Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Elena stepped forward with a smile and slipped off the diamond bracelet on her wrist , fastening it around Abigail's " Consider this a gift from me , " Elena said . Abigail knew Adam was trying to give her a solid backing . She lowered her eyes , hiding the emotion there , and gave a small smile . " Thank you , Mrs. Fletcher , Elena feigned displeasure , " Still calling me Mrs. Fletcher ? Are we really that distant ? " Abigail tock a deep breath and said , " Elena , " Elena immediately beamed and looked over at Ralph , saying , " Looks like your grandpa gave you what you always wanted - a little sister , in't you going to say something to Abby od his tongue against his cheek , forcing down the anger rising in his chest as he let out a cold laugh . " Abby , welcome to our family Ralph pressed Abigail lowered her eyes and responded softly , " Thanks , Ralphie . " At the party , Cillian raised his glass . " Thank you all for coming to celebrate my father's birthday . Here's to his health and many more years ahead As his voice faded , Adam came down the stairs flanked by Abigail on his left and Ralph on his right . The guests below caught sight of the trio and began whispering among themselves . Daniella's eyes were filled with jealousy , but her face showed nothing but tearful grievance . Bianca patted the back of Daniella's hand gently , her voice full of sympathy . " Dani , it's not a bad thing for Mr. Fletcher to see Abby as a granddaughter . Ralph is now your lancé ." Of course Daniella knew that . But that didn't stop her from resenting the fact that Abigail had Adam's support . " Mom , I'm fine . I'm really happy for Abby . It's just that Abby doesn't like me , Daniella said . Bianca felt uneasy . Her gaze landed on Abigail beside Adam , and the thought that Abigail would rather cory up to Elena than call her " Mom " stung Bianca felt that Abigail wasn't thoughtful at all compared to Daniella . " So what if she doesn't like you ? As long as Mom , Dad , Chris , and I love you , that's all that matters , " Stephen said with disdain . The look he gave Abigail felt like it could cut Daniella smiled sweetly , " Stevie , Mom , Dad , you're all so good to me . I really love you guys " Her words made Bianca feel even more comforted . Bianca looked at Abigail again and thought , ' Whatever , it's not like Abigail's my only daughter . Compared to her , Dan is so much more thoughtful " As soon as Adam made his way downstairs , someone came over to greet him and casually probe into Abigail's relationship with the Fletcher family . " Mr. Fletcher , who is this young lady ? " Adam chuckled , " This is Abigail Gibson . She's like a granddaughter to me . Abby , this is Reuben Gallagher Hearing the surname Gallagher , Abigail recalled that Samuel's mother's maiden name was also Gallagher " Mr. Gallagher , it's a pleasure to meet you , she said with a smile . Adam didn't hold back when introducing Abigail . Everyone present had to show respect to Adam , and just like that , Abigail instantly became the center 1/3 $ 21 : 13 Wed 18 Jun . Chapter 21 of attention . Since it was a birthday party , of course the guests had prepared gifts . Adam sat in the main seat , with Ahipal and Ralph standing beside himi The Fletcher family presented their gift - an original oil painting by a renowned 19th century artist . It was an extravagant gesture Elena made a point of saying , " Ralph picked this out just for you " " Very nice " Adam nodded with a smile as others also stepped forward with their birthday offerings Once most people had already presented their gifts , Daniella approached with a gift her hands . " Mr. Fletcher , I wish you all the best . " Elena looked at Daniella with a warm smile . " You've really blossomed into a beautiful young lady , Dani , I wonder which lucky guy will end up with you . " Compared to Abigail , who was only Gabriel and Blanca's biological daughter , Elena much preferred Daniella , the girl she'd watched grow up in her eyes , Daniella was accomplished and favored - definitely worthy of Ralph . " Mrs. Fletcher , you're too kind , " Daniella said , her face flushing with shyness as she glanced at Ralph . Ralph looked back at her and smiled , " Dani , what did you prepare ? " Daniella opened the gift box . Inside was a painting . Stephen immediately spoke up , " Mr. Fletcher , Dani painted this hersell " Elena looked even more pleased , clearly delighted that the girl she had her eye on as her daughter in law was so talented . As Daniella listened to the compliments from the Fletcher family , her eyes lit up with satisfaction . " I wonder what Abby has prepared for Mr. Fletcher She sounded casually curious , but everyone's eyes shifted to Abigail . It was obvious Adam hold her in high regard . " Abby , whatever you give me , I'll love it , " Adam said as he gently patted her hand , his voice warm and indulgent . ok out the birthday gift she had brought . It was a wooden box without any fancy wrapping , plain at first glance . Abigail took Gabriel and Blanca frowned . They thought , ' That thing looks cheap . She's giving it in front of so many people - clearly trying to embarrass us " Mr. Fletcher , I know you love chess . This is a chess set . Abigail remarked calmly . Just as she finished , a mocking voice rang out . " Adam treats you so well and you just give him a chess set ? " The speaker was a female relative from a side branch of the Fletcher family , Abigail didn't even look at her . In her mind , the gift was for Adam , and no one else's opinion mattered . Daniella's expression flickered . She quickly spoke up , sounding flustered , " No way , I'm sure Abby's gift isn't just any chess set . Abby , go on , open the box and show them . " The woman scoffed , " I bet she doesn't even dare open it . " Before she could finish , Adam glanced in her direction , and she instantly fell silent . " Mr. Fletcher , you can open it and see . I'm not sure if you'll like it , " Abigail said naturally , unfazed by the woman's earlier remark . Adam looked at her and could tell she wasn't just putting on a brave face . "I told you , as long as it's from you , even a leaf would be the most precious t in my eyes . " A gentle warmth stirred in Abigail's chest . Sheknew Adam said that to stand up for her . She didn't say anything and quietly opened the box Everyone leaned in for a look . Their eyes widened in surprise , and a chorus of gasps followed . " Is that a gemstone chess set ? " Chapter 22