NOVPUBChapter 981 -984: Competing in Gift-Giving (1) (Extra 4)
Chapter 981 -984: Competing in Gift-Giving (1) (Extra 4)
There were three banquet tables set up in the private room.
The grandmother took the seat of honor at the main table; originally, Emily Taylor was supposed to sit on her left-hand side, followed by Aidan Lucas and Jordan Lancaster.
To her right, Simon Taylor was to be seated, followed by Dominic Taylor, Emma Shaw, then Milly Gray and Charles Taylor.
But now, missing her grandson, the grandmother naturally gave up her son’s place for him.
And since Charles Taylor couldn’t be apart from Milly Gray, the seats to the right of the grandmother were consequently taken by Charles Taylor, Milly Gray, followed then by Simon Taylor, Dominic Taylor, and Emma Shaw.
Among The Taylors, Emma Shaw was placed last, which instantly left a sour taste in her mouth.
But then she thought of how Milly Gray and Charles Taylor, with their vindictive nature, would surely find fault with Lily Redington later on.
Well, let them sit closer; perhaps something would come out of it later.
With this thought, Emma finally felt balanced.
*
Ben Lucas was very protective of his mother.
Lily had intended to let Ben sit in the middle, but he noticed that the looks on the faces of everyone at the table towards his mother were unfriendly.
The little one thought it over and decided that it was safer to have his mother sandwiched between him and his father.
So, after everyone sat down, Lily ended up seated between Aidan Lucas and Jordan Lancaster.
Because of Lily’s addition, the atmosphere at the main table was rather peculiar.
Simon Taylor and Dominic Taylor looked at her with faces full of apprehension, especially Simon Taylor, who was particularly unhappy with this woman’s presence.
The woman who had sent Rowena Gray to the detention centre—he really didn’t understand why Aidan Lucas would bring such a woman to a family banquet.
Out of consideration for his nephew, he did not make a scene on the spot.
But he had decided that once back, he would definitely have a serious talk with Ethan Wilson and order him to break up with this woman.
As for Milly Gray and Charles Taylor, the looks they gave Lily were filled with malicious intent.
And Emily Taylor didn’t even want to glance at her, simply pretending she did not see her at all. 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓅𝓊𝓫.𝒸ℴ𝓶
Once the dishes were all served and toasts were made to celebrate, having only nibbled at a few dishes, Charles Taylor suddenly stood up.
“Aunt, today is your birthday, and Paul Davidson has prepared a really beautiful gift for you with his New Year’s money. This is a gift Paul Davidson personally picked out to give to aunt, hoping you will like it!”
The little boy was very adorable with his round, shiny black eyes. When he looked up admiringly at his elders, it was truly endearing.
Seeing Charles Taylor like this, the cloud of gloom in Emily Taylor’s heart finally lifted a bit.
“Paul Davidson has also prepared a gift for aunt? Our Paul Davidson is so thoughtful. No matter what Paul Davidson gives, aunt will be happy.”
While it was said to be personally prepared by Charles Taylor, it was actually Simon Taylor who had prepared it on his behalf. It’s just that the child was sweet with words, and he easily made the adults believe it was true.
“As long as aunt likes it, let Paul Davidson show it to you!”
Charles Taylor approached Emily Taylor with a red box held carefully in his two little hands.
Emily Taylor received it with a smile, kissed Paul Davidson’s little face, and under his urging opened it in front of everyone.
“Wow—what a translucent pair of red emerald bracelets, with such fine texture. Paul Davidson has a good eye, to be able to pick out such fine bracelets.”
The grandmother sitting beside Emily Taylor was the first to clearly see the contents of the box.
At her exclamation, everyone stretched their necks to get a look in Emily Taylor’s direction.
Indeed, they saw Emily Taylor lifting a pair of red emerald bracelets out of the box.
“Yes, the texture is really fine, and the color is also extremely beautiful. Paul Davidson, aunt loves the gift you’ve chosen, but such bracelets weren’t cheap; your New Year’s money must have almost all been spent, right?”
“Um… Um…” Charles Taylor lowered his head, seemingly too shy to tell his aunt.
“You child, why spend so much money? The thought is enough. Aunt will reimburse you later, but don’t do this again, okay?” Even as Emily Taylor said this, her face was filled with joy.
What she lacked wasn’t money; it was the heart of being treasured and cared for like this.
[Author’s Note] May 11th, eight updates completed. After the chapter updates, the system might be slow to process the text, and there could be delays, so don’t be in a rush~
