I Once Married You (Harper and Benjamin) novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74 Apologize

Scott and Lily smiled, clearly, as son and daughter-in-law, were the first to give a gift. It was a beautifully crafted wood cane for Paul.

"Happy birthday, Dad. We wish you well," Scott and Lily said.

Paul nodded with a smile, "Good."

Next was Benjamin, who presented a unique chessboard custom-made from top-quality emeralds.

Then, Harper followed with an oil painting.

She handed it to Paul, saying, "Grandpa, happy birthday."

Paul approached the painting, clearly delighted. Everyone could sense his fondness for Harper, and they all knew the connection between Paul and the Mitchells, so no one suspected anything.

Paul looked down and asked with surprise, "Harper, is this...a Vincent Cardin?"

Vincent Cardin was a famous artist, one of Paul's favorites since he was young.

Harper nodded. "Do you like it, Grandpa?"

"Like it? I love it! Harper, this gift means the world to me. I've wanted this painting for years, but I never won it at auction."

Paul said excitedly, showing his deep appreciation for Harper. Scott and Lily smiled, clearly pleased as well.

"I'm glad you love it, Grandpa," Harper said with a gentle smile, feeling happy herself.

"Would Sir Martin mind if we all take a look?" someone suggested.

"Harper, what do you think?" Paul looked at Harper.

"Grandpa, the painting is yours now. It's up to you," she replied.

"Great, then let's all take a look."

With that, Paul personally unveiled the canvas. It revealed a snowy landscape, stunning in its simplicity. Mountains and rivers faded into the crystalline white, creating an atmosphere of stillness and serenity. The artist's brushwork was confident yet delicate, giving the landscape a sense of depth that seemed to pull the viewer in.

A chorus of praise filled the room. Everyone expressed their admiration for the painting and felt lucky to be viewing it.

The warm atmosphere was abruptly shattered by a skeptical voice. "Is this a really good copy? Harper only came back from the countryside a year ago. How could she possibly have Mr. Cardin's work? This feels like a trick, just trying to make Sir Martin happy."

The speaker was Lucy White, the only daughter of the prestigious White family. Though an heiress in high society, she had also made a name for herself in the entertainment industry.

As her words fell, a buzz of criticism filled the room. People scrutinized the painting, finding fault after fault.

"Looks like it's just a good fake."

"Yeah, a convincing imitation, but still not the real deal."

"Did Ms. Mitchell give Paul a fake? Does her family know?"

The murmurs grew louder.

Standing next to Lucy, Lauren gently tugged at her shirt and said softly, "Lucy, don't say that. Maybe Harper just wanted to surprise Grandpa and got a fake because she couldn't get the real one. Maybe someone scammed her."