40. The Heirloomâs Rightful Owner
Grandpa Winston couldnât have mistaken the jewelryâs unique design.
In his rage, he yelled loudly, dragging the attention of the people. Stellaâs smile didnât falter. She straightened up, her painted long fingernails caressing the diamonds.
âOh, you mean this?â She laughed. Dad, donât work yourself up over it. I got this jewelry from your sweet granddaughter-in-law.â
âWhat? What do you mean by that?â
âHeidi gave it to me.â Stella stepped close to Blake, looking at him lovingly. âHoney, this is an heirloom that is passed down to every deserving woman in this family. Arenât I the only current daughter-in-law? It should belong to me, right?â
An Heirloom?
The crowd couldnât help but take an attentive look at the unique jewelry.
Never had they seen such exquisite and elegant design wrapped in simplicity.
Its several diamonds reflected with the light, casting a soft glow over its wearer.
Grandpa Winstonâs expression turned sour, hearing Stellaâs explanation.
His hand shook with his cane as he stood up with the help of the Butler. â Are you sure youâre telling the truth? Did Heidi really give this to you?â
âWhy would I lie to you, Dad?â Stella batted her lashes innocently. âHeidiâs a sweet girl. Of course, sheâs so generous.â
But Grandpa Winston was greatly disappointed. The jewelry was his heartfelt gift to Heidi.
Heidi also promised to cherish it forever.
In a matter of minutes, the old man seemed to have aged a few more decades, heartbroken and feeling invalidated.
âHeidi? Who is Heidi?â
âShe might be Lucas Harrisonâs ex- wife. Not everyone knows about her.â
âDidnât I hear rumors that theyâre divorced? Why did she have the jewelry?â
âObviously, she might have deceived Grandpa Winston. The jewelry ended up in Stellaâs hands.â
âWell, Stellaâs right. That heirloom deserves to be hers, right?â
âGrandpa Winston must have favored the former granddaughter-in-law; how funny, she didnât appreciate his kindness.â
The crowdâs murmur did nothing but worsen the situation.
Grandpa Winston shook his head, his expression sullen. âIs Heidi really hurt by that silly boy, Lucas, that she will abandon me?â
The Butler wanted to say, âI told you so.â But the words died in his mouth, fearing they might only hurt him more.
âWhy bother about her, Dad? You have me, Blake, and Lucas. Heidiâs just a strange girl. We donât even know her origin.â
âDad, stop wasting your emotions on insignificant things,â Blake also added. âYou shouldnât have put your hopes on a wayward girl. So what if she saved your life? Is a stranger more important than your own family?â
âYou- shut up. What gave you the right to scold me?â
âWhile I was at the hospital that time, battling death, you all thought I was going to die. Blake Harrison, didnât you stop all the nurses from getting me a matching blood donor? Did you even visit me at the hospital for once?â
âHeidi stepped in and saved my life. Tell me why I shouldnât favor her more than my own son!â
âThatâs not an excuse, Dad.â Blakeâs eyes become cold, holding Stella protectively. âYou couldnât stand Stella. How should I visit you when you didnât want to see her?â
âNonsense! You are just deluded by a woman. I hope your son doesnât take after you. If Lucas hadnât been around to show me affection, I would have sold the whole of GK Group and left you with nothing!â
âPlease, guys, stop it.â Stella looked worried. âTodayâs Dadâs birthday, and weâre here to celebrate. Blake, donât listen to Dad. You guys should let this be a peaceful evening, please.â
âDad.â Stella gave Grandpa Winston an innocent look. âYou arenât gonna snatch this necklace, are you? After all, Iâm its rightful owner.â
âYou-you-â Grandpa Winston broke down into a bought of cough.
The Butler helped him calm down by patting his back.
Suddenly, a commotion came from the entrance, and the crowdâs murmur increased.
âMaster, sheâs here!â
Before the Butler spoke, Grandpa Winston had already looked up.
Heidi stepped into the hall, her eyes frantically darting around as if looking for someone. But the first thing that Grandpa Winston noticed was the same jewelry around her neck.
With a mix of pure and elegant appearance, the necklace didnât draw attention to her, the opposite happened.
Her ethereal beauty, in fact, pulled everyoneâs attention to the necklace.