Honey, You're a Billionaire?

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, paper, and inkstone!"

Clover sprang into action, his excitement palpable. A spectacle was about to unfold, and he couldn't be more thrilled.

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Elijah stepped forward as Cyrus and Lizzie quickly made way for him. He picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and began to write. Even from the first stroke, it was clear that his skill was far superior to Lizzie's. Silence fell over the room.

Elijah was writing from the same Lindisfarne Gospels as before, but even the opening strokes far surpassed Lizzie's attempt. Even Eleanor, with her limited knowledge of calligraphy, could discern the stark contrast in ability.

The very crowd that had showered Lizzie with insincere praise earlier now regarded Elijah's extraordinary calligraphy with awe, admiring it in respectful silence.

Eleanor could barely keep her composure and instinctively glanced at Lizzie. The latter was initially surprised but soon felt a sense of shame and inadequacy.

The room remained quiet even after Elijah completed his rendition of the Lindisfarne Gospels.

Clover's chuckle broke the silence like a stone tossed into a tranquil lake. "So, Mrs. Finch, how does my uncle's calligraphy compare to yours?"

Feeling the heat rise to her face, Lizzie responded, "Mr. Xanth's skill in calligraphy is truly unparalleled. I humbly admit defeat."

"Oh? You're giving up so soon?" Clover teased, his laughter unrestrained as he turned to Cyrus, who had fiercely defended Lizzie earlier. "What about you, Mr. Cyrus? Are you convinced now?"

There was no way Cyrus would remain unconvinced when the difference was so stark. His face darkened as he glanced at Jonathan, realizing that the latter must have known about Elijah's calligraphy skills and deliberately set Lizzie up for embarrassment. The more Cyrus dwelled on it, the grimmer his expression became. But it also firmed his resolve. With Jonathan's attitude toward Lizzie, it was time to clear up the misunderstandings that night, especially since Ezra was returning for the celebration. Cyrus couldn't allow Jonathan to hold such hostility toward Lizzie any longer.

After he begrudgingly admitted defeat, the rest of the room burst into unanimous praise for Elijah's work, and the hall became a lively cacophony.

Rose too was astonished by Elijah's calligraphy. Her eyes sparkled with amazement, a glow that Elijah immediately noticed, filling him with pride. "You..." Rose began, but Elijah couldn't hold back.

"Whenever I missed your mother, I'd practice my calligraphy and imagine her writing..." he said with a smile playing on his lips.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Rose's heart swelled with warmth at his words. She pictured a young couple the woman quietly practicing calligraphy while the man watched her lovingly. Without thinking, she murmured, "If only Mom were still here." If her mother were alive, surely their reunion would be filled with happiness.

A hint of sorrow flickered in Elijah's eyes, his gaze momentarily distant.

The father and daughter's quiet exchange was drowned out by the surrounding praise. Meanwhile, Eleanor's forced smile was already starting to falter.

Elijah's stunning display of

calligraphy left her at a loss. She had

prepared an original calligraphy piece as a gift, but now she had no idea how to present it. Still, a prepared gift couldn't just be left unpresented.

Drawing a deep breath, she addressed Elijah with a flattering tone, "Mr. Xanth, I had no idea you were so skilled in calligraphy. I have a humble request, though I'm not sure if you'd be willing to grant it." Elijah responded politely, "Please, do ask."

"Would it be possible for you to gift me this piece of calligraphy?" Eleanor asked sincerely.

Seeing no reason to refuse, Elijah replied, "Do with it as you wish, Mrs. Finch Senior."

His words implied that the piece was nothing special to him. The calligraphy was done on the spot, so if Eleanor wanted it, she was welcome to take it.

Seizing the opportunity, Eleanor quickly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you so much! I must think of a proper way to show my appreciation..."

Before Elijah could wave off her thanks, Eleanor turned to Jonathan, calling out, "Jonathan, please fetch that long box from my study. It'll serve as my token of gratitude for Mr. Xanth's beautiful calligraphy."

Being a shrewd woman, she knew that, of all the Finches, Jonathan was the most acquainted with Elijah. With the gift passing from Jonathan to Elijah, she was certain the latter wouldn't refuse it.

Moreover, Eleanor planned to bring up the subject of Jonathan and Rose when Jonathan presented the gift, hoping that if Elijah approved, things would proceed smoothly.

Jonathan glanced at Eleanor and obediently responded, "Alright."

With that, he made his way upstairs. A hint of coldness glinted in his dark eyes as he entered the elevator.

"Has he made his move?" he asked.

Following closely behind Jonathan, Finley reported in a low voice, "Yes, Mr. Finch. He's already started. Should we apprehend him on the spot? The evidence is solid..."

"No need. Let him continue. I want to see what he's up to and how she reacts." Jonathan's tone was icy.

The "he" in question was Carl, while the "she" undoubtedly referred to Lizzie.

As the elevator doors opened on the third floor, Jonathan stepped out and peered over the railing, surveying the bustling hall below. Amidst the crowd, Rose's radiant smile drew his attention like a beacon.

She was standing next to Elijah, her face alight with genuine happiness. Jonathan paused, and Finley, following his gaze, noticed Rose as well.

"Ever since Mrs. Finch found her biological father, she seems to have become more radiant," Finley remarked.

A small, satisfied smile tugged at

the corner of Jonathan's lips. He knew Rose had always yearned fora father's love and the comfort of family ties. That was why he had endured being apart from her during this time. However, he could feel his patience wearing thin.