Chapter 179

Nathan and Cassandra exchanged knowing glances, their forced smiles barely concealing their irritation.

"I absolutely adore this present. Where's Eleanor? Bring her here so her grandfather can embrace her!" Reginald's voice brimmed with affection.

"Miss Eleanor isn't feeling well, sir. She's resting upstairs but will join us later," Marcus explained smoothly.

"Oh, that poor dear..."

Reginald sighed heavily. "Marcus, have this sketch professionally framed and display it in my study where I can admire it daily."

Marcus bowed slightly before carefully storing the delicate artwork.

Witnessing her grandfather's obvious preference for Eleanor's humble gift, Cassandra's hands clenched into fists. Jealousy burned in her chest like acid.

She had assumed her younger sister - always financially constrained - would embarrass herself with some pitiful offering.

Yet Eleanor had outmaneuvered her completely. The million-dollar antique vase Cassandra had purchased paled in comparison to that simple drawing in Reginald's eyes.

Eleanor will pay for this humiliation, Cassandra vowed silently, her manicured nails digging into her palms.

Meanwhile, Victoria paced anxiously in the hallway until Penelope arrived.

"Well?" Victoria demanded, arms crossed tightly over her chest. "What's our next move?"

Penelope's lips curled into a venomous smile. "Patience, my dear. An important guest will arrive shortly. I have the perfect plan to disgrace Evelyn publicly."

Back in the grand hall, Reginald continued unwrapping presents.

When Nathan presented the exquisite 18th-century porcelain teacups, murmurs of appreciation rippled through the crowd.

Several antique connoisseurs among the guests leaned forward eagerly for closer inspection.

To everyone's amusement, Reginald clutched the box protectively against his chest. "These are from my precious grandson! No grubby fingers touching them!"

The guests erupted in laughter. Even Evelyn covered her mouth to hide her smile.

"Grandfather, these were originally part of Harrison Kingsley's private collection," Nathan explained, glancing pointedly at Sebastian. "I acquired them at the Monarch Group charity auction."

"Ah! Harrison's taste was always impeccable!" Reginald stroked the box reverently. "No collector in Crestview could rival him."

"My father will be honored to know his treasures have found such appreciative hands," Sebastian replied with effortless charm.

That was Sebastian's gift - his mere presence seemed to diffuse tension, his diplomatic words weaving connections where none seemed possible.

The moment shattered when Victoria's saccharine voice cut through the room. "Grandfather! My gift for you!"

All eyes turned to her, many filled with thinly veiled disdain.

Everyone knew Reginald's opinion of Victoria. Her dreams of becoming a Blackwood seemed increasingly delusional.

"Father, Victoria spent months searching for the perfect gift," Leonard interjected smoothly. "Knowing your love for Renaissance art, she acquired an authenticated masterpiece."

"Oh?" Reginald's eyebrows lifted with mild interest.

Victoria signaled the servants, who carried in a large framed painting with white-gloved hands.

Several art experts gathered around eagerly.

Then Reginald's expression darkened. "Thank you," he said curtly.

Murmurs spread through the crowd. Someone voiced the question on everyone's mind: "Is this truly Renaissance period? It appears... questionable."