Chapter 95
The car ride was silent except for the hum of the engine. Evelyn kept her gaze fixed out the window, deliberately avoiding even a glance at Sebastian.
Her hostility was palpable.
Sebastian, on the other hand, stole frequent glances at her. Several times, he opened his mouth to speak, but the words died on his lips.
Archibald’s villa was nestled in the serene hills of Silverpine Valley, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views. The secluded estate felt like a hidden paradise, untouched by the chaos of the city.
“Grandfather, I’m here!”
Evelyn’s face lit up the moment she stepped inside. Her voice, sweet and melodic, carried through the grand foyer like birdsong.
Truthfully, she had been nervous about this visit—especially after the bracelet incident. It had taken her a while to gather the courage to face Archibald again.
“Evelyn, my dear! I’ve missed you terribly!” Archibald called out from his wheelchair as Edmund pushed him forward.
The old man’s entire demeanor brightened the moment he saw his granddaughter-in-law. His joy was unmistakable.
“Where have you been, my girl? Were you planning to abandon me? Do you no longer love your old grandfather?” Archibald clutched Evelyn’s hand tightly, bombarding her with questions.
Sebastian scowled.
Sometimes, he wondered if his grandfather had been a notorious flirt in his youth. The man was nearly eighty, yet he still shamelessly doted on Evelyn.
“Grandfather, I’ve been swamped with work lately. I had to travel for business, and I didn’t even have time to call. It’s my fault for neglecting you. You can scold me all you want.”
Evelyn crouched in front of him, her dimples appearing as she smiled sweetly.
“Oh, I could never scold you, my dear! I’m just happy to see you again!” Archibald shot a pointed look at Sebastian. “If it weren’t for a certain ungrateful fool with terrible judgment, you’d be visiting me every day. I wouldn’t have to go through such lengths just to see you.”
Evelyn’s smile faltered. She didn’t know how to respond.
Sebastian’s expression darkened. He should’ve known better than to come here. Being insulted by his grandfather was practically a family tradition at this point.
“Evelyn, I recently acquired a new painting. I refused to show it to anyone else because I wanted you to be the first to see it.” Archibald took her hand and led her toward his study.
“You want me to authenticate it for you, don’t you, Grandfather?” Evelyn teased lightly, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
“You’ve seen right through me!”
Sebastian, however, was taken aback.
He had been married to Evelyn for three years, yet he had no idea she was skilled in painting, racing, and sewing. Now, he was learning she could also appraise artwork?
How many hidden talents did this woman have? He found it hard to believe she was this accomplished.
Which was exactly why he wanted to witness it for himself.
In the study, Edmund had already put on white gloves. He carefully unrolled the painting and laid it on the mahogany desk for inspection.
“Evelyn, this is my new acquisition. Would you mind giving me your expert opinion?” Archibald asked eagerly.
“Of course, Grandfather.”
Evelyn leaned over the painting, studying it through a magnifying glass. Her left hand rested behind her back as she examined it with meticulous precision.
Sebastian couldn’t help but notice how serious and composed she looked—so different from her usual playful demeanor. The contrast amused him.
Despite her youthful beauty, she carried herself with the authority of a seasoned scholar. It was fascinating.
Archibald’s gaze lingered on the emerald bracelet around Evelyn’s wrist. A knowing glint flickered in his eyes, though his smile remained warm.
“This is Wivenhoe Park, a renowned landscape by John Constable,” Evelyn announced confidently.
“Exactly right!” Archibald beamed.
“Constable was famous for his countryside landscapes. He drew inspiration from rural scenery, often incorporating lush greenery into his works. His use of rich colors and natural light captured the magic of nature beautifully.”
Sebastian found himself captivated by her explanation. His eyes remained fixed on her profile, drawn in by her quiet expertise.
“I’m afraid I have to disappoint you, Grandfather. This isn’t the original. It’s a replica painted by one of Constable’s descendants. That said, the style is remarkably similar.”
The authentic piece, after all, was displayed in Reginald’s private art collection.
“Oh dear! It seems I’ve been duped again!” Archibald sighed dramatically.
Evelyn—
