Chapter 457 Because of Gabriel's Subtle Pressure
The Harriman Mansion's main hall was filled with people, all silent but intently watching Gabriel and Jessica's every move.
Gabriel, seemingly oblivious to his parents' obvious displeasure, held Jessica's hand while placing his other hand on Danielle's head. He introduced Jessica to his parents with a seriousness and determination that brooked no opposition.
Brooklyn had only mentioned Danielle on the way here, never even considering Jessica. If Danielle was truly Gabriel's daughter, she could welcome her as family, but she had never intended to accept Jessica.
Of course, she hadn't prepared any so-called gift, either.
She didn't care whether Jessica intended to call them Mom and Dad.
Even if Jessica did call them that in public, she might not respond.
But now, Gabriel's seemingly emotionless words had put both sides in a position where, if they embarrassed Jessica in front of everyone, they would be so, too.
Surrounded by friends and family they hadn't seen in over twenty years, Benjamin and Brooklyn couldn't afford to act out of line in front of so many people, even if they didn't care about Jessica's feelings.
Benjamin looked coldly at Jessica, who maintained a polite smile. Gabriel successfully controlled the situation and Jessica had not made any etiquette mistakes. Her beautiful, dignified eyes showed no timidity and she appeared confident and respectful.
Danielle looked up at them and said in a small voice, "My parents said I should call you Grandpa and Grandma, but you look too young. Are you really my grandparents?"
When she caught their attention, Danielle smiled and said, "You look so beautiful and young!"
Benjamin's cold expression softened slightly.
Brooklyn's gaze lingered on Danielle, first on her face, reminiscent of a young Gabriel, and then on her large, innocent eyes. Seeing her in person was different from seeing her in photos.
Brooklyn hesitated and glanced at Kimberly, who had been silent beside her. But her attention was quickly drawn back to Danielle.
"Grandpa, Grandma, you don't need to give me and Mommy gifts. We got so many gifts today that we can't carry them all! Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma, and many others gave us gifts. Daddy also prepared many surprises for us at home. Did you just get off the plane and haven't rested yet?" Danielle tilted her head and looked at their travel-worn faces, then turned to Gabriel. "Daddy, should we take Grandpa and Grandma to their rooms to rest?"
Benjamin looked at Danielle in surprise and she looked back at him with a big, innocent smile.
In Danielle's eyes, everyone here tonight was to welcome her and Jessica. Everyone was kind, so Danielle gifted them with her big, innocent smile.
Benjamin adjusted his expression, not wanting to scare Danielle. Her words made it impossible for them to ignore the current situation.
Brooklyn hesitated, then suddenly took off the glassy green jade bracelet from her wrist.
Seeing Brooklyn's actions, Kimberly, standing a foot away, clutched her small bag tightly, her nails digging into the fabric, her fingertips and face turning white.
She had only one thought, 'Brooklyn had said that this bracelet was a gift from Seraphina when she married Benjamin. The glassy green jade was extremely rare and expensive. Even if it wasn't a family heirloom, it symbolized the parents' blessings for the newlyweds. Brooklyn had planned to give it to her when she married Gabriel, saying that after wearing it for so many years, it should be passed on to her daughter-in-law...'
Kimberly silently begged Brooklyn not to give the bracelet to Jessica. Even if it was embarrassing, she hoped Brooklyn would give something else, even a random ring, rather than this important bracelet.
But Brooklyn rarely wore jewelry and had just returned from abroad after a long flight. She had nothing else suitable to give in public except this bracelet.
She knew very well the significance of giving this bracelet to Jessica in public.
Seeing Brooklyn take off the bracelet, Seraphina, who had been sitting on the front sofa, stood up, her eyes focused on the scene. Michael also took a sip of tea and raised an eyebrow, glancing over.
"Even though the flight was delayed and we rushed back, as parents, how could we not prepare a gift for such an important occasion?" Brooklyn's words were for everyone in the hall. She looked past Danielle and towards at Jessica, who seemed surprised by the turn of events and walked forward. "Come, Jessica."
Jessica was momentarily stunned.
She didn't know much about jade, but she could tell at a glance that this bracelet was not ordinary. She also understood that, as Mrs. Harriman, she should accept the gift to avoid any awkwardness.
Jessica hesitated for only half a second before stepping forward.
Brooklyn lifted Jessica's hand and put the jade bracelet on her wrist.
Kimberly's mind went blank. She realized that the moment Brooklyn looked at her, she had already decided to abandon her.
Why did it come to this? Was it Gabriel's subtle pressure, Jessica's presence, or Danielle's influence?
The bracelet was now on Jessica's wrist. Brooklyn gently patted Jessica's hand, as if wanting to say something, but considering Kimberly's feelings, she softly said, "This is our token of goodwill. If you're not satisfied with this gift, we'll make it up later. Today was indeed in a hurry."
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