The Lincoln family had many relatives, and it was inevitable that there would be some scheming and plotting among them.
Madam Lincoln was used to hearing some insinuating remarks in such situations.
However, because Marionette was the most outstanding among the younger generation of the Lincoln family, not only was she beautiful and had good grades, but she also knew how to please the elders.
So as long as she was present, she always stole the show.
Moreover, Old Madam Lincoln was also the most fond of Marionette among her grandchildren, and her affection for her exceeded that of several grandsons.
“Second sister-in-law, the birthday banquet started half an hour ago. You came too late, didn’t you? Today is our mother’s birthday, and you are not even paying attention!”
Madam Lincoln was confident, so she calmly walked to Old Madam Lincoln’ side in front of everyone and apologized.
“Mom, we didn’t mean to come late. We encountered a traffic accident on the way and got stuck in traffic.”
“It’s okay. You came, and that’s what matters.”
Old Madam Lincoln didn’t blame Madam Lincoln, but her words still showed some displeasure.
Madam Lincoln forced a smile and then gave Marionette a signal.
She immediately understood and walked up to Old Madam Lincoln with a beautifully packaged gift box.
“Grandma, today is your birthday. I wish you blessings as vast as Rock City and a long life as enduring as the mountains. This is a little something I prepared for you. It’s a jade Guanyin statue. I hope you like it!”
Old Madam Lincoln glanced at the box opened by Marionette and saw the jade shining brightly under the light.
She smiled kindly.
“Marionette is the most sensible one!”
“I really like this gift!”
“Grandma, there’s also a painting here that I personally painted!”
Marionette timely took out a scroll and opened it in front of everyone.
She painted a longevity chart, which was both festive and showcased her solid painting skills.
“Let me see…”
Old Madam Lincoln put on her reading glasses and carefully examined the painting on the scroll, then praised,
“Marionette’s painting skills have improved again!”
She laughed uncontrollably and couldn’t help but look at the scroll again and again.
The Lincoln family was not lacking in material wealth, so Old Madam Lincoln valued the thought behind the gift more than its value.
It can be said that Marionette’s gift was the most satisfying one she had received so far.
“Marionette painted again? Let’s all take a look!”
At this time, a voice came from the side, a distant relative of the Marionette family.
After speaking, she showed her painting to the other guests present.
“I’ve heard that Marionette’s painting is good, and today I see that it’s really well-deserved!”
“Yes, at such a young age, her painting skills are so proficient, she will definitely become a great artist in the future!”
“Marionette, when you have your art exhibition in the future, we will all come to support you!”
“I have to say, She is really talented…”
Freya felt a bit resentful when she saw other relatives praising Marionette, but when she thought of her own incompetent son, she could only force a smile and give a few compliments.
Madam Lincoln noticed Freya’s expression and smiled smugly.
Meanwhile, Marionette’s only trace of unease disappeared completely because of the praise from other relatives.
Yes, this was what she was familiar with.
Praise and admiration should belong to her!
She was the center of attention in the crowd.
She was the unquestionable protagonist!
Marie, who had not been noticed since entering, was destined to only be her supporting role as a waste like her.
However, at this moment, someone actually noticed Marie.
“Second sister-in-law, I heard that your daughter Marie came out of the juvenile detention center. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her, why didn’t you introduce her?”
Marie had been standing behind Madam Lincoln since entering.
Everyone’s attention was focused on Marionette, and no one noticed her.
Now that someone mentioned her, the relatives remembered that Marionette had a twin sister.
Some distant relatives who were not aware of Marie’s time in juvenile detention showed subtle changes in their expressions upon hearing Freya’s words.
“Yeah, Marie, why didn’t you say hello to everyone?”
“Don’t they teach basic manners in juvenile detention?”
Upon hearing everyone mention Marie, Freya immediately perked up.
“Second sister-in-law, this is your fault. Although Marie is not as good as Marionette, she is still your daughter. You should discipline her properly!”
Madam Lincoln tried to smooth things over for Marie with a stiff face.
“She hasn’t been out for a long time and is still adjusting.”
If there weren’t so many relatives present, she would have wanted to curse.
As soon as Marionette entered, she greeted Old Madam Lincoln and the other relatives, while Marie stood there with a blank face, as if the whole birthday banquet had nothing to do with her.
How could such a stupid waste be her daughter?!
Old Madam Lincoln’ expression also cooled down a bit. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
“Never mind, she’s back now. We’ll teach her slowly in the future.”
As she spoke, she looked at Marie and furrowed her brows slightly upon seeing her squeezed features.
In Old Madam Lincoln’ memory, Marie was still a well-behaved and lovely child.
But at some point, that obedient and well-behaved child disappeared completely.
She did not object to Marie being sent to the juvenile detention center initially, hoping that she could learn her lesson and start anew after coming out.
However, Marie’s current appearance has disappointed her even more.
“Marie, go wish grandma a happy birthday!” Madam Lincoln glared at Marie and urged her quickly.
Marie stepped forward and looked at Old Madam Lincoln, saying, “Happy birthday.”
“Um.” Old Madam Lincoln’ expression became even colder.
Her attitude towards her was completely different from her treatment of Marionette.
“Marie, where is your gift?” Madam Collins reminded her quickly, sensing the Lincoln.
Marie hesitated for a moment, but still took out the box that Frederick had given her.
Originally, Madam Lincoln only prepared a set of ordinary tea sets for her, but she forgot to bring them when she got off the car.
After all, Old Madam Lincoln had been very kind to the original owner when she was a child.
However, with Marionette’s continuous framing of the original owner, the original owner became more and more cowardly, and her image in the eyes of the elders became worse and worse.
Marie decided to give the thank-you gift that Frederick gave her as Old Madam Lincoln’ birthday present, which could be regarded as fulfilling the original owner’s wish to celebrate Old Madam Lincoln’ birthday.
“What is this?” Marionette asked as she took out the box.
Instead of answering, Marie opened the box and presented it to Old Madam Lincoln.
Old Madam Lincoln was puzzled.
“A flower?” she asked as she looked at the pale green plant lying in the box.
She then glanced at Marie.
Although the flower looked ordinary, it was elegant and thoughtful.
“What is this thing?” Freya quickly came to Old Madam like Lincoln’ side.
When she saw the flower in the box, she sneered and turned up her nose.
“Just a worthless flower, yet it’s packed in such an expensive gift box. I thought it was some valuable treasure!”
“Even if it’s just a flower, it’s my granddaughter’s intention!” Old Madam Lincoln glared at Freya and spoke to Marie.
“You just came back home, and you don’t have any pocket money. Yet, you still thought of preparing a gift for me. I am already very happy.”
Her impression of Marie was already very bad, but after seeing her gift, it changed slightly.
“This is Tian Shan Snow Lotus,” Marie explained when she saw that no one recognized this precious herb.
“What? Tianshan Snow Lotus?”