Hiding Behind Her Superficiality by Kyla Olson

Arthur was wearing an all-white suit that evening and looked incredibly striking. The first thing he did was not greet Theodore with a happy birthday. Instead, he walked over to Callum and Elspeth. “Emma told me you were being mean to her. What did she mean by that?”

Emma had apparently complained to Arthur, so he had come to question them.

How hilarious! Elspeth sneezed. “I would never dare do that. I don’t have the guts to be mean to her. She intentionally came over to disgust me. My only choice was to fight back. Still, what a coincidence. She was so irresponsible as to give an imitation watch as a gift.”

Then, he politely smiled. “Even if her gift isn’t a genuine product, she meant well by it. You knew she was a public figure, yet you repeatedly humiliated her in front of many people.”

Do I have to accept responsibility for everything? She looked at Arthur with disdain as she retorted, “Arthur, it is your business if you like her and want to protect her. I do not like her, so please never mention her name to me.”

Surprised that Elspeth would say something so vile, his face went stiff. “What a crude woman,” he spat out.

Callum shot him a cold glare as he stood in front of Elspeth. “Whom are you calling crude?” he asked, upset.

Arthur did not respond to Callum’s question and merely shot Elspeth a stern look before turning around and walking toward Theodore.

Meanwhile, Theodore had been busy entertaining some guests. When he heard that Arthur was present, emotions warred within him. Hence, he was worried when he saw Arthur approach him.

“Happy birthday, Dad,” Arthur said.

Theodore flinched when he heard the familiar term and responded, “Hey.”

During their last conversation, Arthur repeatedly addressed Theodore as ‘Mr. Winthrop’ before he left, and every time he did that, it hurt Theodore. Still, Arthur was willingly calling him ‘dad’ now. Did that mean he wanted to repair their relationship?

“I am so sorry for last time, Dad,” Arthur stated. “I blamed all of you without knowing everything about the situation. I even said I would cut off all contact with you guys. It’s all my fault. I hope you can forgive me. I still want to call you Dad.”

present was touched. Everyone

came here to make up with your father?” Despite the tears

peeled open the cherry and fed it to Elspeth. “Why else? Money and power. The Winthrops could grant him a greater social standing

he’s up to something

hands clean. “Judging by the

the rest of the Winthrops were not as cautious as him. Except for Edmund, who was hesitant to

that you’re

if we’re not blood-related, you will always be

together for decades. How could their brotherhood

cameras loudly clicked and

that made Elspeth smirk

of the party, Theodore suggested dining in a private room in the hotel’s restaurant. He wanted a reunion dinner since Arthur had returned. When

“Sorry I’m late.”

scowled. Why was Emma

with us. She even put so much effort

was still confused, Arthur added, “The watch isn’t the only gift Emma prepared. There is

that, she knew the pearl was likely

even if it’s not genuine. You’re so

you if I had known it was fake.” Emma ducked

yourself comfortable. Sit down, and

sat down, Callum suddenly spoke up. “Dad,

“What are you saying? I’m still sprightly.