EuropeNovelChapter 540 "My mother and grandmother have always loved collecting jade. I brought a few pieces withwhen I came, and I'd like to give this pendant to you, Mrs. Everhart. I hope you won't mind accepting it." She also gave Leonie a bracelet, the stones clear as water and just as rare. The price tag was nothing to scoff at. She'd originally planned to give Leonie a bangle, but bracelets always seemed a little too grown-up for someone Leonie's age, so she'd changed her mind.
"This is far too generous," Mrs. Everhart said, at a bit of a loss for words. It felt wrong to accept something so valuable from someone she'd only just met.
And the fact that Gwyneth could casually give away such an expensive gem made Mrs. Everhart even more uncertain about this girl's background.
Still, Gwyneth's manner was gracious and humble, the kind of poise that can't be faked or bought no matter how much money one might have. That sort of upbringing went deeper than appearances.
"Please, you don't need to worry about it," Gwyneth replied, her voice gentle. "Compared to the Everhart family, this is nothing at all. I just hope it's not too plain, and that it won't embarrass you." Her words were perfectly measured a subtle nod to her own family's status while still flattering the Everharts. Mrs. Everhart's already warm expression softened even more.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Oh, Mom, you two really don't need to be so formal," Leonie chimed in, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist without hesitation. "Gwyn, it's beautiful-thank you!" The sparkling stones brought out the fairness of Leonie's skin, making her look even more radiant.
Mrs. Everhart could tell at a glance that the bracelet alone was worth a small fortune.
"You girls..." Mrs. Everhart sighed, a little overwhelmed, having never expected such lavish gifts. She'd been caught off guard and could only let it go for now.
"Don't stay out too late," she added, passing each of them a soft wool scarf. She wrapped one around Leonie's neck, then did the sfor Gwyneth.
"It's only early spring, and the nights are still chilly. Stay warm, all right? I don't want you catching a cold." As Gwyneth leaned in for her scarf, she caught a faint, comforting scent from Mrs. Everhart-something gentle and familiar, almost maternal. For a brief moment, she was lost in memory, reminded of the tenderness Victoria used to show her. "We know, we know, Mom! You worry too much. We're heading out," Leonie said with a laugh, looping her arm through Gwyneth's and pulling her toward the door. "Mrs. Everhart, we'll see you later. Don't worry I'll have Leonie hby nine," Gwyneth promised.
Mrs. Everhart smiled, eyes crinkling. "All right, have fun, you two." She watched them get into the car and drive away before turning and heading back inside.
Gwyneth couldn't shake that feeling of warmth and belonging. She sat quietly in the car, lost in thought, as Leonie chattered on beside her; Gwyneth barely registered a word.
She'd cto Greenvale to escape the people and memories of Starfall City, but now, being here, she found herself longing for the very warmth she'd tried to leave behind.
Hans parked at the end of a bustling street, and as soon as they stepped out, the savory aroma of spices filled the air-rich, but not overwhelming.
The old, cobblestone shopping street, with its rain-soaked charm and crowds of people, made Greenvale feel even more alive.
"Cjoin us, Hans," Gwyneth called out, her invitation sincere.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Hans shook his head with a polite smile. "I still need to check in with Mr.
ΟΠΤ Everhart. Miss Langford, Miss Everhart, just givea call when you're finished, and I'll cpick you up." His reasons were perfectly valid, so Gwyneth didn't press him.
As soon as Hans walked away, Leonie tugged at Gwyneth's sleeve.
"Did you see that? He actually smiled," she whispered.
Gwyneth gave her an odd look. "Doesn't he always?" Leonie's face twisted into a scowl, a
mock outrage lighting up her features. You must be kiddingThat's the first tx've ever seen him smile! Usually, he's just Uncle's loyal shadow-or maybe he's just being friendlier because you're so pretty?" She leaned in so close Gwyneth instinctively took a step back.
"He was never like this before.
Always so serious-the sas my uncle. honestly thoughthe was about the sage, too. But when he smiles, he actually looks like one of us."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
