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.”

so moving that everyone present was touched. Everyone except for Callum

make up with your father?” Despite the tears in Arthur’s eyes, Elspeth did not think things were what

“Why else? Money and power. The Winthrops could grant him a greater social standing

he’s up

as he wiped his hands clean. “Judging by the current situation, though, he is definitely not doing this out

cautious as him. Except for Edmund, who was hesitant to believe Arthur,

good that you’re

you will always be my

lived together for decades. How could their brotherhood be cut off

as cameras loudly clicked and flashed. Tomorrow’s headline

that made Elspeth

a private room in the hotel’s restaurant. He wanted a reunion dinner since Arthur had returned. When the food was all served up, someone rushed into the

“Sorry I’m late.”

scowled. Why was

and explained, “I invited Emma. After all, she flew so far to be here with us. She even put so much effort into my birthday celebration. I

afraid everyone was still confused, Arthur added, “The watch isn’t the only gift Emma prepared. There is also a luminous pearl of

pearl was likely given

even

never have given it to you if I

Sit down, and

sat down, Callum suddenly spoke up. “Dad, is

are you saying? I’m still sprightly. How could I be