Chapter 423 Sizing Up the Son
In a moment of sudden realization, Claire hesitated before voicing her suspicion. "Abella, tell me, are you Magnolia?" she asked.
Upon her query, the room's focus shifted, all eyes converging on Abella.
"The penmanship in the blessing you inscribed for Andrew, it mirrors Magnolia's," Claire stated. She had long accepted that her remarkable daughter-in-law led a multifaceted life and was ready to uncover yet another identity. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, tinged with a hint of certainty...
"What blessing?" Mr. Bourbon and Madam Bourbon exchanged confused glances, failing to grasp Claire's implication.
“Abella penned a blessing for Andrew last night, and she signed her name beneath it,” Claire clarified, nudging Andrew as she arched her eyebrows inquisitively, "Isn't that so?"
"Yes, that’s right…" Andrew promptly retrieved a small notebook he always kept on his person and presented it to the room.
The first page bore six words: "Overcome all difficulties and rise above."
The elegant, slender handwriting belonged to Cordelia, exuding an aura of authority. Phillipe, having previously seen this young lady's penmanship, could confirm that these words were indeed her handiwork.
However, the notion that she was Magnolia...
This revelation had not previously crossed his mind.
"Is that so?" Claire turned to Abella, her eyes filled with expectancy.
Abella, realizing her secret could no longer be concealed, could only nod in affirmation.
Upon her admission, Claire's delight intensified, "I knew she was Magnolia! I was right!"
Andrew was taken aback by the revelation that the calligraphy maestro Magnolia, whom he had admired for years, was in fact his daughter-in-law...
A wave of joy and astonishment washed over him.
"The prescription Abella wrote last night, and this blessing, whether it's the size of the letters or the force behind the strokes, they mirror Magnolia's style," Claire observed, a blend of excitement and wonder coursing through her. She marveled at how this young woman had mastered such a skill, each facet of which could eclipse others on its own.
"I too greatly admire Magnolia's penmanship, robust yet delicate. To think that Magnolia is Abella…" Ryan, stunned yet chuckling heartily, marveled at the serendipity of their circumstances.
"These words are penned so beautifully... They radiate such elegance and sophistication," Claire complimented generously, "Abella, you are truly extraordinary, truly remarkable."
"Andrew," Ryan said, eyeing his son-in-law, "you mentioned you'll be leaving town in a few days. These six works of art, it would be a tragedy if they were to be damaged... Perhaps I should safeguard them for you."
Andrew swiftly clutched the six authentic Magnolia pieces to his chest, grinning subtly, "Don’t worry, I've already decided where to display these six pieces..."
"But consider the potential damage from dust if they are hung up. They would be safer and cleaner in my safe," he persisted.
"I have a safe as well..." Andrew countered.
"But you won't be here to monitor them, unlike me. I can open my safe daily to check on them... What if they are stolen?" Ryan continued, "I believe it would be most prudent for me to safeguard Abella's works."
Andrew, cornered and left with no alternatives, could only cast a pleading glance toward Madam Bourbon for assistance.
With a reproachful glance, Madam Bourbon addressed the room, her voice laced with laughter. "The gift you're so interested in was given to your son by your granddaughter-in-law. What exactly are you scheming? Didn't Abella also bring you a gift?"
Ryan, however, was not easily deterred. "What Abella brought me were nutritional supplements, a far cry from the artistry of calligraphy..." His gaze remained fixed on the calligraphy piece in his son's possession.
Andrew, sensing an opportunity, extended his hand towards his father. "If you don't want the health supplements, I'll gladly take them..."
Ryan quickly clutched the supplements to his chest. "Who said I didn't want them!" His voice echoed with a hint of desperation. It wasn't that he didn't want the supplements; he simply wanted more.
Abella, ever the diplomat, offered a solution with a warm smile. "If you'd like, I could write something for you someday. Just let me know what you'd like written."
"Really?" Ryan's surprise was evident, his excitement palpable. He hadn't expected such a thoughtful offer, especially not from his young granddaughter-in-law.
Phillipe, unable to remain silent any longer, interjected. "You all need to stop taking advantage of Abella. Consider how much Magnolia charges per word, or what Doctor Abbott charges for a consultation. And then there are these free service cards, various pieces of jewelry... Don't push it too far."
Andrew, ever the observer, detected a hint of jealousy in his son's tone. Since his arrival, Phillipe had been largely ignored, a fact that seemed to irk him.
"Feeling left out, are you? That's what you get for always being so aloof!” Andrew retorted.
Ignoring Phillipe's comment, Mr. Bourbon turned his attention back to Abella. "Abella, would you come over sometime and write a few pieces for me?" His eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I have a deep appreciation for calligraphy; we could discuss it in person."
Abella responded with a cheerful, "Sure."
Phillipe fell silent.
Scott, who had been observing the family's antics for the past half-hour, finally cleared his throat to draw their attention. "Abella has been here for half an hour now. Shouldn't we start the meal?"
They had left Abella waiting, her stomach probably growling in hunger.
"Right, we were so caught up in our excitement that we forgot to serve our guest!" Madam Bourbon admitted, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. They had invited Abella over for a meal, only to keep her engaged in conversation, likely leaving her famished.
Such a polite, thoughtful child! She hadn't uttered a single complaint despite being left hungry.
"Let's start the meal." Ryan, realizing that they had been chatting for half an hour, turned to Scott. "We got carried away with our excitement. Why didn't you remind us earlier?"
Scott, accustomed to taking the blame, managed a smile. "I apologize, it’s my fault."
While waiting for the meal, Ryan's curiosity got the better of him. "What did Abella bring for you?" He leaned towards his wife, trying to catch a glimpse of the gift box in her hands.
Madam Bourbon, however, was not ready to reveal the contents. "We're about to eat. We can look at it after the meal..."
Ryan, however, was not easily dissuaded. "Let's just take a peek."
Despite his pleas, Madam Bourbon remained firm, handing the gift box to Scott for safekeeping.
Ryan shot Scott a glare, silently questioning his loyalty. "Are you really not going to let me have a look?"
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Scott could only apologize. "Sorry, Mr. Bourbon, but Madam Bourbon is the one in charge... Why don't you wait until after dinner to look?"
Ryan grumbled, feeling slighted. “A glance was all I wanted..Look how coward you are!”
Unable to contain his curiosity, he turned to his son. "You mentioned Abella painted something for me, where is it?"
Andrew looked somewhat deflated. "Didn't I have Scott give it to you when I got home last night?"
"I..." At the time, Ryan had been upset about them traveling the world and rarely coming home, paying no attention to what the gift was. Now, he was consumed with curiosity. "Can you just tell me what Abella painted?"
Suddenly, Andrew remembered something. "I have it on my phone." He quickly retrieved his device, opening the gallery to reveal Abella’s work.
With just one glimpse, Ryan was left stunned by the depth and skill of the painting.
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