chapter1131

"Miss Norwood, how much would you like for this painting?" Carter hesitated.

Lydia smiled and waved him off, her voice light and clear. "Don't worry about it. Think of it as a gift for Mr. Shaw. He's given so much to the country. I've always admired him."

Carter froze. An original painting by Owen was priceless, almost impossible to get, and here she was, just handing it over.

"This is too much. It's far too generous."

But Lydia was already slipping into her car. "It's nothing, really."

Carter managed a grateful, Thank you. I'll make sure Mr. Shaw knows how thoughtful you are."

Lydia nodded, then simply said, Take care.

As her car pulled away and disappeared from sight, Carter climbed into his own car, the painting carefully secured. He stared at it for a second, still in disbelief, then pulled out his phone and called his mom.

He felt uneasy about accepting something so valuable for free. It didn't sit right with him.

The call connected and instantly Mrs. Shaw's excited voice came through, "Well, did you meet Owen? Did you get the painting? Isn't she amazing? So young, so talented, so beautiful!"

Carter suddenly realized what his mom was up to.

"Mom, you planned this, didn't you?"

Mrs. Shaw feigned innocence. "What are you talking about, darling? Did you get the painting or not? Did you meet Owen?"

"I did. I met her, and I have the painting. We just parted ways."

"So, what do you think? Isn't she just incredible? The real Norwood heiress, no less."

Carter couldn't help rolling his eyes. "Mom, you're not even trying to hide it anymore."

Mrs. Shaw just laughed. "I can't help it. I really like Miss Norwood. She's wonderful. Come on, be a good son and bring her home as my daughter-in-law, will you?"

Carter had to admit, Lydia was exceptional, truly one of a kind. He just didn't feel like he measured up.

"Mom, it's... complicated."

Just her reputation as Miracle

Hands put her way out of his league. And honestly, he doubted she even saw him that way. He'd met plenty of socialites before. He knew he had a lot to offer good family, brains, looks. Most of these girls looked at him like he was the last dessert at a fancy party. But he didn't feel even a hint of interest like that from Lydia.

Mrs. Shaw wasn't convinced. "What's complicated? She's amazing, and she's

Owen! What are you waiting for? Go after her! I'll cheer you on."

Mrs. Shaw knew it wouldn't be easy to win Lydia over, especially with the Jefferson family in the picture, but it was worth a shot. As far as she knew Dydia and Connor werent officially married. Until that happened, everyone still had a chance, right?

"Let's talk about this later, Mom. The thing is, Owen gave me the painting for free. She said it was a gift for Grandpa, didn't even mention a price."

What? She just gave it to you?" Mrs. Shaw was stunned. A painting by Owen would go for a fortune at auction.

"Yeah. I don't feel right about it. Maybe you could transfer the money to her online?"

Mrs. Shaw thought for a moment. "If

I send it, she probably won't accept

it. Here's what you should do. Ask

her out for dinner to thank her. When you see her, you can transfer the money then. You two have each other's contact info, don't you?"