Chapter 35

Isabella's gift turned out to be Eleanor's manuscript, which Michael had prepped for her.

She handed the small box to Mason. Mason figured Isabella wouldn't give him something lame, so he opened the box right away.

Pearl tiptoed to peek inside and smirked when she saw a bunch of old papers.

Pointing at the papers, Pearl sneered, "Isabella, is this your gift? Just some random old papers? Do you really think this is good enough for Mr. Williams? Does this show how much he means to you?"

People around started giving Isabella puzzled looks, kinda agreeing with Pearl.

Ignoring the crowd, Isabella shot Pearl a mocking smile. "You Brown Family folks are just new money. You have no clue about the collectible value of these papers."

"What did you say? You think these scraps are collectibles? Do you think they're century-old masterpieces or something?" Pearl snapped.

Isabella walked up to Mason, smiling. "I know Mr. Williams is a big fan of Eleanor, so I went through a lot to find these manuscripts."

"How is that possible? How can someone from a declining family like yours get Eleanor's works?" Pearl shouted. Even though she was new money, she knew Eleanor's status in the art world.

"Eleanor, it's really her manuscript!" Mason was so excited his hands were shaking.

Worried he might damage the papers, Mason gently placed the box on the table.

The crowd was shocked. They'd never seen Mason so emotional.

Mason closed his eyes, took a moment to calm down, and then grabbed Isabella's hand excitedly. "Isabella, thank you. Someone gave me an Eleanor manuscript years ago."

Mason stared deeply into Isabella's eyes.

Isabella felt like Mason wasn't looking at her but trying to see someone else through her. She guessed it might be her grandfather, and that the two old folks had a special bond.

Smiling, Mason held Isabella's hand and said, "Isabella, I really love this gift. I can grant you any wish you have."

Isabella just pursed her lips and stayed quiet. Pearl, standing nearby, was fuming because it was clear Isabella's gift had more emotional value.

"Mr. Williams, but what Isabella gave you is just a manuscript, not a real artwork. It doesn't have much value," Pearl tried to downplay Isabella's gift but got sternly rebuked by Mason.

"Pearl! Only new money would measure a gift's value by its price! Isabella's gift is my favorite, and that's all that matters." Mason glared at Pearl, his powerful presence making her step back.

Pearl felt super embarrassed as she heard the crowd's mocking laughter.

'Damn Isabella, I'll remember this, and I'll get back at you,' Pearl thought. She was about to leave when she saw a staff member coming in with a painting.

The staff member held the painting carefully, saying, "Mr. Williams, this is the second gift prepared for you by Ms. Taylor."

Isabella was startled; she had only prepared one gift and didn't remember having a second one.

'Is someone trying to mess with me?' She eyed the staff member suspiciously.

Mason took the painting with a smile, "Isabella, how many surprises did you plan for me tonight?"

Just as Isabella was about to stop him, Mason had already unrolled the painting. It showed a half-naked man pointing to the side, as if trying to convey something.

The painting was incredibly well done. Even Isabella had to admit it was a masterpiece. She was so shocked she forgot to tell Mason this wasn't her gift.

Among the guests were collectors who immediately recognized the painting as Eleanor's.

"This is Eleanor's artwork!" someone shouted.

Everyone stared at Isabella in shock!

Eleanor's manuscripts were more common than her actual paintings. While it was tough to get her manuscripts, it was still possible. But Eleanor's famous paintings were only a few dozen. Getting one wasn't just about money; it required serious connections.

Mason stared at the painting for a long time before snapping out of it. He anxiously asked, "Isabella, how did you get this oil painting?"

Isabella was at a loss. She couldn't answer because she hadn't prepared this painting. She even thought someone was trying to set her up. But after so many people confirmed it was genuine, who would use such an expensive painting to harm her?

No one noticed John frowning deeply. Others didn't know whose painting it was, but he did.

'Wasn't this painting a gift Michael prepared for Grandpa? Why did he say it was Isabella's? Why is he so concerned about Isabella? Is it just for the family?' John couldn't figure it out.

In the lounge, Michael watched Isabella on the screen, arms crossed. Isabella was blushing and looked like a deer in headlights, which gave Michael a mischievous thrill. Although this prank was costly, he didn't care about the money.

Michael also noticed John's puzzled expression and guessed what he was thinking.

"The reputation of the Williams Family doesn't concern me, but I can't stand seeing Isabella being bullied. Since they say Eleanor's manuscripts have no value, let's just bring out Eleanor's actual works." Michael looked at Pearl with a hint of a cold smile.

However, seeing Isabella looking embarrassed in the center of the crowd, Michael knew this prank had to end.

Michael called the butler into the lounge and whispered a few words to him.

The butler nodded and left the lounge, heading towards the banquet hall.