Eleanor and Alexander found a spot in the open area. Alexander noticed Eleanor's downcast face and the redness in her eyes, knowing how upset she felt."Eleanor, don’t be angry. Why should you care what they think? They don’t understand you.” Alexander said, holding her hand gently.Eleanor forced a smile: “It’s okay, just don’t take it to heart. Their words were harsh, but I’ll manage.""Eleanor, you’re here! I’ll sit with you." Reese came over and pulled up a chair next to them.Alexander was surprised. He hadn’t expected Reese to not only defend them but also come over to sit with them."Reese, why did you come here? Grandpa adores you. You should go back inside. We’re fine, really.” Eleanor said.Reese shook her head, pouting: “I think they're all being too much. I support you, Eleanor. This is me showing my support with actions." Eleanor smiled at Reese’s stubbornness, knowing there was no convincing her otherwise. So, she changed the subject to lighter conversation."I heard you
The joyous harmony in the hall was instantly shattered by Steve’s words, and everyone turned to look at Lucas. He gritted his teeth, tears welling up in his eyes, and lowered the hand covering his face, revealing a swollen cheek. The sight of Lucas' swollen cheek caused the guests to exchange glances with a variety of expressions.Even though they didn’t know who Alexander was, the fact that he dared to hit the second young master of the Jones family on such a day left them with a peculiar feeling. Either Alexander had a strong background and wasn’t afraid of the Jones family, or he was reckless and willing to take on the Jones family head-on.Either way, none of the guests were eager to get involved. They remained silent, quietly observing.The veins on Mr. Jones' forehead bulged as his anger spiked, nearly triggering his heart condition."Grandfather, Father, you have to stand up for me! I went to call Reese back, and when I saw that useless Alexander, I said a few words to him. But
Seeing Alexander take the beating, Lucas smiled smugly, itching to grab the cane and hit Alexander himself. Valeria and Rodger stood at the back of the group with their heads down, feeling like each blow Mr. Jones dealt to Alexander was a slap to their faces. They were utterly humiliated."Look at how mad our dad is. Everyone should take this as a warning—having a useless son-in-law is bad enough, but one who’s both useless and stupid? That’s the real problem.” Every added venomously.After several hits, Mr. Jones was panting heavily, his rage unabated: “You worthless piece of trash, kneel and apologize to my grandson right now! Today, I’ll teach you what it means to have honor and shame! Kneel!"
Eleanor let out a bitter laugh, helplessly following Alexander back. They returned to their seats in the lower hall, both glancing toward the main hall.Guests had already emerged from the back hall, filing into the main hall and taking their seats. Then Melvin and Jesus helped Mr. Jones into the main hall, with Every and Valeria following in order behind them.After Mr. Jones, the guest of honor, and the rest of the Jones family entered the main hall, the announcement was made that the birthday celebration had officially begun."The celebration has started, and soon it'll be time to present gifts. But we haven’t prepared anything.” Eleanor whispered."Don’t worry, it’s been taken care of.” Alexander replied gently.In the main hall, Mr. Jones sat at the head of the room, and Melvin presented his gift, saying a few words of blessing.After Melvin’s generation had given their birthday wishes, they sat beside Mr. Jones, and it was the turn of Lucas and the younger generation to present
"That useless Alexander might be excused, but Eleanor, you’re Grandfather’s own granddaughter. He doted on you so much, and now you’ve forgotten to prepare a gift for him. There’s really nothing more to say." Steve added fuel to the fire.Lucas wanted to humiliate Alexander and Eleanor, while Steve aimed to divert attention away from his father Marvin, ensuring he wouldn’t make a scene again.Though their motives were different, both men targeted Alexander and Eleanor.Selah let out a mocking laugh, looking at Eleanor with disdain: “Eleanor, we’re both Grandfather’s grandchildren. In the past, he always gave the best things to you first. You got to eat and play before me, so logically, your birthday gift should be much grander than mine. But instead, you didn’t even bother to bring one.""Some people are just ungrateful. I bet these two planned to stir up trouble at Grandfather’s birthday party. Otherwise, who would act so shamelessly?" Sammy chimed in.Every frowned deeply: “This beh
Melvin sensing that the mystery of Young Master Reynolds might overshadow his son’s moment to shine, quickly interjected: “Let’s not waste time talking about this useless brat. It’s frustrating and ruins the good mood. Marvin, raise your glass and make a toast to your uncles.”Marvin stood up, lifting his glass respectfully to those around him: “I’m grateful for the guidance and care you’ve shown me. There will be many times in the future when I’ll need your advice and support. I hope you’ll continue to offer your wisdom.”Marvin’s toast was eloquent, flattering himself while making the guests feel appreciated. The guests all raised their glasses and clinked them with Marvin’s.“Marvin is truly impressive. Securing the contract for the development of the southern suburbs and establishing connections with the Eleanor Missing Group is a sign of great things to come.”“That Eleanor Missing Group is a major investment. I’ve heard that the financial backing behind them is incredibly strong
"Which one of you invited Mr. Vega?" Mr. Jones asked, looking at his eldest son, Melvin.A prominent figure like Boris wouldn't come uninvited. Mr. Jones was well aware of his own status and knew he didn't have the kind of influence that would make Boris come of his own accord. Yet, here Boris was, leaving Mr. Jones to assume that his eldest son must have arranged this as another surprise, much like the gift Marvin had given earlier. It left Mr. Jones pleasantly surprised and delighted.Melvin and the others all shook their heads. Finally, Mr. Jones turned his gaze toward Marvin: “Marvin, was this another surprise you prepared for your grandfather?""No, Grandfather. I didn’t invite Mr. Vega. We’re far too distant from him.” Marvin replied with a wry smile.Mr. Jones couldn’t figure it out immediately, so he hastily stood up to greet Boris. A distinguished guest had arrived, and they needed to show their respect. Besides, if they could establish good relations with Boris, it would cer
The guests were equally stunned, their eyes wide with amazement as they tried to understand what was happening."This is too much! Alexander is known as a useless freeloader, so why are Mr. Thomas and Mr. Vega treating him with such respect?""If it were just one of them, it could be a coincidence, but with both Mr. Thomas and Mr. Vega showing such reverence, there must be a reason.""They both called him Young Master Reynolds. Do you think he might be the same Young Master Reynolds who sent those incredible birthday gifts earlier?"Speculation began to stir amon