Chapter 76

"Max, happy birthday!" Emmalie chirped, handing him a small, bib-shaped gift box. Inside was an exclusive, custom-made men's watch, one of only three in the world. To buy something like this required not only money but also status. The watch's designer was notoriously eccentric, selling only to those who caught his fancy. Though not the most expensive item, its uniqueness and the designer's prestige made everyone instantly admire Emmalie.

"Is that designed by Richard Greenway?" someone asked.

"It is! I saw the authenticity seal," Emmalie replied.

"Oh my god, Emmalie is incredible. Even Richard holds her in such high regard."

There was no denying that this gift stroked Max's ego. Surrounded by admiring looks, he smiled slightly, gently patting Emmalie on the head.

"Emmalie, thank you for the gift. This is the best birthday present I've received this year," he said.

From start to finish, Thea could only stare in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. That watch was supposed to be her gift to Max.

When she worked at Avon Ventures, Thea had once supplied Richard Greenway with a batch of raw materials. Though there had been some hiccups, Thea handled everything smoothly, never fawning over Richard's lofty status. The collaboration had gone well, and Thea's prudence had even helped Richard avoid a significant risk. Grateful, Richard had offered to custom-make her a watch, but she had declined, thinking she didn't deserve such an honor.

But when Max's birthday came around, she bought a limited-edition watch from Richard, with a personalized engraving on the back. Actually, she didn't want to give Max something so valuable. Yet, she had been cornered by Jake's threats involving the Rowland family, and she hoped the watch would show Max that her worth was far greater than just marrying into the Hendrix family. While Max doted on Emmalie like the rest of the Rowland family, he was still a businessman, the future heir of the family. She believed his choices would prioritize the family's future. If things ever reached a breaking point, maybe, just maybe, Max would show her some leniency because of the watch.

And now, the gift she had carefully planned had somehow ended up in Emmalie's hands. Ivy didn't dare look Thea in the eye. It was clear she knew the truth.

Emmalie, basking in the praise, glanced over at Thea with a smug smile and said, in a voice just loud enough to be heard, "Thea, you don't look very good. Don't worry, though; no matter what gift you brought, it's the thought that counts. Max will appreciate it."

Max's gaze toward Thea turned cold. "We're all family; I don't care about the gifts."

Emmalie clapped her hands, excited. "Thea, hurry and bring out your gift! I'm dying to see what you got."

Around them, people began to egg her on, eager for the spectacle.

"Let me guess. It's probably something cheap and unremarkable."

"Yeah, I bet. She can't possibly have the taste to outdo Emmalie."

"Both daughters of the Rowland family, but Thea and Emmalie couldn't be more different."