chapter1021

He was basically saying Lydia didn't even have a shot at marrying into royalty.

Mabel rolled her eyes, trying to keep things civil. "I believe we all want the best for our kids. The desserts and tea are all set, Uncle Damien. Come have a seat." Honestly, Mabel couldn't stand how much they made of it, just because someone married a prince. Did they really have to flaunt it every chance they got?

If you asked her, Lydia had the right idea. Being a princess sounded glamorous, but marrying someone normal was a much better deal. Besides, the Jeffersons weren't just any family. If you really compared things, Lydia's future looked way brighter than Chloe's.

Damien could tell this conversation was turning into a bragging contest, so he smiled and let it go. "Of course. I've been thinking about this food every day."

Everyone followed Mabel to the main table. The whole time, Lucinda never once got introduced. She sat there, fists clenched tight under the table, jaw set. Her grandfather introduced her brothers and Lydia. He even made sure to mention Arthur, who wasn't even there. But she was standing right there, and he acted like she didn't exist. Was it just because she wasn't Norwood by blood? Was that really enough for him to ignore her completely?

She actually thought he cared about her. Turns out, it was all just smoke and mirrors. They were all the same. To them, she was always the outsider.

Lucinda was furious, but she didn't notice that Mr. Robinson hadn't given any details about his own grandson Nathaniel, or even introduced Connor, who was a big deal himself. The only reason he mentioned Blake and his siblings was to take Damien's family down a notch. Those five were just too impressive to ignore.

If he had introduced Lucinda, what would he have said? That she wasn't his real granddaughter? That other than getting into a good school, she didn't have much to show for herself? Damien's granddaughters would have used that against her in a heartbeat. In a way, Mr. Robinson was actually sparing her some embarrassment, but she couldn't see it that way.

Chloe took her seat, looking like she was above it all, acting every bit the princess. She turned to Mr.

Robinson and said, "I heard you like

art and antiques, so I brought couple of my treasures especially for you."

Mr. Robinson looked genuinely surprised. Really? That's very thoughtful of you, Chloe."

Chloe gave a little nod and had a

servant bring out the gifts. She raised her chin, proud and confident. "Grandpa told me you're a big fan of Owens work west to a loro

of

trouble to get one of his paintings at an auction and brought it back for you."

She signaled to the staff, and a servant carefully opened the box, showing off the painting for everyone to see. People around the table gasped in awe. It was called The Swimming Fish.

The painting was all delicate strokes,

the flowers looking so serene and pure, fish gliding under the leaves, making the whole scene feel lively and fresh sh. At first glance. It really was beautiful. But if you looked a little closer, something didn't feel right. Mr. Robinson had several of Owen's paintings hanging at home.

"It's a fake."

Lydia didn't even hesitate. She just glanced at it and called it out. Mr. Robinson got it right away. That's why it felt off. It was a knockoff.

Nathaniel couldn't help himself. "A princess giving out fakes as gifts? That's hilarious."

The whole table went silent. Chloe's face turned bright red. She glared at Lydia, her voice shaking. You... How dare you call it fake? I spent a fortune on that at an auction!"