Chapter 13 Belinda Isn’t As Big–Hearted
Belinda shivered at the icy gleam in her eyes, instantly flashing back to that stinging slap from back in Fighters Group. Dina was like a madwoman now, capable of anything extreme. It was an obvious threat…
If Dina actually hugged the baby, everyone would praise her for being so gracious and forgiving, and the child would rightfully be seen as her son…
She thought, ‘The son I nearly died giving birth to, how could I possibly hand him over to Dina?‘
Belinda quickly snatched the child back from Blair’s arms, her stance radiating possessiveness without her even realizing it. “The baby gets fussy around strangers. It’d be a mess if he started crying during the birthday party. Maybe next time.” Dina spread her hands with a knowing shrug, her face clearly saying, “See? It’s not me refusing to hold him.”
This abrupt turnaround left the chattering relatives, who’d just been eagerly insisting that Dina should be grateful, feeling like they’d been slapped across the face, their cheeks burning with invisible heat.
Their faces darkened, and they shot disapproving looks at Belinda.
“All talk and no walk. Turns out Belinda isn’t as big–hearted as she lets on.”
“Looks like the second branch is headed for nonstop drama.”
“Well, it’s her own flesh and blood, after all. Handing him over to someone else to raise has got to be tough…”
The scattered murmurs wormed their way into ears around the room.
Blair frowned, casting a disapproving glance at Belinda.
Her face flushed crimson with humiliation. Inside, she seethed with hatred for Dina, but on the outside, she looked even more pitiful and aggrieved, her eyes welling up as she started to explain. “Blair, I was just worried about the baby…” “Mr. Woodward has arrived!” The butler’s resonant voice cut through the air, instantly quelling the buzz in the party hall. As he was dressed in a sharp suit, leaning on an agarwood cane, his silver hair combed to perfection, Darren made his way down the stairs step by step, flanked by attendants.
His aura was commanding and formidable, his gaze piercing like lightning, drawing every eye in the room to him in an instant.
No one dared to whisper anymore. They all plastered on respectful smiles and stepped forward to offer their birthday wishes to Darren.
The elaborate gift–giving ceremony began right after.
When it was the grandchildren’s turn to present their offerings, Darren’s eyes cut through the crowd and fixed right on Dina. His voice rumbled with unyielding authority, “Dina, come here.”
Gifts were always presented in order of rank and seniority. As Blair’s nominal “wife,” Dina should have gone after Hank and Belinda, by all rights.
But Darren had singled her out first. The crowd thought, ‘What could this mean?‘ Everyone stared at Dina with curious, probing eyes, their thoughts spinning wildly.
Someone whispered, “It has to be those recent scandals she’s stirred up. Darren’s caught wind of them. He’s about to chew her out right here in front of everyone.”
Eileen knitted her brows, her voice laced with irritation and contempt as she shot a venomous glare at Dina. “You’re nothing but a jinx who ruins everything you touch. Blair marrying you was the curse of many lifetimes.
“Quick, ditch that tacky little thing you’re holding. Get over here and present the fancy gift Blair prepared, together. Butter up Darren nice and sweet. If you screw this up and make our second branch lose face in front of the whole family, you’ll answer to me back home.”
“Dina, don’t worry. I’ve got your back.” Blair pressed the ornate, clearly expensive gift box into Dina’s hands.
At the same time, his other hand reached firmly for her plain antique brocade box, his tone brooking no argument. “Listen to me. Don’t be stubborn. You can’t afford to be rude in front of Darren.”
Dina yanked her hand back, dodging his reach.
She didn’t so much as glance at the pricey gift Successfully unlocked!ching her own understated antique brocade box firmly in both hands, she ignored the sea ofiter and stuck toward the imposing Darren at the head table.
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“Dina!” Blair was livid at her defiance, his voice a harsh whisper. He couldn’t believe how unreasonable she was being.
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Chapter 13 Belinda Isn’t As Big Hearted
Darren’s hair and beard were pure white, exuding an effortless authority. He raised his eyelids a fraction, his penetrating gaze locking onto Dina as she stepped up.
Dina straightened her back, meeting Darren’s appraising stare with unflinching grace. She smoothly opened the brocade box and pulled out the scroll. “Darren, I wish you a happy birthday.”
A hand shot out, clamping down on hers to halt the unrolling of the painting.
Blair stood beside her, his face set in stone, humbly apologizing to Darren on her behalf.
He said, “Grandpa, please don’t hold it against her. Dina’s young and impulsive. She didn’t mean to insult you with
something so… unsuitable for the occasion. We’ve actually prepared a far more valuable gift…”
“Unsuitable?” Dina cut through his presumptuous words with icy precision, her lips twisting into a sharper sneer. “Blair, if anyone’s unsuitable here, it’s you.”
With a swift flick of her delicate hand, the scroll unfurled with a crisp “whoosh“.
Before everyone’s eyes spread an ancient, powerful painting of profound artistry.
“The ‘Empire’s Solitary Heron Canvas“?”
“It’s authentic! But how… how is that even possible?”
“The masterpiece Darren’s been chasing for over a decade! A collector’s holy grail, utterly one–of–a–kind!”
The room exploded in murmurs and gasps of awe.
Darren’s clouded eyes suddenly gleamed with intensity. He leaned in a bit, his fingers actually trembling.
Blair stood rooted to the spot, staring at the painting in shock, then at Dina’s serene profile. A surge of anxious dread clutched at his heart. He’d gotten it wrong about her again.
He thought, ‘But how on earth has she… managed to get her hands on the Empire’s Solitary Heron Canvas?‘
“Superb!” Darren repeated the word. When he looked at Dina, his gaze held a rare flicker of subtle warmth and admiration.” Dina, you’ve truly gone above and beyond.”
Then, he turned his eyes to Blair, his voice cool and detached. “You may step aside now. I need a private word with Dina.”
Blair, summarily dismissed, was speechless. He shot Dina a series of conflicted glances but, in the end, had no choice but to retreat with mixed emotions, gift box still in tow.
The others discreetly gave them some space.
Darren ran his fingers over the painting for a long while before finally speaking in a grave tone, “That kid Hank, he’s got a heart of ice and a ruthless streak, like a rock you can’t thaw. All these years, I’ve thrown every eligible heiress and beauty his way, and he wouldn’t even spare them a glance. Yet in the end, he up and marries you, his own cousin’s wife…”
He snapped his head up, his eyes honed like a hawk’s talons fresh from the forge, boring straight into Dina’s as if to pierce her very soul. “Dina, level with me: why exactly did he marry you?”
Dina’s fingertips tightened just a touch. She thought, ‘Why? To get back at Blair, to rub that whole family’s noses in it.‘
If she spilled the truth, even this legendary artwork might not shield her. But a lie… under Darren’s all–knowing, world–weary scrutiny, it would have nowhere to hide.
