Chapter 375
Carla was absolutely enchanted by Caitlin’s looks.
Sitting next to someone so beautiful made even the simplest things-like sipping water-feel inexplicably sweet.
“Of course, Mrs. Ryan,” she replied, her tone polite but her eyes never leaving Caitlin’s face.
With no other option, Amanda took Ann and settled down on the other side of the table, opposite the two.
Ann watched as Caitlin, sitting directly across from her, chatted and laughed effortlessly with Carla. Jealousy pressed so hard on Ann’s chest, she could hardly breathe.
Why?
Why did Caitlin, this nobody from a backwater town, get to act so high and mighty -like she was better than Ann?
And Carla, honestly, was a fool.
Couldn’t she see that Ann was the real jewel in the room, the one who truly sparkled? How could Caitlin even compare-she wasn’t worth a single one of Ann’s fingers.
Before long, the conversation shifted. Old Mrs. Ryan and Keira began to discuss the calligraphy hanging in the grand foyer of the Gonzales family estate.
Old Mrs. Ryan smiled and said, “If I’m not mistaken, that’s Mr. Quinten’s work, isn’t it p>
“Yes,” Keira nodded. “I won that at a charity auction a couple of years back.” Amanda glanced up at Old Mrs. Ryan. “You’re a fan of Mr. Quinten as well p>
“I am,” Old Mrs. Ryan replied, a touch of wistfulness in her voice. “But his pieces have become so rare these last few years. Even if I wanted to buy one, I wouldn’t know where to start p>
Regret flickered in her eyes as she finished speaking.
“That’s easy enough,” Amanda said, turning to a nearby maid. “Davina, would you bring down the latest piece Mr. Quinten sent to my room p>
“Yes, Miss Amanda p>
Within moments, Davina returned, carrying a box. Amanda took it from her, opened it, and carefully drew out a sheet of thick, creamy paper.
There, in bold, elegant script, were four characters: Refined Taste, Profound Heart.
Beneath the words, Owen Quinten’s signature and his private seal were stamped.
The moment she saw it, Old Mrs. Ryan actually pushed her chair back and stood up in shock. “It really is Mr. Quinten’s calligraphy! And this is his most recent work p>
Even Carla was taken aback.
They’d lived in Rosenthal for years, and Owen Quinten was something of a legend-famous not just at home, but among the city’s elite as well.
Amanda smiled. “If you like it so much, Mrs. Ryan, why don’t you take it? It’s my gift to you p>
“Amanda, are you sure?” Mrs. Ryan looked at her in disbelief. “This is such a priceless piece p>
Amanda laughed softly. “It might be a treasure to you, but for Ann, this is just something ordinary Mr. Quinten has sent her several works like this-this is just one of many p>
At that, both Old Mrs. Ryan and Carla stared at Ann in shock.
Carla couldn’t help blurting out, “Ann, that’s incredible! Mr. Quinten actually sent you his calligraphy personally p>
In all of the Capital, who else could claim such an honor?
Ann’s eyes sparkled with pride, though she tried to play it cool. “Oh, Mrs. Ryan,
you’re exaggerating. I’m just an ordinary person, nothing special p>
Carla pressed on, genuine curiosity lighting her face. “Come on, Ann, don’t be so modest. Tell Mrs. Ryan, how did you manage it p>
Ann simply smiled, maintaining an air of humility and saying nothing.
Amanda jumped in to change the subject. “Mrs. Ryan, do you use TikTok p>
“I do, of course! It’s the most popular social media app in the world these days p>
Amanda grinned. “Then I’m sure you’ve heard of Victoria p>
“Of course! Victoria is the biggest influencer on TikTok right now. That photo of her from behind was called the most beautiful snapshot of last Summer Even Mc Quinten is said to be her fan. Rumor has it, Victoria once did him a huge favor!
Amanda was about to say more, but Ann quickly cut her off, feigning shyness. “Mom, please, don’t expose my online persona. I’d rather keep my identity private p>
Carla’s curiosity only grew. “What persona? What identity? Ann, don’t keep us in suspense p>
“Our Ann has always been humble p>
Amanda said, her eyes drifting
briefly to Caitlin. “If it were anyone else, they’d be showing off all ov town Mr. Quinten admired them. But my daughter, she’s always so calm and collected p>
If Caitlin were in Ann’s shoes, Amanda was sure she’d be bragging non-stop.
Looking back at Ann, Amanda encouraged, “Ann, Grandma Ryan and Mrs. Ryan aren’t outsiders. It’s okay to share p>
Carla nodded enthusiastically. “That’s right, Ann. We’re practically family p>
Amanda revealed, “Actually, Victoria from TikTok is our Ann p>
The room went silent, then Old Mrs. Ryan and Carla gasped in shock.
No one had guessed that Ann was the famous Victoria herself.
Carla stared at her in amazement. “Wow, I guess you really can’t judge a book by
its cover! Ann, you’re so accomplished at such a young age p>
She looked at Ann, her curiosity piqued all over again. “So, is it true what people say online that you once did Mr. Quinten a huge favor p>
“It’s true,” Ann nodded, sounding a little sheepish. “When I helped Mr. Quinten, I didn’t even leave my name. I never expected he’d track me down through the internet p>