Chapter 102 The Gifts
“There’s no rush. We can eat first,” Farris said with a composed tone.
Rita wore a satisfied smile as she lifted her wine glass, her gaze locking onto Corrine across from her. She raised an eyebrow, challenging her with a playful glint in her eyes.
In previous years, Corrine had never been allowed to attend Farris‘ birthday celebrations, but this year she had been invited. Naturally, she had come with a gift.
Rita had stolen a glance at the gift Corrine brought–a plain, unadorned box that screamed mediocrity, clearly not something of significant value.
Corrine, fully aware of Rita’s scrutinizing gaze, simply took a sip of water, her expression unreadable, offering no reaction.
Once the meal ended, Rita busied herself organizing the servants to bring out the mountain of gifts, which numbered in the dozens.
The relatives at the table began unwrapping each gift with precision, presenting them to Farris.
It was no secret that Farris had a deep fondness for antiques and paintings, so most gifts catered to his refined tastes.
A standout offering came from Diego Newman of the Julee Group, who presented a rare quill pen.
When Rita opened Leah’s meticulously prepared gift, she held it out with a bright smile. “Grandpa, do you like this gem?” she asked, her voice filled with enthusiasm as she handed the glittering stone to Farris.
Farris‘ eyes
royalty?”
lit up with delight as he glanced at the gem. “Is this a rare gem, one used by
Corrine’s gaze flicked up for a brief moment, her lips curving into a subtle, knowing smile.
Leah eagerly replied, “Yes. I specially sought out a collector and bought this for you. I hope you like it.”
“This gem is indeed valuable,” Farris said with a chuckle, his tone lighthearted. “I’d be quite ungrateful if I didn’t appreciate such a gift.”
He cradled the gem with care, admiring its uniqueness, despite its lack of intricate carving.
This type of gem, used exclusively by the royal court and often given as prestigious gifts to the nobility, was a rarity among common folk.
He examined it repeatedly, unable to tear his eyes away, and despite his usual indifference toward Leah, he couldn’t help but speak with genuine sincerity. “Thank you, Leah.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Leah replied with poise, her expression composed, lacking any trace of arrogance.
With the appearance of this gem, all the other gifts suddenly seemed insignificant, mere background to its grandeur.
“Leah’s lost some weight recently. She wouldn’t say why, but now it’s clear–she’s been working to win Farris‘ favor,” Tracy said, admiration in her voice. “Such devotion to an elder is rare.”
One of the guests chimed in, “You’re truly blessed, Tracy. Your son is outstanding, and now, even your future daughter–in–law is perfect. It’s enviable.”
“If I had a daughter–in–law like Leah, I’d consider myself fortunate.”
“Leah’s such a good girl, Bruce. You should hold onto her tight! Otherwise, if she leaves, you’ll have no one to cry to!”
“Leah and Bruce are of similar age, and they’ve grown up together. They should get engaged soon–bring new additions to the Ashton family,” one of them suggested.
As the conversation became more exaggerated, Leah shyly nestled into Bruce’s embrace, but she noticed he seemed distant.
She leaned into him, following his gaze and noticing Corrine sitting nearby. She bit her lip, and then smiled softly. “Bruce, what’s wrong?”
Bruce snapped out of his thoughts just as his aunt remarked, “Bruce, Leah is so devoted to you. You can’t let her down.”
Bruce tightened his arm around Leah’s waist, his expression softening as he looked at her with genuine affection. “I won’t.”
The Ashton family members exchanged knowing smiles, observing the couple with satisfaction.
As they spoke, they discreetly turned their attention to Corrine, eager to see her reaction.
But Corrine remained unfazed, sipping her coffee as if she were an outsider, her composure unshaken.
The crowd couldn’t help but sneer, thinking she was just pretending. They were eager to see how long she could keep up the act.
Rita, with a casual air, remarked, “Miss Holland, why haven’t we seen your gift? This is your first time at my grandfather’s birthday party, so surely your gift is something extraordinary?”
She smiled at Corrine, her eyes glittering with a hint of malicious amusement.
“It’s nothing special,” Corrine replied smoothly, her calm demeanor unwavering.
