From Betrayal to Brilliance Her Rise to a New Life novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60 The Birthday Gift

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“Dad, let’s go.” Dion reached out and grabbed Lewis’s hand.

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Lewis didn’t think much of it. He pushed down his surprise and walked with Dion toward Jerome to wish him a happy birthday.

When they reached Jerome, Lewis said in a steady voice, “Grandpa, I wish you a long and healthy life.”

Dion stood straight in his neat little suit, looking polite and well–behaved. He added brightly, “Great–Grandpa, I hope you live as long as the sun and the moon!”

Then he carefully pulled out a rolled–up painting.

“Great–Grandpa, I made this for you. It took me a long time to finish. I hope you’ll like it!”

Bridget quickly stepped in with a proud smile. “Jerome, Dion stayed up many nights to finish this painting. I told him to just buy you something nice, but he insisted on doing it himself to show his sincerity.”

Jerome looked down at the painting. It was a large Tree of Life, its branches strong and full, drawn with skill far beyond what an eight–year–old could usually do. Beside the tree, Dion had carefully written a few birthday wishes with calligraphy.

The boy had clearly practiced for a long time.

Jerome’s eyes softened. He seemed deeply moved.

Alaric’s gift was expensive, but it couldn’t be compared to Dion’s effort. This child was polite, gentle, and well–educated. His calligraphy was elegant, his manners refined.

Even though Athena came from a modest family, she had raised her son well, and that alone earned Jerome’s approval.

Jerome turned toward Dion, his voice warm as he praised, “Dion, you did a wonderful job! Your calligraphy is beautiful.”

Dion’s face lit up with pride. He grinned and said happily, “Mom taught me.”

Alaric and his family had already been jealous after seeing Jerome praise Dion.

Tristan had given a marble statue of St. Michael, yet Jerome hadn’t shown half that excitement.

Dion

gave nothing but a simple painting, but Jerome was thrilled. It made their jealousy burn hotter.

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Chapter 60 The Birthday Gift

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When Dion mentioned his mother, Alaric’s wife suddenly said with a sharp tone, “Speaking of Athena, why isn’t she here today?”

Then Tristan added with a mocking smile, “Don’t tell me she couldn’t be bothered to show up on a day like this?”

“Dad only held big celebrations for his birthday once every ten years,” Alaric sneered. “Especially this year–turning seventy! Not showing up at all is just plain disrespectful.”

Bridget’s face darkened immediately. Her expression was stiff and unpleasant.

Bridget couldn’t help feeling a stab of resentment toward Athena. She hadn’t expected Athena to really push for a divorce. The plan had been for Lewis to use a second child to tie her down, to make her stay. But Athena had run away.

Now no one knew where she was, and because of that, it gave others the perfect chance to mock their family.

Bridget forced her rage down and quickly smoothed it over. “Athena’s been sick lately,” she said with a polite smile. “She really wanted to come, but I was worried she might still be contagious. With so many important people here today, I didn’t want to take the risk.”

She added lightly, “Athena didn’t forget about your birthday. She specially prepared a gift for you. I’ll bring it over to you later, Jerome.”

Her explanation sounded flawless.

Of course, the gift wasn’t from Athena at all. It was something Bridget had secretly bought herself, just in case something like this happened.

Jerome didn’t question it. He simply nodded and said, “If she’s sick, then she should rest. That’s fine.

Alaric and his family clearly wanted to keep stirring the pot, but since Jerome had spoken, they had no choice but to let the matter drop.

Just then, a stir came from the entrance.

Someone whispered, “The Storms are here.”

The moment Lewis turned toward the doorway, he saw Zaden walking in front. His eyes darkened instantly. His jaw tightened and his face hardened. A sharp, cold anger flickered in his expression.

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13:15 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter od The Birthday Gift

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