Chapter 64
It was simple, really-Seren was just too young.
In Old Mr. Shepherd’s eyes, an artist with such remarkable skill had to be at least in their forties. But when he learned that Seren was the personal protégé of the famous Mr. Shaw, a flash of understanding crossed his face.
He nodded approvingly. “No wonder Mr. Shaw made an exception and took you on as his last student. To have such talent at your age-it’s true what they say: the younger generation always surpasses the old. Remarkable p>
Seren lowered her gaze, her voice modest. “You flatter me, sir p>
The more Old Mr. Shepherd observed Seren, the more he admired her. He’d met plenty of gifted young people, most of them arrogant and full of themselves at the slightest hint of talent. But Seren’s eyes were clear and humble, her manner poised and calm-never a trace of conceit.
On top of that, she was strikingly composed and graceful, every gesture perfectly appropriate, her posture upright and dignified, her presence quiet and refined.
Once the painting passed inspection, Quentin sent his assistant to settle the remainder of the payment with Seth.
Old Mr. Shepherd found himself growing fonder of Seren by the minute. While Seth was still around, he’d held his tongue, but the moment Seth and Quentin’s assistant left the room, he leaned in with a warm smile.
“My dear, do you have a boyfriend? Would you consider giving our Quentin a chance p>
He didn’t wait for her reply before plowing ahead. “My Quentin doesn’t have a girlfriend he may not be quite as outstanding as you, but he’s far better than most young men out there. You should think about it p>
Seren looked completely flustered.
She was never good at small talk, and Old Mr. Shepherd’s sudden proposal left her at a loss for words.
Quentin, overhearing, could only stand there frozen. Weren’t grandfathers supposed to brag about their grandsons? When did his own grandpa start comparing him unfavorably to someone else?
But catching the embarrassed flush on Seren’s face, Quentin quickly stepped in to rescue her.
“Grandpa, you’ll scare her off if you keep talking like that. Besides, can’t you see she’s wearing a wedding ring? She’s already married p>
Seren shot Quentin a grateful look and followed his lead. “Yes, I am married. But thank you for your kind offer, sir p>
Old Mr. Shepherd sighed, disappointed but resigned.
He could only blame his grandson’s bad luck if Quentin had met Seren sooner, he might not have missed out on such a wonderful granddaughter indaw.
Once the payment was settled, Old Mr. Shepherd and Quentin left, the painting carefully packed up.
Seren walked them down to the ground floor, watching as they got into their car.
As the car pulled away, Old Mr. Shepherd suddenly remembered something and turned to Quentin.
“Your old friend Sheridan-the girl who took care of him, wasn’t her name also Seren p>
Old Mr. Shepherd had never met Seren in person, but as neighbors of the Powers family, he’d picked up bits and pieces about her over the years.
Quentin nodded. “Yes, the very same. That’s Seren-the one who looked after Sheridan for three years p>
News of Sheridan’s situation had been the talk of the Powers estate lately, so Old
Mr. Shepherd knew exactly what had happened.
Everyone blamed Seren, calling her ungrateful, reckless, a troublemaker who disrupted the Powers family’s peace.
But Old Mr. Shepherd saw through it all.
How could anyone fault the girl? She
never asked for recognition, devoted
three years to caring for Sheridan,
and received nothing but cold
treatment in return.
It was Sheridan who lacked shame, and the Powers family who turned a blind eye
to right and wrong, bullying someone who had done them no harm.
Their son tangled himself up with his ex-girlfriend, and yet they laid all the blame at Seren’s feet.
Well, look at things now.
Seren had left, moved on, and even gotten married. The Powers family had lost their chance, and there was no going back.
Old Mr. Shepherd shook his head. “Missing out on Seren wasn’t your fault, Quentin. It was just bad timing, nothing to regret. But Sheridan and the Powers family-they threw away apearl and mistook it for a pebble When they finally realize what they’ve done, their regret will be bitter indeed p>
Quentin nodded in wholehearted agreement.
Honestly, he was looking forward to the day it all came crashing down-just to see
the show.