Reborn From Oblivion

That day, the Rowland family's clubhouse was buzzing like never before.

When Paige and Benjamin finally showed up, they were floored by the rows of luxury cars lined up outside.

Paige clenched her fists, gritting her teeth. "It's just a little birthday bash for a Rowland family nobody. How'd it reel in so many big shots?"

Benjamin tried to keep his cool, and reassured his mom. "Don't get worked up, Mom. These VIPs aren't here for Nathan; they're here for the Rowland family's name. Once they see Nathan in his shabby get-up, they'll know his status in our family isn't worth a dime." A venomous grin spread across Paige's face. She squared her shoulders and marched into the clubhouse with Benjamin right on her heels.

They expected to be hit with a wave of glitz and glamour befitting the Rowland family's top-dog status. But instead of the opulence they imagined, they found walls adorned with classical art and poetry, each piece offering blessings to Nathan and the Rowland family. Paige, from a modest background, didn't get the whole poetry and art thing. She thought the paintings and ancient poems were far from luxurious and seemed pretty old-fashioned. With a smirk, she whispered to Benjamin, "Son, did you pick these up from a flea market? You must've pocketed a nice little bonus, huh?"

Benjamin had indeed skimmed a decent chunk off the party budget, but he wasn't feeling too great about it.

His mom didn't get art, but he'd had an elite education. He knew these paintings and calligraphies were priceless. They gave the room a scholarly vibe, though he couldn't quite put a price tag on them, which made him uneasy.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

"Mom, these artworks might not be worth much, but they do lend a touch of class to the place, making that brat look smart and cultured," Benjamin muttered, annoyed by the servants' choices.

Paige shrugged, "Even better. It doesn't tarnish the Rowland family's scholarly image and still shows how little we think of Nathan."

Just then, Nathan arrived.

He strolled in wearing a down jacket that cost maybe a couple hundred bucks, a bargain compared to the fancy threads of the other guests. Benjamin's unease vanished.

With a smirk, he approached

Nathan. His words were

sugar-coated with sarcasm. "Hey,

little brother, see all this? I went all out for your birthday party. Happy?"

Nathan's gaze scanned the walls with their priceless art, feeling lucky. He hadn't let his granddad frame e these treasures in something flashy, which is why these two art-blind family members didn't see their true value right away.

"I'm very pleased. Thanks, Benjamin."

His eyes sparkled with irony, but the smile didn't quite reach them. His voice was soft, almost too gentle, sending a shiver down Benjamin's spine.

"Well, I'm happy you like it." Benjamin's eyes fell on the down jacket, his lips twisting into a mocking smile.

"Nice jacket. Fits you well," he said, reaching out to touch it.

Nathan suddenly shrugged off the jacket and tossed it into the trash.