Chapter 260

Chapter 260:

Andrew’s lips curled into a sneer, his silence more cutting than any words. Courtney felt the sting as if he had struck her across the face, a wave of humiliation washing over her. Breaking the tension, Damari, calm and composed, said, “Alright, that’s enough. It’s time for lunch.” He then turned to Madisyn, his tone softening. “Madisyn, keep the bracelet. I really like you. You should visit me more often when you can.”

Madisyn hesitated, her gaze flickering between the bracelet and Andrew. Sensing her uncertainty, Andrew nodded, his voice reassuring. “If Grandpa wants you to have it, then take it.” Only then did she offer a small nod, accepting the gift.

They moved to the dining room, where Damari and Glenn engaged in light conversation, their voices carrying a casual ease. Andrew, meanwhile, was attentively serving Madisyn, their interaction radiating a sense of calm and comfort. Across the table, however, Rowan and his family were on edge, their faces clouded with a deepening gloom.

This visit to Damari had been filled with high hopes, but it had taken a disastrous turn. The expensive painting they had brought as a gift had been revealed as a fake— a fact Damari had clearly noticed but, in his graciousness, chose not to mention. Yet, they had compounded their mistake by questioning Madisyn’s gift, an act that now seemed like digging their own grave. Damari had since ignored them, and they dared not break the silence.

Courtney stared blankly at the sumptuous meal before her, finding it all tasteless. Bruno, too, was simmering with frustration. He had expected to see Madisyn humiliated, only to realize that she was far more capable than he had anticipated. As he watched her, a realization dawned on him—Madisyn was a threat that needed to be eliminated.

There was no way he could allow her to become Andrew’s ally and support. Glenn intended to leave right after lunch, mindful that Damari was getting older and it wouldn’t be proper to overstay their welcome. After the meal, he quietly discussed their departure with Rowan. Rowan mulled it over briefly before nodding in agreement, but just as they were about to proceed, Sarai’s voice cut through the air. “It’s rare for us to come here; let’s stay a bit longer. It’s been years since we were all together, and Mr. Damari Klein could use the company a little longer.”

It was clear she had no intention of leaving anytime soon. Glenn’s brow furrowed slightly, but after observing the pleasant exchange between Damari and Madisyn, he chose not to push the issue further. Courtney, still stinging from the earlier humiliation, sat quietly on the sofa, her frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

Sarai noticed her distress and moved closer, her voice soft and reassuring. “Don’t let this get to you, sweetheart,” she murmured. “This situation has revealed that Madisyn is far more calculating than she appears. She’s been several steps ahead from the start. Competing with her won’t be easy, but that’s not where your focus should be. The important thing now is to strengthen your bond with Andrew.”

Courtney cast a worried glance at Andrew, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “But he’s been with Madisyn the entire time.” Sarai responded with a gentle smile, brushing a stray strand of hair from Courtney’s face. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We have the whole afternoon. The right moment will come. You’re beautiful, talented, and kind—any man would be drawn to you. You just need to show Andrew what makes you truly special.”

Courtney hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly, determination beginning to replace her doubt. Sarai turned her attention to Andrew and suggested casually, “Andrew, since it’s Madisyn and Courtney’s first visit to the Klein family’s manor, why don’t you show them around? It’d be nice for you all to spend some time together.”

Andrew looked to Madisyn for her reaction. When she gave a small nod, he agreed, “Alright, come on then.” Madisyn, intrigued by the estate she had yet to explore, followed alongside him.

The Klein family’s manor, perched halfway up the mountain, was an expansive and seemingly endless property. Multiple villas, each with its own distinct architectural style, were scattered across the grounds. The gardens that lined the cobblestone paths were filled with rare and exotic plants, creating a sense of discovery at every turn.

As they strolled through the estate, the surroundings exuded the grandeur of an ancient European palace, rich with history and elegance. Madisyn’s eyes widened as she took it all in, a note of admiration in her voice as she remarked, “This place must hold so much history.”

“Yes,” Andrew replied, nodding slightly. “The Klein family’s manor has been around for a thousand years. It’s been renovated over time to maintain its grandeur.” Madisyn had anticipated the estate to be old, but the realization that it spanned a millennium left her in awe. The Kleins were indeed descendants of nobility, and the weight of history hung in the air around them.

Courtney’s eyes softened with a mix of envy and admiration. “How impressive, as expected of the Klein family,” she remarked. “Andrew, did you grow up here?” Andrew gave a brief nod, his expression distant and detached. Courtney noticed his lack of enthusiasm and bit her lip in frustration. Every time Madisyn spoke, Andrew’s demeanor seemed to soften, yet he remained cold and aloof toward her. The contrast gnawed at her, deepening her dismay.

As they strolled through a garden, Courtney’s eyes suddenly brightened as she spotted a rare flower. “Oh, are those snowdrops?” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with surprise. “Snowdrops are notoriously difficult to cultivate, yet they are thriving here!” Andrew’s reply was as indifferent as ever. “Yes.” Undeterred, Courtney pressed on, eager to make an impression. “And look, there are summer snowflakes, too. Such beauty! These flowers are so rare—hardly seen anywhere else.”

She turned to Andrew, her eyes soft and hopeful, trying to convey her admiration. “Andrew, I have a deep love for flowers and quite a bit of knowledge about them. Would it be possible for me to visit more often to admire them? It would be such an honor.”

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