Chapter 64
Elizabeth caught the sarcasm and smugness in Esme's eyes; she was definitely trying to provoke her.
Lily was all about her reputation, so the Russell family made sure to give her plenty of respect today.
How thrilled was Lily tonight after being pampered? Could Elizabeth even compete with that?
The room was buzzing when suddenly someone shouted, "What did the young lady of the Tudor family bring?"
The room went dead silent for a few seconds, and all eyes turned to Elizabeth.
"Yeah, what did she bring?"
"Mr. Getty brought a gift, where's Mrs. Tudor's gift?"
"I saw her come in empty-handed. Did she really not bring anything for Lily?"
"No matter how much Lily likes her, she can't show up with nothing! She represents the Percy family. Are no other Percy family members coming? Isn't that embarrassing for Lily?"
Elizabeth looked around, surprised at how quickly the conversation had shifted.
One second it was all about Esme, and the next, it was all about her.
Lily noticed the issue too.
Not a single person from the Percy family had shown up today!
It was one thing for Elizabeth's parents to skip, but her grandparents too?
Lily frowned as someone behind her whispered, "None of Elizabeth's family is here, and she didn't bring a gift for Lily. Plus, with all the rumors online, could it be that Elizabeth and Alexander are really getting a divorce?"
"Don't talk nonsense! Elizabeth and Alexander are fine!" Lily snapped, shutting them down fiercely.
With Lily's outburst, everyone immediately clammed up, not even daring to breathe!
No one wanted to cross Lily.
Esme cleared her throat and, in the silence, asked, "Elizabeth, you didn't really come empty-handed, did you?"
Elizabeth smiled slightly, meeting the crowd's gossip-hungry eyes, and said firmly, "Of course not!"
Lily's birthday, and she came empty-handed? No way.
"So, what did Mrs. Tudor bring?"
Elizabeth looked up, smiling lightly, and said seriously, "It's the rare saffron everyone's been talking about!"
The crowd gasped instantly—what?!
That rare saffron, wasn't there only one in the world? Esme had just shown it to them.
Esme was stunned, grabbing the table beside her to steady herself.
Elizabeth watched Esme's reaction; she was clearly flustered.
Esme gulped and then looked at William.
William gave her a firm look, as if reminding Esme of what he had just said!
—"No matter what happens, just insist that the saffron you gave is real. Don't be afraid!"
Esme composed herself and looked back at Elizabeth.
She couldn't believe Elizabeth could actually get her hands on that rare saffron!
If the Russell family couldn't get it, how could the Percy family? Let alone Elizabeth!
"Elizabeth, what kind of joke are you making? There's only one rare saffron in the world. If you're claiming you have the rare saffron, then what is this?" Esme slapped the table, looking very angry.
Elizabeth disdainfully looked at the fake saffron on the table.
Her lips curled into a bright, radiant smile, and she dropped a bombshell, "What you gave is fake."