phone rang for ages, but no one answered. Harnett must be resting. try calling again tomorrow…” clear meant. Everything said Steven, whose face was and then Christina, looked both embarrassed and furious. She quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Dad, it’s totally normal for mess up gifts. It’s thought that counts for Steven. ” he take that thought back with him, up the and pushing it toward Steven. Though Carl didn’t outright the painting fake, his tone and attitude left no room saving face. Steven his head, teeth clenched, and his eyes with red as he glared at Yanina. He had plotted for ages, given countless gifts, and carefully just to win Christina’s heart. But now, because of Yanina’s interference, all efforts had gone to waste He thought. What an insufferable woman! But right now, the priority is salvage my in front Carl. I’ll deal with her later‘ Then, Steven a smile said, “Mr. Zamora, painting is from my grandfather’s collection. He must been deceived by which this mix–up. I’m sorry. Tll definitely find a better gift to make for this mistake, and hope you won’t hold it against me. Sherry realized that embarrassed but also he and how admit he was wrong- Plus, with Hopper family backing him, he still value. weighing her options, Sherry decided him this She said, “Dad, you heard him. Steven’s grandfather was fooled. He well, so please blame him. Christina, face turned red with when painting declared fake, back. “So what if it’s by Mr. Whoever painted it had to be talented. “Someone just wants the glory for herself, saying she painted it. Who would buy that? She’s just a shameless scammer, charming grandpa acting she owns a place in Zamora family… “Christina!” Before Garl could Ethan raised his and struck Christina, but at last moment, he couldn’t bring himself to hit her and slapped her instead Christina’s shoulder instantly reddened from and she instinctively stepped back. “Dad! You’re with this woman, too!” she cried, brimuning in her eyes as she ran out Zamora, I’ll back another to Ethan and Sherry, utterly embarrassed and took the to Christina ouL As Sherry watched the two leave, she shot a look at Elban Christina had always been the of their world–they even hate to scold her, alone hit her. Today, Ethan had crossed a line, though he hadn’t hit her Christina wouldn’t it lightly. “I should go check her, said, starting to the door 10:14 Tue, Oct 22 BG. Chapter 16 “You can’t!” her firmly. “She’s an adult now; it’s for her to like one. Can you really protect her. forever!” Sherry didn’t anything but her glare at Yanina was loaded with hostility. She thought herself, ‘If it weren’t for interference, whether the painting is or wouldn’t matter Dad be happy, Christina and Steven’s relationship might flourish. It’s all her fault!‘ Quinci sensed the tense atmosphere and quickly to things over. don’t worry. Christina just a temper: this will blow over. She turned her gaze Yanina, adding. quite the enigma, knowing Mr. No wonder wanted you to marry Cameron before. I want daughter–in–law like you. “Too late Carl replied, his tone affectionate. turned Ethan Sherry. “From on, I don’t want to see Steven around here. might be but intentions are questionable. “I get it. I’ll a talk with Chris, Ethan said, his voice low. He didn’t want a scheming either. Dad…” Sherry began to protest fell silent look. “By the way. Yani, how well do you know Mr. Ethan asked, Yanina. “We just happened to meet, Yanina replied no one seemed to buy it. Just a chance meeting, and she knew about Sherman’s and painting habits? But since said it, they couldn’t pry any further. stood up, his shoulders. should go back to their rooms and rest come with the study. I need to ask Yanina said goodbyes to the and followed Carl into the study, her support Once Carl took a and regarded her closely. “Do you realize you messed up Yanina bit her lip. “Grandpa, mean shouldn’t have visited Mr. on the or I shouldn’t have mentioned our connection!” “You’re not clueless. You know where pressed on. Do you what your grandfather told you left him** Yanina lowered her gaze, tears beginning to well up. She hadn’t seen her grandfather eight years. No communication, no greetings–it was like being an orphan. “He told me the past and no what happened. I go whispered. how could go see Mr. Carl’s voice rose. “If something happens you, how I explain that to your grandfather?” flickered across Carl’s been protecting you for eight years, even contact. You’re risking everything he’s worked for. He just to live like a normal person–to married and have kids. Don’t complicate your life. Yanina away her nodded. “I understand. Thank you, Grandpa” Carl looked at her with affection, pulling her down to sit next to him. a drawer out a small box, placing igently in hands.