Chapter 424 Becoming the Family Favorite
The painting was a bold and vigorous tableau, with lush woods and clouds shrouding the mountains in an enigmatic embrace...
A true masterpiece!
Ryan found himself entranced by the painting, his disbelief palpable that such a profound atmosphere could be birthed from the brush of a young girl.
"When Abella presented this piece to me last night, I was incredulous that such a marvel could originate from a girl of her tender age. I challenged her to prove it. And lo and behold, in less than five minutes, she sketched out this corner of the painting!" Andrew gestured animatedly towards the upper left corner of the artwork, his voice brimming with shock and admiration.
His gaze lifted eagerly, "Where's that corner of the painting? I desire it too!"
Andrew was rendered somewhat speechless, "You already possess the entire painting, what need do you have for that corner? That belongs to me!"
"You..." Seeing his son's resolute stance, Ryan grunted, his attention returning to the painting.
He was particularly enamored with the atmosphere of that corner – it was a standalone masterpiece; the painting depicted sheer cliffs and profound depth.
Remembering that corner, he was once again struck by Abella's talent, astounded that someone so young could exhibit such excellence.
"The mountains, rocks, and trees are so meticulously painted, with the waterfall cascading straight down, the clouds, and the hues of the mountains..." Madam Bourbon couldn't contain her praise for the painting, "In both form and spirit, Abella has captured it all flawlessly, her skill is simply exquisite."
The young artist's skill surpassed all expectations.
No one could have predicted the myriad of talents Abella possessed – she was not only a calligrapher but also a painter. Her acquaintances were already taken aback by her dual reputations as both Abbott and Anika. But now...
Beside them, Scott was equally astounded. Abella's diverse range of skills clearly set her apart from the other young ladies of repute. Who wouldn't be smitten with such a remarkable girl?
At that moment, the restaurant manager discreetly knocked on the door before serving the meal. However, everyone's attention was so captivated by Abella's artwork that, even as the dishes were laid out, they found it difficult to commence the meal.
"Oh, right," Claire interjected, "I recorded Abella's new song from last night. Would you all care to hear it?"
As soon as Claire's proposition was voiced, Mr. Bourbon and Madam Bourbon eagerly exclaimed in unison, "Yes!"
Caught unaware, Abella wondered when Claire had managed to record her?
Noticing Abella's puzzled expression, Claire clarified with a smile, "While you were playing the piano last night, I was so captivated by your silhouette and the melodious sound that I couldn't resist recording a small portion...just a brief one."
Mr. Bourbon and Madam Bourbon, however, were too eager to wait.
Claire played the recording on her phone, and the melodious tune that flowed from the girl's fingers effortlessly transported everyone into a state of delight and joy. Each face radiated with rapture...
As the brief recording concluded, Ryan was left yearning for more, "Why is it so short? Is there any more?"
"I didn't record the rest – it was too enchanting," Claire confessed. At that moment, the beauty of the music had been so overwhelming that she chose to close her eyes to fully immerse herself in the experience.
"It's so beautiful, Abella, you're truly remarkable," Claire declared, her affection for her future granddaughter-in-law deepening. She couldn't resist turning to Claire, "Send me that clip; I want it as my ringtone."
"I want it too!" Ryan chimed in, but Madam Bourbon disagreed, "If we both have the same ringtone, we won't know whose phone is ringing... You can't use this piece."
Ryan felt a twinge of disappointment but maintained his composure.
Observing the commotion over a mere snippet of music and discerning the faint disappointment etched on the elderly man's features, Abella found herself unable to suppress a chuckle. "Mr. Bourbon," she declared, "I promise to compose a fresh piece for you another day."
"Truly?" Ryan's spirits instantly soared, his eyes gleaming with eager anticipation.
As soon as Abella affirmed with a nod, both Andrew and his wife simultaneously inquired, "Is it for anyone who hears it? Will I receive one as well?"
Phillipe interjected, "You're both overstepping," he admonished, "Let's conclude this discussion and commence our meal."
Andrew remained silent, his hands idly resting on the polished surface of the dining table. Claire's eyes sparkled with a combination of affection and amusement. They had all gathered for a family dinner, an event that seemed to orbit around one central figure – Abella.
"If we continue this conversation, our meal will turn cold," Phillipe added, attempting to serve Abella a portion of food with his fork.
However, before his utensil could make contact with the dish, he observed four individuals, each armed with a fork, simultaneously piling the first course onto Abella's plate. It was apparent that everyone was keen to indulge her.
Abella's plate was rapidly filled to the brim, prompting her to laugh softly. "I'm perfectly capable of serving myself. You all should eat," she gently insisted, displaying a level of grace and maturity that belied her youth.
"You're so considerate, so delightful," Claire gushed, her fondness for Abella deepening. "I've heard you're partial to seafood, so we instructed the chef to prepare an array of dishes for you, all without shells, to spare you the inconvenience of peeling."
As Claire continued to heap food onto her plate, it soon overflowed. Yet Abella was not idle; she picked up the serving fork and began to distribute portions to everyone else. She even remembered to include some of Phillipe's favored dishes on his plate.
Phillipe's gaze softened with affection. He was moved that, amidst the entire gathering, only Abella had remembered his culinary preferences. In the midst of the jovial atmosphere, he found himself yearning for a private moment to express his gratitude more intimately.
Scott observed the family partaking in their meal, their laughter and love permeating the room, and felt a surge of warmth flood his heart. Such harmonious moments had been a rarity. Over the years, Phillipe had been consumed with managing the corporation. There were always those who incited conflict, monopolizing his time and energy, leaving scant opportunities for family visits.
Only recently, with the company finally stabilizing, had Phillipe been able to carve out more personal time. However, Andrew and Claire had been globetrotting, further restricting family gatherings.
Since Abella's arrival, the household had undergone a transformation – it was warmer, more cohesive, and brimming with love.
"Scott, why don't you take a seat and join us?" Abella noticed he had been standing throughout the meal and extended an invitation.
"Yes, Scott, do sit," Claire echoed, her attention shifting from serving Abella. Over the years, Scott had become an integral part of their family.
Moved by their invitation, Scott expressed his gratitude to everyone present before finally accepting a seat at the table to partake in the meal with the Bourbon family.
"Abella, we've also arranged a small gift for you. We'll present it to you after dinner," Claire announced, concerned that if she brought it out now, amidst all the chatter, the food might cool.
"Thank you," Abella responded, her smile broadening, her gaze radiating warmth and tenderness.
The dinner concluded amidst a buoyant atmosphere, and Claire, her eyes brimming with affection, presented the gift with both hands.
Andrew also produced a present he had prepared earlier for Abella.
"Go ahead, open it and see if it's to your liking."
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