Chapter 299 Pretentious And Insincere

Of course, Rachel affirmed with unyielding encouragement. “So, Janessa, you’ve got to gather your strength and rise to the challenge! The victory your mother was denied, you must now secure it on her behalf.”

“Absolutely!” Janessa responded, her nod filled with resolute determination as her spirits soared upon hearing Rachel’s words.

After contemplating her aunt’s statements, Janessa recognized the truth in them.

She reflected on her current plight, largely the result of Madelyn’s interference. Despite her own fall from grace, that despicable woman continued to live her days in high spirits.

This isn’t fair!

Moreover, Sebastian–the man Janessa had cherished after so many years–how could she merely watch as that lowly Madelyn effortlessly took him from her?

Despite her initial hesitations, Janessa’s resolve solidified. She grasped the invitation card from her aunt’s hands, firmly committed to making her presence felt at Felix’s upcoming birthday celebration.

Two evenings later, at the Blume residence, the atmosphere of the birthday banquet bore the distinctive mark of the family’s military heritage, exuding a formal yet understated elegance.

This was not the ostentatious display typical of high-society gatherings where every corner shimmered with gold. Instead, the Blume residence was adorned with vibrant lights and colorful festive orbs, while plain curtains reminiscent of the mid-twentieth century added a touch of historical charm.

Nevertheless, the event did not lack in splendor, especially that night when all of the Blume family’s extended members, fresh from military duties, were in attendance.

Among them, Josiah stood out, donned in a formal suit beside Felix, who was clad in traditional Clusian attire. As a direct descendant, he had been by his grandfather’s side from the start of the evening.

The usually irreverent air about Josiah seemed to have matured somewhat.

Flanking the elderly man were Josiah’s father, Benedict Blume, and his mother, Mary Sandler. His eldest brother, Mason Blume, confined to a wheelchair, and his second brother, Xander Blume, who was now practicing law, were also present, adding to the dignified ensemble.

At that moment, as the family presented a unified front of grandeur, Josiah found his gaze repeatedly drifting toward the entrance, the anticipation of Madelyn and the others’ arrival clear in his eyes.

Observing his brother’s behavior, Mason couldn’t resist teasing. “Josiah, are you on the lookout for your little girlfriend?”

Caught off guard by the comment, Josiah quickly lost his composure. “Cut it out,” he retorted, slightly flustered. “What girlfriend? There’s never been anything like that, okay?”

“Is that so?” Xander chuckled, joining in the teasing. “But I’ve heard that ever since you met that girl, you’ve started to behave a lot better. Haven’t you?”

“He’s been punctual to school, his grades have improved, he’s stopped getting into fights, no more reckless…”

“I’m really curious to see this girl who’s managed to change our youngest brother so drastically!” Xander said.

“Yeah, me too,” Mason chimed in, laughing along with his brother. They both seemed to find amusement in the unexpected transformation of their younger sibling.

Hearing this, their father, Benedict, intervened with a note of skepticism, “Don’t get ahead of yourselves,” he cautioned. “What makes you think Josiah has what it takes to win her over? After all, she is Sebastian‘s fiancée. At best, she’s just friends with your brother.”

“Oh, really?” Xander’s expression showed his surprise, and then he mockingly added, “Josiah, don’t blame me for being blunt, but your love rival is way out of your league. It seems you don’t stand a chance; better to let her go sooner rather than later.”

Mason, however, was not so quick to dismiss their brother’s chances. “Yes, the rival may be formidable but don’t sell Josiah short. Once he joins the military, his prospects could well match or even surpass Sebastian’s.”

“Forget about it,” Felix interjected with a sigh, his voice tinged with resignation. “I’ve lost hope of Josiah joining the military. This boy might just not be suited for a life in the service. At this point, if he can just bring home a decent girl, I’d be grateful. But as for those truly good girls, he’s not fit to be with them.”

Despite his enduring love for his grandson, it appeared that after witnessing Josiah’s continued resistance to a military life, Felix had somewhat resigned himself to a different future for him.

Though it was a shame he hadn’t chosen to enlist, such a path couldn’t be forced. If Josiah came to embrace the idea and decided to serve in the future, that would be ideal. If not, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. After all, the Blume family had more than enough resources to support him.

What the heck? Just bring home a decent girl? I’m not that bad, am I?

Josiah’s temper flared at their words.

Just then, the family’s lively discussion was interrupted by the arrival of a few figures not too far away. It was none other than Josiah’s second uncle and his family.

Leading the group, Hayden followed behind his father, dressed in full military regalia. His confident stride and vibrant energy caught the attention of many guests.

As he approached, the three Blume brothers couldn’t hide their contempt.

Typical of Hayden, always eager to steal the spotlight. No one dares to upstage Grandpa at his birthday banquet, yet that guy had the nerve to show up in full military uniform. Is he so desperate for everyone to know his status?

Yet, when Felix noticed Hayden’s attire, he reacted not with annoyance but with pleasure. “Hayden, what inspired you to wear your military uniform today?” he inquired with a smile.

“As a soldier, it’s important to always honor our military status,” Hayden replied with a measured seriousness. “Plus, if it weren’t for your support in my enlistment, I wouldn’t have become a lieutenant so young. On such an important day as your birthday, Grandpa, I wanted to express my respect and gratitude. I’m honored to be part of a military family. Today, I salute you, hoping you will be blessed with an abundance of happiness and good fortune.”

With those words, Hayden snapped to a crisp military salute, prompting enthusiastic applause from the assembled family members.

However, the expressions of Josiah, his brothers, and parents were less than pleased. The attention Hayden garnered seemed to completely overshadow their own presence, leaving them visibly disgruntled.

Hayden’s overt display felt pretentious and insincere to them, especially since none of the other military officers present had felt the need to flaunt their status in such a manner. Had it not been for their grandfather’s special day, they might have confronted him then and there.

Hayden then turned to Josiah with a friendly smile, “Josiah, I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you’d be out enjoying yourself, even on such an important day…”

The implication was clear–he wanted everyone to view Josiah as nothing more than a good-for-nothing.