The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 34

Aveline

Monica glanced at the necklace again, her expression skeptical. "Well, something this expensive and exclusive... how could she possibly afford it? I mean, she's been living abroad, probably struggling financially..."

The implication hung in the air like a bad smell. They were suggesting I'd given their mother a fake.

I opened my mouth to set the record straight, but Grandmother spoke first.

"No one questions my granddaughter in this house," she said, her tone sharp enough to freeze hell over. "Aveline's character is as genuine as anything she's ever given me, and I won't tolerate anyone suggesting otherwise." Her eyes flashed dangerously as she fixed Monica with a stare that could melt steel. "She has more integrity in her little finger than this entire household combined."

I felt a warm glow at her words, but something in her tone made me wonder—was she truly confident about the necklace's authenticity, or was she simply protecting my dignity?

Grandmother straightened her shoulders, the emerald necklace catching the light like armor. "Now, I really must be going—I'm already late for my appointment."

The room fell into stunned silence after Grandmother's sharp rebuke. Monica looked like she'd been slapped, and for a moment, nobody seemed to know what to say.

But then Vivian suddenly perked up, her earlier embarrassment completely forgotten as her priorities shifted to something far more exciting.

"Grandmother, let me drive you!" Vivian jumped in eagerly. "I was just heading out anyway. I need to shop for an evening gown—I'm attending the Blackwell family birthday celebration next month, and I want to look absolutely perfect."

Monica's mouth fell open, her eyes wide with shock. "Wait, what did you just say? You're going to the Blackwell birthday celebration? The same Blackwell family with the little boy who needs a mother?"

I felt a wave of disgust wash over me. The thought of attending a party filled with people like Vivian—social climbers and gold diggers all vying for Orion's attention—suddenly made the whole event seem utterly unappealing. My hand unconsciously moved to my purse, where the elegant invitation still sat unopened.

Vivian practically glowed with pride, tossing her platinum hair over her shoulder. "Of course! Who else could I be talking about? My crush, that gorgeous single father Orion Blackwell." She paused for dramatic effect, clearly savoring the moment. "And the best part? He personally invited me."

I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud. The absurdity of it was almost too much. After witnessing how Orion had dealt with both Melody and Catherine—women who shared Vivian's calculating nature and obvious gold-digging tendencies—the idea that he would personally invite someone exactly like them was beyond ridiculous. He'd shown nothing but contempt for women who threw themselves at him for his wealth and status.

Monica grabbed Vivian's arm, her voice rising with excitement. "When did this happen? Yesterday you didn't even know him!"

"This morning," Vivian said smugly, clearly enjoying being the center of attention. "At exactly 8 AM, our house phone rang. This incredibly masculine, powerful voice said he wanted to personally invite Ms. Hartwell to the Blackwell family birthday celebration next month. He said he'd be sending a formal invitation soon." She gestured grandly. "I mean, who else could he have meant? I'm the only Ms. Hartwell here worth inviting."

My stomach dropped. 8 AM this morning? That was impossible. At 8 AM, Orion had been standing in his bedroom, still in his silk robe, thanking me for taking care of him during his fever.

But then again, who else would be inviting Vivian to the Blackwell party? It was one of the most exclusive events in Manhattan's social calendar. It was far beyond the league of the declining Hartwell family.

Monica was practically vibrating with excitement now, her face flushed with possibility. "Oh my God, Vivian! This is incredible! You have to start planning immediately—the perfect dress, the perfect jewelry, the perfect everything! This could change your entire future!"

I watched in amusement as Monica became even more animated than Vivian herself, already calculating the social advantages such a connection could bring.

"We need to go shopping right now," Vivian declared, linking arms with her mother. "I need something that will make me absolutely irresistible. This is my chance to become the next Mrs. Blackwell!"

Grandmother Eleanor let out a soft sigh, shaking her head with gentle disapproval. "Is all this rushing around really necessary? You don't even know this man personally. Shouldn't you be more concerned with learning about his character before getting so invested?"

Monica waved dismissively. "Oh, Mother, you don't understand how these things work. Opportunities like this don't come along every day! When someone from a family like the Blackwells shows interest, you have to seize the moment. Most people would kill for this kind of access!"

Grandmother's expression grew more troubled. "That's exactly what worries me about this whole situation."

I couldn't help but smile, moving to Grandmother's side and gently taking her arm. She'd always had an excellent sense for reading people's motivations, and the naked ambition on display was clearly making her uncomfortable.

"Come on, Grandmother," I said softly. "Let me walk you out. You'll be late for your evening gathering if we don't leave soon."

As we made our way toward the front door, leaving Monica and Vivian to their excited planning, I could feel some of the tension leaving my shoulders. Grandmother had always been my refuge from the family's more unpleasant dynamics.

The evening air was crisp as we walked down the front steps toward the waiting taxi. Grandmother moved slowly, leaning more heavily on my arm than usual, and I couldn't help but worry about her health.

"Grandmother," I said gently once we were away from the house, "I want you to know—that necklace you're wearing is completely real. Every stone, every detail of the setting. It's genuine."

Her eyes twinkled with warmth as she patted my cheek with her free hand. "Of course it is, sweetheart. You think I can't tell the difference? I've been wearing jewelry longer than you've been alive." She smiled with quiet confidence. "Besides, my granddaughter has excellent taste and the intelligence to succeed at whatever she puts her mind to. I never doubted it for a second."

In that moment, I knew with absolute certainty that Grandmother's faith in me was genuine and unconditional. No questions about how I could afford it, no assumptions about my limitations—just complete, unwavering trust. She loved me exactly as I was, believed in me without reservation, and would defend me against the world if necessary.

The simple certainty in her voice made my chest tight with emotion.

"I love you, Grandmother," I whispered, helping her into the taxi.

"And I love you too, sweetheart. More than you'll ever know."

As the car pulled away, my phone buzzed with a text from Laurent:

*Aveline - I know you said you're busy so I won't call. Just wanted to share the good news: the Aurora collection completely sold out at tonight's Geneva auction. The duchess's tiara alone went for 4.8 million. We're officially booked solid through next year. The atelier is on fire! *

I smiled, sliding the phone back into my pocket as I looked up at the townhouse where Monica and Vivian were no doubt still plotting their social ascent.