Alan York was Regalia's most renowned calligrapher. His achievements in the field were unparalleled, and the few works he left behind before his passing were invaluable masterpieces.Nobody had expected Lizzie, the lady of the Finch family, to be Alan's student. After all, Alan never just took on any student. Only those with true talent could earn his mentorship.Upon hearing this revelation, the guests regarded Lizzie with newfound admiration. After all, she was still the lady of the Finch family, and despite the buzz around Rose, who was the daughter of the Lerain Group's Xanth family, Lizzie's importance couldn't be entirely overlooked. The Finch family still held significant weight, and everyone present knew when to show the appropriate deference.It was evident that Eleanor had intentionally brought up Lizzie's calligraphy skills, and the guests looked forward to witnessing them. "Who could have guessed that Mrs. Finch was Alan's student? Her calligraphy must be exquisite!
Lizzie shot a fleeting glance at Rose, her eyes glinting with the satisfaction of someone who believed they had won. It was brief, but Rose caught it, leaving her puzzled."What was that about?" she wondered.Before Rose could make sense of Lizzie's strange look, Lizzie straightened up, having just finished her calligraphy piece. The room buzzed with a chorus of praises, the admiration reaching a crescendo as though the work had been crafted by a grand calligraphy master."Thank you! My daughter-in-law is so fortunate to receive such generous praise." Eleanor beamed, basking in the glow of everyone's compliments.Although she appreciated fine calligraphy, she lacked the expertise to truly evaluate Lizzie's work. However, having seen the real Lindisfarne Gospels, Eleanor couldn't discern much difference between Lizzie's rendition and the original. With the chorus of admiration filling the room, Eleanor felt confident. But it wasn't the approval of the crowd that she sought. Wh
Jonathan's enigmatic smile left everyone uncertain of his intentions. Yet, upon reflection, it became evident that loyalty to the Finch family would naturally take precedence.The atmosphere grew tense as all held their breath, sensing the escalating conflict between the two powerful families of Finch and Xanth. No one had anticipated witnessing such a showdown at what was meant to be a simple birthday celebration.With Jonathan voicing the Finch family's stance, Eleanor's attempts to curry favor with the Xanth family were swiftly forgotten.However, that same smile sent a chill down Cyrus and Lizzie's spines, making their hearts skip a beat. Jonathan may have been a Finch, but he had never considered Lizzie one of his own, nor had he ever acknowledged her, so Cyrus couldn't understand why he would defend her now."Jonathan..." Cyrus began to speak.However, before he could say more, Elijah's deep voice boomed over his. "I see no harm in writing a few words. Bring the brush, ink
Jonathan was lost in thought as he gazed at Rose.Finley noticed his mesmerized expression and raised an eyebrow. However, some matters needed to be addressed, and he reluctantly had to snap Jonathan out of it."Should we take additional measures to ensure Mrs. Finch's safety tonight?" he asked, carefully choosing his words.While Carl had made his move, seemingly targeting Ezra, Lizzie's true target had always been Rose. "What is Lizzie planning to do to Mrs. Finch?" he wondered.Connecting the dots between Ezra and Lizzie, Finley began to suspect something sinister. His face darkened at the thought. If his guess were correct, Lizzie's intentions would be truly evil.He glanced at Jonathan, only to be startled by the icy expression on his face. Jonathan said nothing, but the cold and menacing aura he radiated spoke volumes.In Eleanor's study, Jonathan retrieved the box containing the Lindisfarne Gospels. When he returned to the hall, everyone's attention shifted toward him an
Eleanor's carefully maintained composure was slipping fast, but she still managed a strained smile as she apologized. "Mr. Xanth, I'm sorry. I don't understand how this happened. My age seems to have caught up with me, and my eyes aren't as sharp as they once were..."Ever the gentleman, Elijah responded with grace and tact. "There's no need to blame yourself, Mrs. Finch Senior. Considering the Finch family's reputation and your discerning nature, it appears you were misled. "Nevertheless, your thoughtfulness in choosing the Lindisfarne Gospels is greatly appreciated as I genuinely admire the work."His carefully chosen words, particularly the phrase "misled", masterfully preserved the dignity of both the Finch family and Eleanor.Eleanor felt a wave of relief and gratitude, yet the word "misled" echoed in her mind, even as she kept her composure.After offering more apologies and exchanging a few more pleasantries with Elijah, she excused herself, pleading fatigue, and retired
"If this really is her doing, there would be hell to pay!" Eleanor thought as she snapped, "What are you waiting for? Get her out of here!"Under her fierce gaze, Cyrus escorted Lizzie out of the room. Once outside the door, Lizzie crumpled to the floor, biting her lip and holding back her sobs. Seeing her like this only deepened Cyrus' heartache. "Everything's fine now, Lizz. Mom was just furious. She didn't mean those harsh words," he said softly as he crouched beside her before pulling her into his arms.A sense of frustration and guilt washed over him. Even during his time as the Finch family head, he had never mustered the courage to confront Eleanor.His futile attempts to console Lizzie only made her feel more bitter, but there was nothing she could do. Despite her disillusionment with Cyrus, she had no choice but to rely on him and amplify her vulnerability to garner his sympathy."Lizz, it's your birthday today, so cheer up. I've got a huge cake ready for you, and I've g
The bodyguard had told Rose that Jonathan was waiting for her in the greenhouse.She scanned the grand hall, unable to find Jonathan among the crowd. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to follow the bodyguard.Despite this being her third visit to the Finch Manor, she had never visited the greenhouse in the backyard."Ms. Shaffer, Mr. Jonathan is inside. You can go right in," the sunglasses-clad bodyguard informed her with a respectful nod.Rose found it odd that he addressed her as "Ms. Shaffer" rather than "Mrs. Finch." Both Finley and Leonard had always referred to her as "Mrs. Finch", leading her to wonder if this bodyguard was not among Jonathan's inner circle. But then again, not everyone around Jonathan was necessarily privy to her relationship with him."Why am I even fixating on the title 'Mrs. Finch'?" she thought, feeling her cheeks warm. It made her seem as though she was eager to be acknowledged as Jonathan's wife."Alright," Rose replied softly, casting one
"Understood," Finley replied before following Jonathan's order and making his way to the far end of the greenhouse. He soon found Ezra in a secluded corner.The drug had taken complete control of Ezra's body, leaving him disoriented, but he could still faintly hear Jonathan's voice."Is Jonathan here?" Ezra asked weakly."Yes, Mr. Ezra, he's here," Finley confirmed."Tell my brother... Rose and I... we were set up. There's nothing between us. Let him know..." Ezra's words came out hurried and strained.Finley clearly remembered how Ezra had gone to great lengths to get close to Rose in Aquastead, deliberately trying to mislead Jonathan. But now, his words were the complete opposite of what he was trying to achieve back then."Don't worry, Mr. Ezra. Mr. Jonathan will take care of her. But I need to get you out of here," Finley reassured him.The Finch Manor had a medical wing, and the greenhouse had a small side door. Finley helped Ezra to his feet and guided him through the side