CHAPTER 132: CHAPTER 132: MEMORIES (32)

In such busy and fulfilling days, Florence Fuller didn’t have extra time to think about anything else.

Her birthday was fast approaching.

Early in the morning, Abigail Monrose called and told her to come home for dinner tonight.

Florence remembered.

She still hadn’t softened towards Michael Fuller; the marriage alliance with the municipal official’s family seemed to be off, and Michael probably thought she was useless and wasn’t too keen on dealing with her.

She hadn’t expected that Abigail remembered her birthday.

Since returning to the Fuller Family, she knew Clara Fuller’s birthday would be celebrated each year with a small party organized by Laura Yates, making Clara the little princess praised by everyone.

But her birthday, did Laura Yates still know it?

No expectations, no disappointment; to her surprise, Abigail actually remembered her birthday.

Her birthday wasn’t her actual birth date; Amelia Linney set it as the day she was found.

April 16th.

She thought of Amelia Linney again.

Charles Shaw rarely contacted her anymore; when she messaged Evelyn Shaw, Evelyn almost never replied, occasionally sending her the words "all is well."

All is well, well, that’s good.

___

"Happy Birthday."

As she entered, petals fluttered and fell; Florence was slightly surprised when she saw Abigail and Ethan Harper smiling happily.

Sister Dawson and the servants nearby clapped, all saying happy birthday.

Abigail nudged Ethan, and only then did Florence notice he was wearing a well-tailored formal suit, holding a vibrant and bright bouquet, and walked towards her.

With a noble disposition, handsome and striking, his eyes were filled with gentle warmth as he looked at Florence; he handed the flowers over and said softly, "Happy Birthday."

Florence took them, looking down at the flowers to hide her shyness: "Thank you."

"Eighteen now," Abigail pulled her over: "Come quickly, the kitchen made your favorite seafood, and there’s cake too, but this year it’s not made by the aunt."

The past two years’ birthdays were made by Abigail, and this year she said it wasn’t her, which made Florence involuntarily look at Ethan.

Ethan nodded at her.

The celebration wasn’t grand, but it was filled with the sincere efforts of Abigail and Ethan, for which Florence was truly grateful.

Besides the Shaw Family, without the Fuller Family, there’s still the loving Monrose Family.

After a sumptuous meal, Abigail took Florence to the study.

They cut the cake and chatted leisurely at the dining table while eating.

Sister Dawson came in from outside: "Madam."

Abigail turned around, seemingly understanding what it was, nodded to her.

Sister Dawson left.

Abigail waved to Florence: "Florence, come!"

Florence was puzzled: "Hmm?"

"Come with Aunt."

Florence glanced at Ethan, and Abigail was already holding her hand, standing up.

In the living room, two foreigners in suits were already standing, bowing respectfully upon seeing Abigail and Ethan come out.

Florence guessed they were speaking French.

Abigail sat Florence down, and a black leather box with a combination lock and a document was already on the table in front of them.

"Aunt Monrose?"

Abigail deftly unlocked the combination, and with a crisp "click," the box opened.

Before her eyes was a complete set of sapphire jewelry, nearly blinding her.

Crown, earrings, necklace, ring, bracelet, brooch.

The rich and deep sapphires exuded a mysterious and noble aura, with dazzling diamonds embellishing and highlighting the gem’s mystic dreamlike quality.

Upon seeing this set, Ethan was slightly stunned, looking at his mother.

"This set of sapphires will be your coming-of-age gift from your aunt," Abigail said.

"No way." Florence didn’t dare look at the sapphire jewelry set any longer, knowing just by looking the immense fortune it represented.

How could she dare accept it?

"You already gifted me a set earlier, Aunt Monrose," Florence shook her head repeatedly, her expression serious: "That set was already extremely precious; I can’t accept another."

Abigail shook her head, looking rather somber: "Do you want me to beg you to accept it then?"

What!

Florence didn’t expect her to say such a thing, suddenly flustered and annoyed: "Aunt Monrose!"

"Today’s your birthday, eighteen now, a grown-up girl," Abigail smoothed her hair beside her cheek: "Someday, if you get a chance, show Aunt by wearing the whole set."

Florence looked at her, unsure what Abigail meant, but she sensed the sorrow in her words.

"This set is named ’Mystic Blue,’ and this contract is a gift deed without any conditions. Florence, if you truly consider me your aunt, then sign."

Florence’s fingertips curled: "Why are you giving me such precious items?"

"Because I like you," Abigail’s gaze was gentle and sincere, her tone light and earnest; Florence looked at her, momentarily stunned.

"Take it," Ethan’s voice sounded from behind.

Florence looked at him.

"Why?"

"Selfishly, I hope you’ll accept it too."

Abigail turned to the last page of the contract, signed her name, then placed the pen in Florence’s hand.

"Florence, if after these two years you still can’t accept Aunt, you don’t have to."

Florence bit her lip: "You’re forcing me to accept."

"An aunt who’s beneficial will indeed push a bit, one who’s harmful won’t even mention it. Florence, accepting this Mystic Blue set won’t have any downsides," said Abigail.

Florence looked at her, and Abigail nodded towards her.

"I’ll sign, but you keep the jewelry set for now."

Abigail pondered and nodded: "Then Aunt will keep it for you first."

Florence agreed.

The contract was in duplicate, taken away by the foreigners wearing suits; the other copy, along with the jewelry set, was kept by Abigail for Florence.

She also told Florence the combination code.

Abigail went to put away the items, and Florence sat on the sofa, lost in thoughts.

She couldn’t understand why Abigail kept giving her more and more valuable things, even though they had no familial ties; was it merely due to their interaction over the past two years?

"What are you thinking about? Feeling overwhelmed?" Ethan’s words brought her back.

Florence shook her head: "Just thinking, accepting such precious things might not be appropriate."

"Since she chose to give them to you, it must have been thoroughly considered," Ethan explained: "You should know by now, mother isn’t a person who acts impulsively."

Florence nodded.

"Since mother’s finished, now it’s my turn," Ethan said.

Florence reacted quickly: "You wouldn’t also..."

Ethan shook his head.

Florence looked at him.

"This card contains the money you previously invested with me, fully settled now — over three million!"