Chapter 320
“Sure,” Keira nodded.
Caitlin climbed into the car, cradling the little puppy in her arms. Hannah glanced back and suggested, “Freya, why don’t you pick a name for the pup p>
“Grandma, you do it p>
The moment Hannah heard that, she beamed, feeling honored by her granddaughter’s trust. “Well, Freya, you found her on New Year’s Monday. How about we call her Monday p>
“I like that,” Caitlin said, stroking the puppy’s soft head. “Monday, you have a name now. Grandma picked it just for you p>
Monday seemed to understand and let out a small, happy yip, which was impossibly adorable.
Meanwhile, Keira was already on the phone, asking the butler to prepare a dog bed and some kibble before they got home.
Gonzales Manor.
When Caitlin returned, still carrying the little puppy-now somewhat cleaner but still scruffy-Ann could barely hide her disdain. Of course the country bumpkin would drag home a stray. Did she think the Gonzales family was running an animal shelter?
And yet, Keira didn’t say a word against it. In fact, she seemed completely on board.
Favoritism. That’s all it was.
Ann seethed silently. She knew that if she’d ever tried to bring home a stray, Keira would have scolded her within an inch of her life. Keira only ever cared about her precious granddaughter.
What about her? In Keira’s eyes, she barely counted as a pebble on the sidewalk.
It was almost laughable.
Still, Ann kept her feelings hidden, forcing a bright smile as she approached. “Freya, this puppy is adorable! Did you give her a name yet p>
“Her name’s Monday,” Caitlin answered.
“That’s a lovely name,” Ann replied sweetly.
Suddenly, as if she remembered something, Ann turned to Caitlin. “Oh, Freya, I prepared New Year’s gifts for both you and your cousin Tammie. I’ve been waiting for you to come home so I could give them to you in person p>
She shot a look at the maid beside her. “Dahlia, would you bring out the gifts I prepared for Freya and Tammie p>
“Yes, Miss Ann p>
Miss Ann. There it was again.
That wretched title.
The words grated on her nerves, and something sharp flashed in Ann’s eyes. One day, she’d be the mistress of the Gonzales family. One day, everyone in this house would answer to her.
It wasn’t long before Dahlia returned carrying two elegantly wrapped boxes.
Ann took one of the boxes from her and walked over to Tammie, her voice warm and playful. “Tammie, want to guess what’s inside p>
“Cologne?” Tammie ventured.
“Nope p>
“A razor p>
“Still no p>
Tammie gave up, laughing. “Alright, Ann, you’ll have to tell me. I can’t guess p>
Ann grinned with exaggerated mystery and lifted the lid. “Ta-da! Take a look for yourself p>
Tammie’s eyes widened in delight. “It’s a painting by Master Fenmore p>
Fenmore.
At the mention of the name, Caitlin looked up, her gaze flickering to the box.
Ann noticed it immediately, a smirk tugging at her lips.
She didn’t need to ask-she knew Caitlin must be envious. After all, Fenmore was a legend.
He was a master of oil paintings, and the reason Tammie had become a well- known comic artist in the first place was because of Fenmore’s influence.
Three years ago, Fenmore had burst onto the international scene, winning a slew of awards with his painting “The Traveler on a Snowy Night.” The piece was eventually acquired by the Museum of Global Art & History.
Every painting Fenmore produced since had become an instant classic, nearly impossible to acquire.
Tammie adored Fenmore’s style. Though he’d never met the man himself, Fenmore’s art had always spoken to him.
A person’s art, like their character, revealed everything.
For Tammie, Fenmore was a lifelong idol. Inspired by him, Tammie had even tried
his hand at oil painting for a while, before fate nudged him into the world of comics, where he’d made a name for himself.
Tammie looked at Ann, curious. “Ann, Fenmore’s paintings are nearly impossible to get. How did you manage it p>
Ann’s eyes gleamed with pride. “Oh, it’s nothing. I just happen to be friends with Master Fenmore’s protégé, Alison p>
Honestly, who else in the city could claim to know Alison?
“Ann, would you introduce me to Master Alison?” Tammie asked eagerly, unable
to hide his excitement. Even meeting Fenmore’s protégé would be a dream come true.
“Of course,” Ann replied, nodding. “But let me talk to him first, just to be sure.” “I’d appreciate that, Ann p>
“Oh, don’t mention it, Tammie! It’s the least I can do.” Then, as if remembering something, Ann turned to Caitlin with a dazzling smile. “Freya, I know you probably never had a chance to meet anyone from the art world back in the countryside. Would you like to join Tammie when he meets Alison? If you’re interested, I can put in a word for you p>