‘mere’ anything. A gift isn’t measured only by its price. It’s measured by the thought and sincerity behind it p>
She looked around at the mountain of luxury gifts surrounding her before raising Marcus’ painting slightly.
“Everyone here gave me something expensive. I’m grateful for every single one of them. But he…” she paused, looking at Marcus, “…he gave me something connected to my mother. Something that brought back memories I thought I’d never feel again. No amount of money can put a price on that p>
Marcus smiled faintly before turning toward Victoria.
“So,” he said calmly, “you kept talking about expensive being more valuable things. Meanwhile, even this mere painting is more expensive than everything here.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.