The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 451

Patricia had barely glanced at Melissa’s gift before rejecting it. But now, as soon as Charlotte handed over her present, Patricia was all excitement, practically snatching it out of Hans’s hands to see what was inside. Her favoritism was obvious to everyone.

Charlotte just gave a small nod. Moments later, Hans appeared with the beautifully wrapped package. Anne reached out, ready to help, but Patricia beat her to it, hugging the gift close like it was priceless.

“This one’s from Lottie. I want to open it myself,” she said, her voice bubbling with happiness.

“Of course,” Anne replied, stepping aside to help her with the wrapping.

Together, they peeled away the paper, revealing a delicate wooden box. Inside was a scroll painting in shades of gray and white, looking every bit like a piece of history.

A painting.

The guests immediately craned their necks, hungry for gossip. Melissa had just given Patricia a painting too, and not just any painting, but a famous masterpiece. No matter how talented this young woman was, there was no way her gift could outshine Melissa’s *Sunset*. Everyone knew the comparison would only end in embarrassment for her.

Melissa watched the scene unfold, a smirk tugging at her lips. The coincidence was almost too much. She thought, If Patricia didn’t even care for my *Sunset*, why would she care about this girl’s little gift? Judging by her looks, the best she could afford would be something worth a few hundred dollars.

Sensing a chance to stir things up, Dorothy, who had just been told off earlier, piped up loudly, “What a coincidence. Melissa’s gift was a painting too.”

Charlotte turned her head slowly. Dorothy, her makeup flawless, was staring at her with open disdain. Charlotte recognized her as Andrew’s mother. As for Melissa, Charlotte shot her a cool glance from beneath her hat, catching the way she was eyeing Anthony, and let a faint, icy smile curl her lips.

“And Melissa’s was a famous one…” Dorothy continued, her tone all innocent curiosity. “It was Halation’s *Sunset*. You’ve heard of it, right?”

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