Chapter 64

With that thought, Holden called George, the general manager of a Sivro branch.

"Mr. Evans," George said with a flattering smile, "what a day to grace me with your call!"

"George, I need a favor," Holden said.

"Mr. Evans, please, name it. If it's within my power, I'll do it without hesitation," George replied.

"I'd like you to deliver a birthday gift on my behalf to a friend in Sivro, under the name of the Evans family," Holden said.

"Who is this friend?" George asked.

"Elysia Rosewood," Holden replied.

"Consider it done! I'll take care of it right away!" George exclaimed.

"The gift will be sent shortly. The banquet's already started, so please hurry," Holden said.

"You can count on me," George replied. After hanging up, he looked puzzled. He picked up an invitation from the side table. It seems Mr. Evans and Ms. Elysia Rosewood have a rather close relationship, he thought.

It was said the Davis family had quietly spread rumors to undermine the Rosewoods at this birthday banquet. George hadn't planned to attend, but he hadn't expected Holden's intervention.

The banquet had been underway for some time, and few guests remained at the Rosewood residence. Coupled with the recent online news, Scott's displeasure was evident, despite his attempts to control his emotions. Is the Davis family so eager to make my family the laughingstock of Sivro? What a cunning plan! he thought.

Bella, having endured mockery and insults from several wealthy ladies, had retreated to a quiet corner. She blamed Elysia. If it weren't for Elysia, why would the Davis family act this way? And why would I have to endure this ridicule? Elysia marrying into the Davis family was an overreach, she thought. Yet Elysia had refused the proposal. Bella felt Elysia lacked self-awareness. Initially, Elysia's rejection had pleased Bella, as it meant Emma might marry into the Davis family. But now, she felt Elysia was ungrateful, bringing shame upon their family.

Meanwhile, Emma grinned at a viral online article. She scrolled through, her joy growing with each critical comment about Elysia. The taste of overwhelming public criticism is unpleasant. I once experienced a cyberstorm. Now it's Elysia's turn, she thought.

Looking up, she saw Justin, dressed in a white suit. She hadn't expected him to attend Elysia's banquet. In the past, he'd always declined her birthday invitations, citing busy studies. Although she knew these were excuses, she hadn't felt any disparity, as he treated everyone similarly. He attends Elysia's party. He treats Elysia differently. What's so special about Elysia? she wondered.

Averted gaze, she approached Justin, smiling. "Justin, I didn't expect you to come. I thought you wouldn't have time."

He merely nodded.

Sensing his distance, Emma felt a pang of hurt. He didn't treat me like this when we were little. When did we drift apart? she thought.

Emma, unwilling to believe it, forced herself to calm down. "Why haven't I seen your parents?" she asked with a faint smile.

Justin frowned. Robert and Emma have a good relationship. How could she not know the Davis family is suppressing the Rosewoods and making things difficult for Elysia? They're not even blood relatives, he thought. He'd heard school gossip and suspected Emma wasn't as innocent as she seemed.

Seeing Justin's silence, Emma pressed, "Didn't they come?"

He nodded, then walked away.

Emma watched him go, feeling a great distance despite their proximity.

Scott's composure was failing. The guests were restless, seeking an excuse to leave. Then Paul rushed in, whispering to Scott, "Mr. Zane Hartley has arrived."

Scott's eyes widened. "You mean the Mr. Zane Hartley, from the capital?"

Paul nodded. "Yes."

Scott instructed Paul, deliberately raising his voice, "Quickly, usher Mr. Zane Hartley in."

The guests' expressions varied. Which Mr. Zane Hartley? The one from the capital? they wondered, initially doubting it. Zane rarely attended banquets; they couldn't believe he'd come to a birthday party. But their curiosity about this influential figure kept them from leaving.

Before Scott reached the door, Zane approached. Scott beamed. "Mr. Hartley, your visit is an honor! I apologize for not welcoming you sooner."

"No need," Zane said. "I heard your daughter's celebrating. I happened to be passing by and thought I'd share the joy. I hope you don't think me presumptuous."

"Not at all! Your presence is an honor," Scott replied, ushering Zane inside.

The guests were astonished. They hadn't expected Zane to be present. Zane's support of the Rosewoods could it mean he sees potential in them? they thought.