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The massive dining area in Han's House was an emblem of silent, inherited wealth. Royal and grand, it dwarfed the small gathering of Gabriella's parents, the Relative Richardson, his wife Janette, their son Han, and Roselette's mother.
Gabriella ate slowly, her senses absorbing everything—the hushed chatter, the glint of silverware, the subtle weight of expectation. Her eyes drifted continually toward Han. He was smiling, casually engaging everyone, the picture of a charming host.
Janette, Richardson's wife, leaned forward, her voice laced with pride. "You don't know Roselette, but Han is so genius! He's participated in many national-level quizzes. He won, too!"
Han offered a modest, yet confident, explanation. "Of course. I have a great memory, so…" He smiled.
A tiny smirk played on Gabriella's lips. A great memory, huh? Roselette, seated beside her, nodded proudly, thrilled by her nephew's accomplishments. Just as Gabriella confirmed her skepticism, Han suddenly looked directly at her. She immediately turned her eyes, focusing intently on her plate.
The Mother's Jewels
After the lavish dinner, Gabriella found herself in her Grandma's grand room. The old woman spoke sweetly, gushing about how long it had been since she'd seen her granddaughter. She presented Gabriella with a case of precious jewelry.
Gabriella, still feeling unattached and guarded, simply looked at the gift and didn't accept it.
"Why won't you take it, warm heart?" Grandma asked, her tone softening with feigned confusion.
Gabriella met her gaze directly. "Why are you still ignoring your daughter?"
Grandma smiled gently, a wall of serenity. "You don't know what happened nineteen years ago. I don't want to tell you."
"Is what happened so wrong?" Gabriella pressed. "My mother chose her loved one—my father—nineteen years ago. Was that a crime?"
Grandma's smile tightened into a distinct smirk. "You were so sweet when I talked to you at Han's engagement party. But I didn't know you were actually like this." She paused, letting the silence land. "Like your mother."
"Of course," Gabriella retorted, her eyes cool. "I'm also shocked. I thought you were sweet when I first met you, but now I've found out you aren't."
A flicker of anger crossed Grandma's eyes, quickly hidden behind a placid smile. "This is your mother's jewelry. Take it. Don't show your anger on this. You can show it to me instead." She smiled warmly, almost kindly.
Gabriella paused, her resolve unwavering. She spoke slowly, with finality. "I will accept it when you accept my mother."
She turned and moved out of the room.
The Grandma's smile widened as soon as the door clicked shut. Her eyes, however, held a calculating light. How is my daughter handling her? she mused, a low chuckle escaping her throat. Her attitude proves it. She is the Lucien Group Heir.
The Interrogation
Just outside the grand room, Gabriella came to an abrupt stop. Han was standing there, leaning against the wall. She was momentarily shocked.
Han came closer, his voice low and calm. "Why were you talking to Grandma rudely?"
Gabriella smirked. "Were you eavesdropping?"
"Yes. But you don't know how much our Grandma has been waiting for you. She loves you a lot," Han insisted, a concerned furrow in his brow.
"I don't want to know." Gabriella's eyes turned cold, suspicion surging through her. "Wait. Did you know me before, that I am your Auntie's daughter?"
Han didn't flinch. "Yes, I knew," he said normally. "Since I met you at the party in Raina's House."
He knows, Gabriella thought, her mind racing. Is he involved? Did Raina tell him I'm Andria? I need to check.
"Oh. Are you and Raina close friends?" Gabriella asked, attempting to sound casual.
"Casually, yes. Since the fifth grade, I think. Why are you asking me?"
Gabriella dropped the pretense and went straight for the heart of the matter. "Do you know… Andria?"
Han blinked, his expression genuinely puzzled. "Who is she? I don't know any Andria."
Gabriella studied his face—his surprise seemed real. His expression is genuine. I think he's not involved in my incident, she concluded.
"Nothing," she waved off the question. "That's Raina's old friend. I met her two weeks ago, so I asked if you knew her."
Han shrugged. "Really? I don't know. Girls don't share everything with their guy bestie, I guess."
Gabriella offered a small smile.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, saw the name Jake, and cut the call. Han watched her phone discreetly. A message popped up immediately: Why didn't you answer my call? Anyway, Ready for our first date? It's on tomorrow.
Gabriella rolled her eyes, not replying. Han clearly saw everything, but acted as if he hadn't.
"Who's that?" he asked innocently. "Is that your boyfriend?"
Gabriella turned to face him, a second of surprise giving way to cold dismissal. "No. Spam call."
Han nodded. "I thought you'd have a boyfriend. Most girls your age do."
Gabriella stared at him, ice in her eyes. "Are you peeking at my phone?" She didn't wait for an answer. "Is it necessary to have a boyfriend? I don't want one."
Han just kept smiling. Gabriella turned, moving down the hall, and he followed, a shadow in the large house.
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