Chapter 138
Jasmine seemed oblivious to Charlene’s cool demeanor, and upon hearing Charlene’s words, she felt a sense
of relief.
After Vernon handed over his gift to Helena, Charlene also presented hers.
The first gift she handed over was a beautiful tapestry. “This cross–stitch was prepared for you by Irma, with Thorne’s help.”
Helena accepted it, looked it over for a moment, and it was clear the gift truly touched her heart. She was very pleased and said, “She’s thoughtful.”
Charlene then handed over an emerald jewelry set to Helena: “This is from Thorne”
The quality of the emeralds was exceptional.
Helena really liked it.
But since it was from Thorne, she only glanced at it briefly before closing the lid and setting it aside, remarking coolly, “It’s beautiful, thank him for me.”
As for whether Thorne would come to wish her a happy birthday today.
She didn’t ask a single question.
She couldn’t be bothered to ask or even want to ask.
Charlene knew she didn’t like Thorne, and while she might have advocated for him in the past, this time, she
refrained.
Instead, she presented her own gift to Helena, which, as Charlene had anticipated, turned out to be Helena’s favorite among all the presents: a set of elegant writing tools.
Helena was so delighted with them that she immediately went to her study and penned a letter.
After presenting their gifts, the family gathered for breakfast.
The breakfast was lively and filled with laughter.
Helena was all smiles, clearly very happy.
But…
There was still a hint of melancholy in her eyes from time to time.
Charlene and Vernon recognized that today was also a day for family reunion for them. However, the significance of the day was overshadowed by the absence of one person.
Thinking of this, Charlene turned her face away, her eyes slightly reddening.
However, to not spoil the mood, they all tacitly avoided mentioning Sybil.
By nine o’clock, guests who were closer to the Ross family started arriving.
In the evening, they would dine at a hotel they had booked in advance, marking the official start of the birthday celebration.
While Charlene was busy welcoming guests, Vernon’s son Carl noticed Jasmine sitting quietly to the side and, with concern, gently caressed her cheek, asking, “What’s up, Minnie? You seem distracted.”
Charlene knew she was probably missing Vesta.
Jasmine had indeed heeded Thorne’s advice and stayed put with the Ross family without wandering off. But ber mind was clearly elsewhere.
She had sent several messages to Vesta throughout the day, but Vesta seemed to be busy too, hardly replying
08:53
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to her messages.
In the afternoon, they all headed to the hotel.
Around six, quests began to arrive in droves.
Vernon accepted gifts and led guests to their seats, only to notice one of them looking somewhat
embarrassed, saying, “Sorry, Mr. Ross, I have another celebration to attend today. I’ll just have a glass of water and then I must be off.”
Vernon and Charlene, understanding that the guest had other commitments, didn’t insist on him staying.
They thought this was an isolated case.
But half an hour later, seeing many business associates leave after delivering gifts, and even more who didn’t come in person but sent their secretaries instead, they realized many tables would remain empty tonight.
This was supposed to be a day of great joy, a meticulously prepared banquet, yet such a situation had arisen…. Helena would surely be upset if she found out.
They understood that guests had their own commitments, but it was hard not to feel disheartened.
Seeing so many people in a hurry to attend another celebration, Vernon couldn’t help but ask one of his closer business associates, Laird, “Many friends tonight mentioned they couldn’t stay for dinner, coincidentally all attending another celebration. If I may ask, whose celebration are you attending later?”
“The Spencer family,” Laird replied, adding, “Mr. Henderson’s girlfriend’s grandmother’s side. They’re not originally from Riverstone but are moving to Starfall, so they bought a property recently. Today marks their housewarming.”
Hearing this, Charlene and Vernon’s expressions darkened.
ore
They had assumed that resolving the villa issue would put an end to any surprises. Yet, here they were, faced with the Spencer family making a scene!
They couldn’t believe the timing of the Spencer’s housewarming on the same day was mere coincidence.
After all, the Spencer matriarch and Vesta’s grandmother had known each other for years, celebrating countless birthdays together.
Could the Spencer family have forgotten about Helena’s birthday?
No.
10
They surely remembered.
And it was precisely because they remembered that they deliberately set their housewarming on this day!
Laird was unaware of the feud between the Ross, Spencer, and Hawkins families.
On a day meant for celebration, seeing half the banquet hall empty, Vernon’s mood was understandable.
Laird whispered, “It’s a tough situation. With Mr. Henderson backing the Spencer family, once their invitation was out, who could afford to snub it? We aren’t close to the Spencer family, but who would dare not show face for Mr. Henderson? I really had no choice…”
If he didn’t attend the Spencer family’s housewarming or left early without dining, the Spencers would surely take it as a sign of disrespect.
Word around town is that Thorne might be tying the knot with Ms. Hawkins pretty soon.
Crossing the Spencer family would be like picking a fight with Ms. Hawkins and Thorne themselves.
And what’s more, Thorne is not someone they want to mess with.
