The Ending She Read (And the One He Rewrote) novel Chapter 25

For Alastair's birthday, the original Harriet had won a fierce bidding war at an auction a month in advance to secure an authentic 18th-century porcelain vase.

It cost her two hundred million.

But right before she was supposed to give it to him, Serena had talked her out of it.

*"Harriet, that antique vase you bought has been all over the news in the Capital. If you really want to give it to Dad, you should do it quietly. Making a big spectacle out of it will just make it look like the Sargent family is struggling and relying on the Whitaker money. You don't want the guests whispering about us, do you?"*

*"Not to mention, there's a dragon motif on that vase. Dad considers dragon motifs unlucky because it's the signature emblem of Mr. Hamilton, his biggest rival. If you give it to him in front of everyone and someone points it out, it'll just make Dad angry."*

The original Harriet had been too stupid, and she bought the lie completely.

The priceless antique was shoved into a storage room by the staff.

Later, after the cruel comment about a 'house full of biological children,' Alastair had turned pale, and the relatives had started whispering.

Embarrassed and defensive, the original Harriet had stormed out, flooring the gas pedal before the banquet was even over.

Remembering this on the drive over, Harriet felt an overwhelming urge to slap someone.

She wanted to slap Serena, but mostly she wanted to slap the version of herself from last month.

How could anyone be that stupid?!

But Serena wasn't stupid.

Even though she went to the storage room every night to admire the vase and had already secretly checked its black-market value, she hadn't dared to move it yet. It was too soon.

Now, as she watched the staff carefully carry out the golden nanmu wood box, Serena's heart bled.

Alastair's eyes were glued to it.

Wasn't this...

The box was opened, and the truth was revealed.

It really was the exact same antique vase that had made headlines for selling at an astronomical price!

An authentic 18th-century masterpiece.

A priceless, museum-quality artifact!!!

"Harriet, this... this..."

This was way too expensive!

Then he remembered the way Harriet had just flicked the vase.

Alastair couldn't sit still anymore.

"You—you! This is an antique! What if you break it? ... Move out of the way!"

He leaned in, examining the spot she had flicked from the front, then the side. All he was missing was a magnifying glass.

Alastair looked heartbroken over the rough treatment, but the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepened with a massive smile.

"Lou! Quick, get two strong guys, put on some white gloves, and move this treasure to the display room! ... Actually, never mind. I'll supervise it myself!"

He took a few steps, then suddenly stopped and looked back at Harriet. "Harriet, I'll be right back. You aren't in a rush to leave, are you?"

"Even if I was, I can always come back!" Harriet smiled brightly. "Dad, this is my home. I'm not a guest. What's with the panic?"

Right. This was her home. Whether she wanted to sit, lounge, leave, or stay—it was entirely up to her.

What was he so worried about?

Carrying a strange, indescribable warmth in his chest, Alastair hurried off toward the back wing.