Chapter 403 The Generous Gesture
Mrs. Winston turned her head, her eyes meeting Alfred's with a subtle knowing look. Alfred, recognizing the unspoken signal, moved gracefully into the study. When he returned, he carried two elegantly wrapped boxes in his hands. "Todd, Angela, these are gifts from Mrs. Winston. Do you fancy them?" he inquired, his voice carrying a tone of anticipation.
Todd glanced at Haley, who nodded in affirmation, before accepting the boxes from Alfred. Without hesitation, he passed the pink one to Angela, a small smile playing on his lips.
In Todd's hands rested a box of rich mahogany hue. With a gentle touch, he opened it, revealing a collection of exquisite writing tools—an elegant calligraphy brush and a finely crafted inkstone. Alongside these treasures lay a striking red item.
Drawing it out, Todd's lips formed a grateful curve. "Thank you, Mrs. Winston. I'm honored to receive the writing set, but I must decline this," he declared, gently returning the red object to rest upon the table.
Mrs. Winston nodded, a subtle expression of relief crossing her features, before turning her attention to Haley. "Ms. DeRoss, you've raised Todd exceptionally well," she remarked, her tone carrying a note of admiration.
Despite not being born into the Winston family, Todd's demeanor exuded the grace and nobility characteristic of his adoptive kin.
Following Todd's lead, Angela eagerly unwrapped her gift, revealing a dazzling pink crystal diamond that shimmered in the light.
With just a glance, Haley could tell that the diamond was worth no less than a million dollars. She deduced that the writing set Todd received was likely of similar value. The two items were unlikely to be cash. Perhaps they were checks or bank cards.
It was evident that Mrs. Winston had meticulously chosen these gifts, perhaps wondering if their value signified her regard for Todd and Angela.
Haley offered a faint smile. "Mrs. Winston, the children will accept the gifts, but we cannot accept the money," she stated firmly.
Mrs. Winston stepped closer, affectionately patting Todd's head before reaching for Angela, who instinctively retreated behind Haley, her eyes wary.
Sensing Angela's discomfort, Mrs. Winston withdrew her hand, her disappointment palpable. "Keith and Owen received similar gifts when they were born. It's a tradition among the Winston family. Todd and Angela shouldn't be excluded. Since you're their mother now, you'll hold onto these for them," she insisted, depositing the items into Haley's pocket.
Though Haley found such situations challenging to navigate, she reluctantly acquiesced, her lips pressed into a tight line. "Thank you, Mrs. Winston," she murmured.
Mrs. Winston acknowledged Haley's response with a nod before turning her gaze to Keith and Owen. "You two, as the older brothers, take Todd and Angela out to play. The adults have matters to discuss," she directed.
Eager to escape into the outdoors, Owen seized Angela's hand, dragging her along as they bolted out of the room.
Meanwhile, Todd, sensing the gravity of the impending discussion, hesitated momentarily.
Noticing Todd's hesitation, Keith approached him casually. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you. Shall we?" he suggested, offering a reassuring smile.
As the children, led by Keith, departed the dining room, Alfred and the household staff discreetly exited, leaving just three people in the spacious room.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
