Chapter 11 Genius Little Painter

Jonathan's intense gaze felt like it could pierce right through Kathie. How dare she ignore him?

Kathie glanced at the time, realizing she couldn't delay any longer. "Alright, Mommy's heading out. Behave yourself, and call me if you need anything, okay?"

The three kids watched their mom leave and obediently went back inside to read.

Eileen picked up a paintbrush and walked over to Jonathan. "Mr. Handsome, do you know how to paint?"

Jonathan's face lit up with pride. "Of course, I do! My paintings have been in exhibitions and sold for a lot of money."

Eileen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Wow, I want to sell my paintings too, so I can help Mommy make lots of money."

Jonathan looked at the sketchbook on the table. She was just a kid; what could she possibly draw?

"Bring your sketchbook over here, and I'll give you some tips," Jonathan said.

Eileen handed over the sketchbook, and Jonathan was stunned the moment he opened it.

The treehouse on the first page had smooth lines and perfect color combinations, even the little flowers and grass were meticulously detailed. This level of skill couldn't be achieved without at least ten years of practice.

He continued flipping through the pages, each one more impressive than the last. It was pure genius.

Looking at the three-year-old Eileen in front of him, he couldn't help but laugh. "Eileen, kids should be honest. These drawings must be your mom's. At your age, you can't even tell the colors apart, let alone draw something like this."

Eileen answered earnestly, "I drew them."

Jonathan frowned, clearly not believing her. He was a naturally gifted artist, and he hadn't reached this level until he was ten. Could Eileen really be more talented than him?

Seeing that he didn't believe her, Eileen's eyes welled up with tears. "I'm not lying."

Kyle rushed over. "Why are you picking on Eileen? These drawings are hers."

Zachary also defended her. "Eileen is amazing. She can even draw us. You're an outsider; what do you know?"

Jonathan was in disbelief. How could a three-year-old like Eileen, who didn't seem to have any formal training, be so talented?

Eileen took back the sketchbook and drew a picture of flowers right in front of him. If he hadn't seen the vibrant flowers and lifelike butterflies appear on the blank paper with his own eyes, Jonathan wouldn't have believed it was real.

Eileen said proudly, "Do you believe me now?"

Jonathan was in awe. "You're a genius. With proper training, you'll become a world-renowned artist."

Jonathan admired her talent and even felt a pang of regret, wishing Eileen were his daughter.

Eileen, rejuvenated by the praise, beamed with energy.

The Cavendish Mansion, located in the heart of the city, was a valuable property left to Kathie's mom by her grandfather. Now, it was occupied by a bunch of ungrateful people.

Kathie rang the doorbell, and the butler, Gary Reed, immediately recognized her. "Ms. Cavendish, you're back."

"Gary, long time no see," she replied.

Gary led her inside, where she saw her father, Walter Cavendish, and stepmother, Melissa Morris, chatting happily. Randy was holding Shirley intimately, while no one paid attention to Kathie's grandmother, Ophelia Bell, sitting in the corner.

Kathie once had a happy family, with a loving father and a caring mother, making her feel like the luckiest person in the world.

Her father had married into her mother's family. To preserve his dignity, Kathie's mom gave their children his last name. He sweet-talked her into transferring the company to his name, thinking it would keep him loyal.

When Kathie was seven, her mom was pregnant with their second child. The family was overjoyed, eagerly awaiting the new addition. But her mom died in childbirth, along with the baby.

Walter was devastated, and Kathie was touched by his apparent deep love. But less than two months later, he brought Melissa and her daughter into their home. At first, he lied, saying they were distant relatives staying temporarily, until Kathie caught him and Melissa in bed, revealing the truth.

Melissa was his long-time lover, and Shirley, who was only a year younger than Kathie, was their illegitimate daughter. Walter had betrayed the family long before.

Since Melissa moved in, she bullied Kathie behind the scenes while pretending to be a kind stepmother.

Kathie suspected her mom's death was suspicious and secretly investigated. She discovered her mom's body had been covered in injuries, and the baby had died shortly after birth.

With advanced medical technology, it was unlikely her mom would die in childbirth. Unfortunately, the medical staff involved had all moved abroad. Kathie spent years traveling the world, trying to find them.

If her mom's death was indeed connected to them, Kathie would stop at nothing to seek justice, no matter the cost.

Kathie took a deep breath to calm herself. Her grandmother, who had raised her after her mom's death, was the person she loved most.

"Grandma!" Kathie called out.

Ophelia turned around, delighted to hear her granddaughter's familiar voice. Seeing Kathie, she stood up despite her aching feet, tears of joy in her eyes. "Kathie, come here. I've missed you so much."

"Grandma, sit down. Don't move." Kathie ran over and hugged her tightly.

After Kathie left four years ago, Walter, encouraged by Melissa, sent Ophelia back to the countryside. Kathie often had people secretly take care of Ophelia, ensuring she enjoyed her later years.

Ophelia held Kathie's hand, gently caressing her face. "You've lost weight. It's good you're back. Don't leave again. I don't know how many more times I'll get to see you."

"Grandma, you'll live a long and healthy life. I'll stay with you as long as you want to see me," Kathie said.

Walter cleared his throat. His daughter hadn't seen him in four years, and she didn't even greet him. How disrespectful.

Kathie ignored him, treating him like he was invisible.

Walter had no choice but to speak first, "Kathie, you seem to be doing well. I heard from Shirley that you have three kids. Why didn't you bring your husband and children to meet me?"

Since she left, Walter had never looked for her. What kind of grandfather was he to her children?

Melissa chimed in sarcastically, "Since you have a man, why are you still dragging out your divorce with Randy? You should finalize it soon, give your kids a proper status, and stop holding others back."

Shirley had given Randy a son, but since he hadn't divorced Kathie, Shirley and her child were considered illegitimate.

They had used Ophelia as an excuse to bring Kathie back, just to push her to divorce.

Kathie sneered, "What if I refuse to divorce?"

Shirley couldn't hold back. "Don't be unreasonable. You're a mother now. How can you let innocent children be labeled as illegitimate?"

Kathie was unfazed. "That's your problem, not mine."

Walter scolded, "Kathie, do you think you're too grown up for me to control? I'm your father. Today, you must divorce, or you won't leave this house."

Ophelia, furious, yelled at him, "What kind of father are you? I'm ashamed of you. If it weren't for Kathie's mom, you wouldn't have your current status. Shirley and Randy wronged Kathie first. They've never apologized, and you dare threaten Kathie? I'll beat you, you ungrateful bastard."

Ophelia threw a cup at him, but Melissa pretended to shield him. "Mom, if you want to hit someone, hit me. Don't hurt Walter."

Ophelia was too weak, and the cup fell at Melissa's feet without breaking. Melissa was just putting on a show for Walter.

Seeing Melissa protect him, Walter yelled at Ophelia, "You're just throwing your weight around because you're old. I think you should stay in the countryside and not come out."

Kathie couldn't take it anymore and shouted, "Shut up!"