No Ads

1

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

93%

“Wait a second–what’s that smell?” Liam narrowed his eyes, his weathered but sharp gaze locking onto Victor.

Victor stiffened. His face went through several expressions before settling on an awkward grin. “It’s… nothing! Just cologne,” he said, forcing out a chuckle.

Liam scoffed, unimpressed. His lips pressed into a firm line, and his stare grew heavier, laced with suspicion. “Cologne, my ass!” he barked. “I’m your father–I know what are you thinking.”

His voice carried a weight that brooked no argument. “What are you hiding?”

Running home in the middle of the night, sneaking around, and trying to hide something–clearly, something was off.

Victor hesitated. His hand twitched toward the doorknob, ready to reveal the orchid he had painstakingly kept secret. But at the last second, he stopped himself.

‘Wait. That is supposed to be a surprise, he thought.

Letting out a dramatic sigh, he quickly stepped forward and nudged Liam toward his bedroom. “You’ll find out soon enough. Just give it a couple of days, alright? Let’s keep some mystery in life.”

Liam grumbled, his eyes narrowing even further. “You-”

“Alright, alright, enough questions,” Victor interrupted, ushering Liam inside with well–placed pats on the back. “It’s late! You should get some rest.”

Once back in his own room, Victor exhaled in relief.

Victor carefully cradled the orchid, inhaling its soft, lingering fragrance. He debated locking it away in his cabinet for safekeeping, but he thought it needed fresh air.

He agonized over the decision for nearly an hour before finally settling on placing the plant by the balcony, where it could breathe freely.

To be extra cautious, he locked his bedroom door, then went straight to the butler and retrieved his spare key–just in case. He had to make sure no one would snoop around while he was at the hospital.

Of course, his secrecy only made the rest of the household more curious.

The moment Victor left the house the next morning, Liam was already at his door, conspiratorially whispering to the butler.

He wondered if there was some kind of living creature hidden inside the room.

This routine continued for several days.

Liam’s birthday arrived. The Manson

close allies filled

remained locked in his room, meticulously preparing his

final touches, a sharp knock

is it?” he called out

plan a secret. He wanted his gift to be the highlight of the evening

1/4

Chapter 34

around like a thief? tan

the door and ter

quick glance around the room before his gaze landed on the balcony.

arranged flowerpot eat in place of the old one, with traces of

Smells amazing fan remarked as he crouched down beside Victor, helping him tidy

the scent. The moment you step into the hall, everyone will notice, fan suggested.

up as soon as I finish repotting”

a glass cover over the flowers, a grin spread across his face. “Dad is going to love

small nod of

everything was neatly arranged, Victor draped a cloth over the pot and called for a servant to fetch

they were done, he and lan

see Mr. Manson,”

representing the Holmes family at the

been unpredictable, so he

were used to it by now–everywhere he went, someone would inevitably ask

soon as they stepped into the hall, Liam immediately locked eyes

Liam, chatting and laughing, a sight that filled the other Manson family members

Manson family was large, and while many of the younger members were accomplished, Victor was undoubtedly the most favored.

a few feet away from Liam. He was

could never match

glint of darkness flashed through the man’s eyes.

a flicker of hope emerged

spent months securing a painting from the renowned artist–an exquisite orchid painting that Liam, an avid orchid lover, was sure to appreciate.

forward

the gift–giving segment of the evening began, the younger family

Liam’s status, he had seen

Chapter 34

polite smile, but there

was always like this; he had seen too many gifts over the years.

man stepped forward, holding a long box.

smoothly transitioning to his

love orchids, Mr. Manson,” the man said, bowing slightly as he presented the gift. “So, I sought out the renowned artist and was fortunate

that, he carefully lifted the scroll

hall erupted into

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255