Jiang Yanna was also grappling with an extremely conflicted internal struggle. She could not fathom why Qiao Meixia had managed to charm Old Madam Jiang so thoroughly in such a remarkably short amount of time.
It baffled her that Old Madam Jiang had even gone so far as to take off her most prized possession and personally give it to Qiao Meixia without a single moment of hesitation. Was it truly because of their undeniable bloodline connection, or was there something more?
Deep down, a bitter realisation stung her. Even before the family discovered that Jiang Yanna was not the biological daughter of the Jiang Family, Old Madam Jiang had never been particularly fond of her in the first place.
Old Madam Jiang naturally noticed the complicated, swirling expressions on the faces of Feng Yan and Jiang Yanna, but she deliberately chose to pretend she noticed nothing at all. Instead, she ignored their silent resentment and gently patted Qiao Meixia's hand with genuine affection.
"My dear, do you like it?" Old Madam Jiang asked warmly, her aged eyes filled with an obvious and tender fondness.
Qiao Meixia lowered her gaze, looking down at the heavy jade bracelet encircling her wrist. The stone was crystal clear, boasting a soft, ethereal green colour that looked exceptionally pure and elegant against her skin. Even an observer who did not possess much knowledge about precious stones could immediately tell that this piece was extremely valuable and perhaps irreplaceable.
"It is far too precious." Qiao Meixia said softly, her voice trembling slightly as she began to carefully slide the jade bracelet from her wrist. "Perhaps it is better if you keep it for yourself instead."
Old Madam Jiang quickly shook her head, her refusal firm and without hesitation.
"No, child. Since I have already given it to you, it belongs to you now. Besides, look at it. This bracelet suits your temperament very well." Old Madam Jiang insisted, reaching out to stop Qiao Meixia from removing the piece.
"Your grandmother is right. There is no need for such modesty. Just keep it." Old Master Jiang added, nodding his head in firm agreement with his wife's decision.
After a brief, tense moment of hesitation, Qiao Meixia finally gave up her attempts to refuse the gift. She lifted her head, meeting Old Madam Jiang's eyes with a look of soft realisation.
"Thank you... Grandma." Qiao Meixia said, her voice sincere and filled with emotion.
Old Madam Jiang's face immediately lit up with a radiant, happy smile the moment she heard the word "Grandma" fall from Qiao Meixia's lips. The pure joy on her face became even more obvious to everyone in the room.
"Look at that, Old Jiang! My granddaughter finally called me 'Grandma'!" Old Madam Jiang bragged happily to her husband, her expression radiating immense pride and satisfaction.
Old Master Jiang immediately turned his attention to Qiao Meixia, his eyes suddenly turning expectant and hopeful. He, too, wanted very much to hear his biological granddaughter acknowledge him with the title of "Grandpa."
Qiao Meixia felt slightly awkward and self-conscious when she met Old Master Jiang's wide, hopeful eyes. After remaining silent for a short while as she gathered her courage, she eventually gave in to his silent plea and called him by the title he so clearly yearned to hear.
"Grandpa." Qiao Meixia called out softly, the word echoing gently in the quiet room.
"Wife, did you hear that? She called me Grandpa, too!" Old Master Jiang exclaimed, immediately turning toward his wife to proudly brag about the acknowledgement, his heart swelling with newfound paternal pride.
Jiang Yanna's expression stiffened perceptibly when she witnessed the genuine warmth and tenderness with which the elderly couple treated Qiao Meixia. The sight stung her. She had spent years of her life meticulously trying her best to please her grandparents, yet she had never once received such a spontaneous or deeply affectionate display of treatment from them.
***This novel is a work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. If it is not read this novel on w e b n o v e l. c o m, then it has been stolen. Thank you, from your shameless author, ZerahNeko***