Honey, You're a Billionaire?

Cyrus' voice made Lizzie pause. She couldn't let him discover her actions. Composing herself immediately, she furrowed her brows, maintaining her usual gentle and delicate demeanor. She sighed. "I don't know what's come over me today. I've been so restless. And just look at the mess I've made in the study. I'll clean it up right away."

She put down her pen and was about to start tidying up when Cyrus stopped her.

"Don't worry about it. You must be exhausted. Perhaps you didn't sleep well last night," he said with concern, guiding her to sit down.

"Just rest for a while and let the helpers handle this. The manor called earlier, saying they needed to talk to you, but don't worry about it. Whatever it is, I'll take care of it."

Cyrus helped Lizzie settle onto the couch, determined not to let anything else trouble her. However, upon hearing that the manor needed her for something, Lizzie immediately stood up. "Does Mom need me? You said the manor called, right? I'll call back right now and check," Lizzie said, her devotion to matters of the manor unwavering despite her unease. Before Cyrus could stop her, she moved to make the call. Seeing how she was still so attentive to the manor's matters despite not feeling well made Cyrus feel deeply moved.

It wasn't until she picked up the phone that he quickly said, "The manor called the downstairs phone, and Anna's still on the line."

Lizzie paused mid-dial. "Alright. I'll take the call downstairs then."

Giving Cyrus a soft smile, she left the room and headed downstairs. Even while conversing with Anna, she remained poised and courteous.

Upon hearing from Anna that Eleanor wished for her return to the Finch Manor, Lizzie agreed without hesitation and said she would leave immediately.

After changing her clothes and freshening up her makeup, she set off. Half an hour later, she arrived at the Finch Manor.

In the study, Eleanor didn't waste time getting to the point. "This is the invitation to tonight's event at Lerain Group. The Xanth family specifically requested my presence, and I'd like to prepare a gift."

"A gift?" Lizzie thought. She had been in the Finch family long enough to understand the underlying message in Eleanor's words.

"I'll take care of the gift, Mom," she offered.

Eleanor glanced at her. "Actually, you're the only one who can manage this. I recall that the original 'Lindisfarne Gospels' calligraphy Cyrus obtained years ago was gifted to you, correct?"

Lizzie's expression froze momentarily. "The 'Lindisfarne Gospels"?" she echoed.

"What's the matter? Did I remember incorrectly? Wasn't it given to you?" Eleanor's voice cut through her thoughts, bringing Lizzie back to the present.

She dared not hesitate this time and quickly responded, "No, Mom, you remembered correctly. It was given to me, but-"

"If I ask you to give it up, you wouldn't refuse, would you?" Eleanor interrupted, her tone leaving no room for refusal.

Lizzie felt a pang of reluctance. That piece of calligraphy held deep sentimental value for her. After all, it was something Cyrus had won for her at a high price just to make her smile. It meant the world to her. But now, faced with Eleanor's request, she could only swallow her reluctance.

"How could I refuse? I'll go back to retrieve it immediately and deliver it to you as soon as possible," she said with a forced smile.

Just as she was about to leave, Eleanor stopped her. She said, "You don't have to bring it back here since you'll be accompanying me to the event tonight. With your background in fine arts and calligraphy, you might impress them.

"Clover is looking for someone to create a copy of the 'Lindisfarne Gospels'. This could be your chance to showcase your talent and gain their favor."

Lizzie had studied fine arts, and before she married into the Finch family, she had met a renowned, now-deceased calligraphy master through Cyrus. "Mom seems intent on using me as a tool to curry favor with the Lerain Group," she thought.

Eleanor had always placed great importance on maintaining a strong relationship.with the Lerain Group, so her intentions made sense. If Lizzie could handle this well, she might even earn Eleanor's approval. But then, she thought of Rose.

"Mom probably didn't realize that strengthening ties with the Lerain Group could be as simple as focusing on Rose alone. After all, Rose's connection to Clover and the recognition of the Xanth family elder would elevate her status

no

significantly," she mused

Lizzie knew that Eleanor would eventually learn the truth after attending tonight's event. Once Eleanor realized Rose's connection to the Xanth family, even her high standards for a suitable match might be satisfied.

"Lizzie? What are you thinking about? Are you unwilling to go?" Eleanor's voice snapped Lizzie out of her thoughts, and Lizzie realized she had let some of her emotions show.

Hearing Eleanor's question, she quickly responded, "Mom, I was just thinking that if we're going to make a copy, I should bring along the necessary materials-ink, brushes, and paper."

"You're quite thoughtful," Eleanor said, waving her hand. "Go ahead and gather what you need then. There's no need to come back to the Finch Manor. I'll have the driver pick you up before the event." Lizzie left the study and maintained her slight smile until she left the manor.

When she arrived at her residence, Cyrus came to greet her, having received a call from Eleanor ten minutes earlier regarding the calligraphy piece.

Understanding how much Lizzie cherished the artwork, he took her hand gently. "Lizz, Mom mentioned she'll find you another calligraphy piece to make up for this one."

Lizzie paused for a moment before

responding graciously, "Cyrus, I'm a part of the Finch family, and if this calligraphy can be of use to the

family I'm more than willing to part with it. I don't need any

compensation. It's just that...

She hesitated briefly before continuing, "It was a gift from you, and I only value it for that reason. But as long as you're by my side, that means more to me than any gift ever could." With just a few words, Lizzie succeeded in reassuring Cyrus while also subtly strengthening their emotional bond. Her words left him feeling content and at ease.

As their conversation continued, a lingering memory of a figure from the past resurfaced in Cyrus' mind, seemingly sparking a decision within him.

"Lizz, how about we take some time to go out for a walk? I'd love to take some pictures for you."

Having set aside his camera for years due to someone from his past, Cyrus seemed ready to embrace a new beginning as he considered picking it up once again. Lizzie was taken aback, but her surprise quickly turned to a mix of understanding and excitement when she met his gaze. Nodding in agreement, she said, "Alright." However, only she knew that she wasn't as thrilled as she appeared about Cyrus' decision to let go of his past.

Upon returning to her study and closing the door, the smile on Lizzie's face vanished entirely. After all, Cyrus' genuine feelings meant little to her. What she truly cared about was something else. A figure flashed through her mind, and she unconsciously bit her lip until it bled. Yet, she remained oblivious to the pain.

...

Meanwhile, the internet was abuzz with news of the Lerain Group's banquet that evening. Harriette had heard about the event at the Young Estate and could no longer contain her restlessness. Despite calling Miles multiple times, her attempts went unanswered. In the end, she decided to visit his office in person just before the banquet.

Upon her arrival, the staff in the secretary's office were surprised to see Harriette with her injured leg still bandaged.

Although the eldest daughter of the Young family had not been back for long, her inseparable relationship with Miles was well-known throughout the company.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

Given her injury, everyone had assumed she would be resting rather than making an appearance at the office. It was evident that her visit was not work-related but had everything to do with Miles. As anticipated, Harriette only exchanged brief pleasantries with the staff before making a beeline to Miles' office.