Chapter 174 Just Kidding?
A sense of anticipation hung thick in the air as all eyes turned to Reese. They were eager to see how she would persuade them that her acclaimed gift was indeed authentic and not a mere knockoff.
Reese was unperturbed by Lucinda's doubt. To the majority of the attendees, except for Malcolm who harbored some reservations, she was merely a country girl.
Turning to her husband, she said, "Darling, could I borrow your laptop for a moment, please?"
A spark of amusement danced in Malcolm's eyes, betraying his eagerness to witness how his wife would deftly navigate the situation. He acquiesced to her request without hesitation.
"Of course, just give me a moment."
With that, Malcolm turned and ascended the stairs to retrieve his laptop. The relatives gathered around were visibly confused, their murmurs filling the room.
"How will a laptop help her?"
"Is she going to show us some transaction records or something?"
"Are you kidding me? You think a treasure like that would have transaction records? This isn't eBay!"
"What's she planning to do with the laptop then?"
Lucinda crossed her arms and looked down her nose at Reese, her smug expression challenging, 'Let's see what tricks you have up your sleeve today.'
Alyssa nudged Reese, her curiosity piqued. "Reese, is this piece you got genuine?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Reese responded tersely. She had no intention of letting Lucinda off the hook today.
They had only met once, and without knowing Reese's full story, Lucinda had boldly belittled her, taking liberties simply because she was a senior member of the Flynn family. Today was the day to reveal her true colors; otherwise, Lucinda might never realize the expansiveness of the sky and the earth.
Dahlia and Silva were also present. They had been there since Lucinda started giving Reese a hard time but had chosen to sit back and enjoy the unfolding drama.
Reese, of all people, in possession of such a coveted item? They questioned her capabilities. If such an item was within the Flynn family's reach, they would have secured it by now. The fact that the Flynn family didn't have it indicated that it was more than just a matter of money.
Reese landing such a treasure? They would have to see it to believe it.
What would happen if she couldn't keep her story straight? How would she save face for the Flynn family then?
Malcolm quickly set up the laptop, and Reese opened a video, turning the volume up. A news report began to play.
"Recently, Mr. Van, the previous owner of the world's most precious tea set, had a near-death experience when he suffered a sudden heart attack. With no doctors nearby and unable to move, it was a kind-hearted woman who, with her exceptional massage techniques, saved Mr. Van. In gratitude, Mr. Van gifted her the century-old complete tea set."
"The woman chose to keep her identity confidential. Despite being in her twenties, she possesses advanced medical knowledge. It seems the medical field has discovered yet another gifted talent."
The report left everyone present stunned, skepticism creeping in.
"Just because they said the last name is Brooks doesn't mean it's you. There are plenty of Brooks in the world."
"Indeed, it was my wife," Malcolm stepped forward to vouch for Reese, his deep-set eyes sweeping over the relatives and friends gathered in the room. "And it's her unique massage techniques that healed my leg, a skill that, it seems, only she possesses."
Reese's massage technique was unique among doctors; even Grandpa had sought treatment from many others, and none could match her skill.
Despite the buzz in the news, he stood firm in his belief that it was Reese.
Lucinda was immediately skeptical but found the truth hard to swallow.
However, she couldn't let it go and said, "Who knows if it's the same person. There are plenty of Brooks around. And weren't you raised in the countryside? How could someone like you practice medicine? Don't try to fool us; we have doctors in our family. Vincent, it's the Flynn family pride."
Lucinda brought Vincent into the conversation, "Vincent, wasn't it you who healed Malcolm's leg? You're the star practitioner at the herbal clinic, and you've studied abroad. Surely you could heal his leg."
Vincent could only offer a wry smile, "Lucinda, Malcolm's right. His leg was healed by Reese, and I had nothing to do with it."
Shocked, Lucinda exclaimed, "What! Vincent, you must be joking. Reese healed Malcolm's leg?"
It seemed impossible. She had looked into Reese's past—a perfectly ordinary girl, abandoned by her father and raised by her grandmother in the countryside.
Vincent nodded, "Indeed. If I had the ability to heal Malcolm's leg, why would I deny it?"
Lucinda was taken aback. Were country girls really that formidable these days?
Reese arched an eyebrow, a cold smile playing across her face, chilling as though it came from a walk-in freezer.
"Lucinda, any more questions?"
Suddenly, Lucinda was the target of everyone's gaze, unable to believe Reese could be so capable.
"I... I was just joking earlier. Don't mind me."
Laughing awkwardly at her own comment, she realized nobody else was amused, adding to her embarrassment.
Alyssa had no respect for Lucinda's stubbornness and her tendency to make excuses.
"Lucinda, you were the one who made the claim with everyone watching. It wouldn't look good to go back on your word now, would it?"
With pleading eyes, Lucinda turned to Malcolm, trying to curry favor.
"Malcolm, you know I only want what's best for you. I'd hate to see you get deceived by someone."
"Lucinda, if there's any deceiving going on, it'd be me trying to trick my wife. But let's be honest, aside from a bit of money, I've got nothing to deceive her with. And yet, she never once dipped into my wallet," he confessed, shrugging.
He would've loved nothing more than to lavish Reese with all his wealth, but she seemed indifferent to his fortune, which frankly, irked him.
Perhaps he hadn't earned Reese's trust to the level where she could truly view him as her husband.
He wanted Reese to know that everything he had was hers too – including himself, entirely and without reservation.
Lucinda's silence signaled her reluctance to listen.
Awkwardly, she asked, "Reese, Lucinda knows you're sensible. You wouldn't actually make her apologize to you, right?"
Reese was never one to go easy, especially not on those who brought trouble to her doorstep without reason.
Her smile was radiant and defiant, glowing in the sunlight, and her voice was as sweet as honey – a stark contrast to her earlier frostiness.
Then, everyone heard Reese articulate each word with clarity.
"Lucinda, I believe in keeping one's word – a principle clear even to folks from the sticks like us. I'm sure someone as refined as you would understand that, right?"
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