Chapter 44
The drama ended with Jasper promising not to meddle in the Gardner Group’s business.
After Sophia and Javier left, Newton looked around at the mess in anger. “What a shame! All the men in our family just have to fall for those scheming Gardner women!”
Jasper bent down to pick up the things on the floor while his mind spun. Could someone have replaced Jonah at the meeting in Yoarkley?
But he knew his father wouldn’t have recognized the wrong person. They had fought twice at a shopping mall. There was no way Newton could have been mistaken unless he was showing early signs of dementia.
Jasper picked up a hand fan and asked, “Grandpa, is this yours?” Newton sighed and said, “Just look at me. I must have lost my senses in anger. Bring it to me.”
Newton’s gaze softened, and he said, “Alice made me this fan herself. The patterns and calligraphy are all her own work.”
Alice knew calligraphy? She also knew how to draw?
Jasper was stunned for a moment, and he didn’t know how to respond. When she was with him, she was disciplined and dull.
Alice was very mundane compared to Liana, who knew how to play the piano, dance, and sing. Besides being gentle, obedient, and pretty, Alice had no other talents. She was no different than the maids at home.
But why had she started shining brightly like a diamond after leaving him? She exuded confidence now. And her previously unknown abilities were being revealed one by one, surprising him.
Was it because she thought that he did not deserve her at her best, but Jonah did? So she didn’t love him, but was only fulfilling her duties as his wife to please him. True love was what she felt for Jonah, wasn’t it?
“Last time, Alice would visit me every weekend and sometimes go for a walk with me. Other times, she would accompany me in the study for the entire afternoon, but she didn’t mind. She would read beside me or write calligraphy.
“Her calligraphy and drawing skills are pretty good. The moment she put pen to paper, I could tell she had more than ten years of experience. She wrote with poise and skill. Her graceful air tells me that she’s from a distinguished family,” said Newton.
He pouted and sighed. “She’s so much better than that decadent Gardner girl. But alas, you’re blinded by love and can’t tell what’s good for you.”
Newton pursed his lips and opened the hand fan. There was one meaningful and beautifully written prose on it. It said, “If I were young again, I would make a mountain of memories.”
Jasper was thunderstruck. His sharp gaze swept over the two lines of words intently. Her writing and style looked identical to the calligraphy hanging in Alyssa’s office, the one she had wanted to gift him!
He suddenly remembered seeing Alice at the hotel Alyssa was in charge of. He also recalled hearing Alice’s footsteps in the corridor when he was leaving Alyssa’s office that day. Could Alice know Alyssa?
How could there be such a coincidence? There was no way Alyssa and Alice were one and the same person, right? How could it be? Alice was so naive and innocent. It was impossible for her to be cunning like Alyssa!
Meanwhile, at Heightsnew Villa in Belbanks, Jonah had just returned from a business trip in Yoarkley. He was having a meal with his father and Silas. He reported on the progress from his trip to Yoarkley.
Winston nodded after listening. A pleased expression appeared on his stern face. His eldest son was good at everything but was too religious. No amount of power, fame, or wealth could stop him from becoming a pastor. Why was he so obsessed?
“Jonah, it’s not like you to suddenly spoil the Beckett Group’s soup like this.” Winston took a sip of red wine and savored its taste.” Don’t you always advocate dealing with problems peacefully? Why did you use such an underhanded method this time? You seem a bit like the younger version of me.”
“Peace is like a cloud in the sky. It looks like it’s always there. But you’ll never know when the wind will blow it away,” answered Jonah philosophically. Then he elegantly sipped his water. Winston smiled to himself. Of course, this was Jonah avenging his little sister by jeopardizing the Beckett Group!
“A businessman must have a witty mind. As long as it doesn’t break the law, you can do anything you want. You did nothing wrong this time!” Winston patted Jonah’s shoulder with a bright and happy expression.
Winston continued, “Besides, Javier and I are rivals. His grandfather bullied your great-grandmother. It’s never too late to take revenge!”
Jonah was speechless while Silas thought how good their family was at holding a grudge for ages!