Chapter 96
“Of course, it’s true. I raised you from childhood to ensure that one day you would be worthy of Dylan!” Claire patted Megan’s hand with a soft gaze.
Megan said, “Don’t worry, Mother. I will do my best. Recently, I’ve been waiting for a response from Wellington. Wellington is one of the top international luxury brands, focusing mainly on evening gowns, which is my specialty. The president of Wellington has shown great interest in my designs!”
As Megan spoke about her profession, her face was full of confidence and pride.
She believed that it wouldn’t be long before she received news from Wellington. Once she could join Wellington, given its prestigious position in the international luxury market, she was sure to become one of the most sought–after genius designers in the world. She even believed that her achievements could surpass those of Wellington’s chief designer, Amber.
Claire was naturally satisfied with Megan.
After they returned to Clifford Mansion, Claire went to her room to rest while Megan went to her own room to make a phone call.
Megan asked, “How is the person I asked you to follow?”
Whatever the response was, Megan’s expression soured, and she replied coldly, “Keep a close eye on the person for me. I won’t shortchange you on the money!”
After she hung up, Megan’s face was still grim. ‘Audrey, let’s see what makes you think you can compete with me,‘ she thought.
*****
When Audrey returned to the Holland family, she found an invitation on the table.
“This was delivered earlier. It seems to be from the Clifford family,” Wendy informed Audrey when she noticed her looking at the invitation.
Audrey thought with a frown, ‘The Clifford family?‘ She walked over and opened the invitation. A smile played on her lips.
It was an invitation to a banquet from the Clifford family, personally sent by Claire. Since their last meeting, Audrey hadn’t seen Claire again. She hadn’t expected Claire to reach out first.
“Wendy, inform the Clifford family that I will attend,” Audrey said as she calmly put away the invitation, her aura turning icy.
The Clifford family banquet was scheduled for Sunday evening, leaving a few days to prepare.
Coincidentally, Franklin had called and arranged to meet her the next afternoon.
The next day, after lunch, Audrey drove Northville.
When Audrey drove up to the ton’s residence, a traditional courtyard in the southern suburbs of
gate, Franklin had already been eagerly waiting for quite some time.
As soon as he saw her, he broke into a ru
a run towards her, his white beard fluttering comically in the wind.
The sight made Audrey’s mouth twitch, and she had the sudden urge to turn around and leave.
“Master, you’ve finally come!” Franklin beamed at Audrey.
Franklin’s face lit up with a broad smile as he looked at Audrey, completely lacking the refined demeanor expected of a renowned contemporary calligrapher.
That cheerful expression made him look more like a fool.
Franklin was deeply obsessed with calligraphy, and his high regard for Audrey, despite his own esteemed reputation, was clear.
Franklin eagerly led Audrey to his prized calligraphy pieces. As they entered the courtyard, Audrey noticed a flicker of movement out of the corner of her eye. She glanced back, her eyes narrowing slightly.
After a quick glance, she followed Franklin into the courtyard.
The courtyard was quiet and was filled with a rich scent, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Entering the living room, Audrey noticed a slender figure standing inside, lounging casually. Upon hearing the sound, the man turned toward the door.
He glanced at the old man walking in front, then at Audrey. His eyes flickered slightly before he resumed his casual posture, continuing to sit there and flip through a book.
A fleeting, unusual glint passed through Audrey’s eyes before she calmly retracted her gaze.
It was as if their brief eye contact had never happened.
“This is my grandson, Trenton Lynch. He’s always been quiet and somewhat aloof. He’s a few years younger than you,” Franklin introduced.
Audrey nodded, her attention drawn to the large writing desk in the living room. On it were two freshly written calligraphy pieces, yet to be mounted.
Franklin’s calligraphy was elegant and grand, full of a sense of freedom and profoundness.
“Excellent work!” Audrey praised.
“Would you like to write something, Master?” Franklin asked excitedly.
Though he said so, he quickly moved to the nearby desk, showing signs of excitement and impatience in his actions as he nonchalantly removed the two works and prepared another set of tools.
Though she hadn’t written in a long time, Audrey’s skill was unaffected. Her writing was as powerful and decisive as her personality, each stroke vigorous and compelling.
Her strokes flowed seamlessly across the paper, conveying both strength and subtlety.
“Brilliant!” Franklin exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “Your calligraphy has reached new heights, Master!”
Audrey glanced at her work. She noticed Trenton looking at her writing before returning his gaze to her, then back to his book.
After discussing the intricacies of calligraphy with Franklin, Audrey chose one of his pieces and left. Trenton, who had been lounging nonchalantly, stretched and glanced at his grandfather.
“I’m leaving,” Trenton said.
“Get out, you brat! Looking at you just makes me angry,” Franklin snapped, exasperated by his grandson’s lazy demeanor, and marveled at the difference between Audrey and Trenton.
Trenton didn’t mind, patting his grandfather’s shoulder before leaving.
Outside, he saw Audrey still there. Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her, then said, “Your calligraphy is impressive.”
“So, you’re the infamous disobedient man Franklin mentioned, Audrey responded, also raising an eyebrow, her tone casual.
“Yes, that’s me.” Trenton nodded slightly, seemingly unperturbed. However, his gaze towards Audrey held a hint of something more meaningful.
“I didn’t expect Jody Dodson to be skilled not only in driving but also in calligraphy,” Trenton remarked.
Audrey smiled, a hint of arrogance in her expression. “I have many talents, kid. See you at the racetrack next time!”
Trenton’s expression turned serious. “Don’t worry. Next time, I’ll beat you.”