Chapter 420:
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How could his grandson have been so blind, mistaking a rare gem like Allison for something ordinary?
Allison paused, wiping her brow. âThat was just the sketch. The real challenge is matching the colors. Restoring it fully depends on how close I can get to the original shades.â
She didnât boast about her abilities, but Keanu had no doubt in her.
He shook his head, grinning. âIâve seen this painting a thousand times. Your strokes are nearly identical to the original.â
He hesitated before adding, âMy dear, Colton truly was blind. He never realized what a precious woman he lost.â
From the doorway, Melany stiffened, Keanuâs words stinging like a slap. She had arrived just in time to hear his regret, his praise for Allisonâa woman who was clearly more valuable in his eyes than she, his granddaughter-in-law, had ever been.
Anger twisted in Melanyâs chest, followed by jealousy so bitter that she could almost taste it. Stepping into the room, she forced a tight smile.
âKeanu, arenât you trusting Ms. Clarke a bit too much?â
Her eyes flicked to the paints and brushes scattered on the table, a smug smirk tugging at her lips.
âAll the gear, but no clue in sight.â
She exhaled, her sigh thick with exaggerated pity.
âMs. Clarke, if you ruin this painting, do you think you can afford the damage?â
Allison didnât respond to Melanyâs taunt. Instead, she bent over the canvas, her hand steady as she expertly restored the damaged corner with delicate, precise strokes. The painting gradually reclaimed its former glory, the colors merging seamlessly under her careful touch.
Across the room, Keanuâs cane tapped the floor, his frustration evident in every line of his face.
âWhat nonsense are you spewing now?â he snapped, narrowing his eyes at Melany. âWho gave you permission to step foot in here?â
Since Allisonâs fallout with Colton, Keanu had explicitly banned both Melany and Colton from entering the Stevens mansion, and he had no patience for either of them.
But before anyone could react, a voice rang from the hallway.
âGrandpa, Iâm here to help.â
Colton appeared, his face tense, shadowed by a small crew hauling wooden crates.
He stepped into the room, eyes wary, fully aware that his mere presence would provoke Keanuâs ire.
âYouâve got some nerve showing your face here,â Keanu barked, tightening his grip on his cane.
His anger flared, and in one swift motion, he raised the cane, ready to strike. âHelp me? Youâd do me a bigger favor by staying far, far away! Youâre nothing but trouble!â
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Message from Noa: Happy Tuesday, dear readers! I hope you all had a wonderful start to the week. Wishing you a productive and joyful day ahead. God bless you, and Noa wishes you all the best. (>â¿=)â
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