Chapter 173 Gift Giving
Natalie chuckled. She had ridden in Bella's car many times and was quite familiar with Larry. Hearing his playful banter, she quipped, "Larry, am I not good-looking without makeup on a regular day?"
"Ms. Teeger, you're beautiful even on regular days." Larry replied.
Looking at her reflection in the rearview mirror. Natalie, with makeup on, resembled Alice more, although their auras differed. She shook her head, pushing thoughts of Alice aside.
The car stopped at the pier, where the birthday banquet was on a nearby cruise ship. Larry said, "Ms. Teeger, I'll wait here for you. Just message me when you're ready to come out."
"Okay."
Carrying a gift box, Natalie casually picked up Bella's sunglasses from the car and boarded the ship.
This was Vachilit's largest Star 089 Sightseeing Cruise.
The banquet hall spanned three levels.
There were many people on the deck, each donning a different style of attire. Natalie proceeded to the front desk and informed the waiter that she was attending Mr. Perry's birthday banquet. The waiter promptly led her upstairs.
Passing by the second-floor banquet hall, the door happened to open, revealing people in suits bustling about, seemingly engaged in some business activity.
The waiter said, "This way, madam. Mr. Perry's birthday banquet is on the third floor."
On the third-floor banquet hall, a group of young people was celebrating a birthday.
As Natalie entered, a girl spotted her. "Who are you? Why are you just arriving now? We're about to cut the cake."
Elbert Perry, surrounded by the crowd, raised his head and looked at the person standing at the door. His eyes lit up. "Who are you?" He couldn't recall having such a beautiful female classmate before. If they had met previously, he would surely remember.
"I'm a friend of Bella's. She couldn't come today, so I'm here to deliver her birthday gift." Natalie said as she approached, handing over the gift box. "Mr. Perry, happy birthday."
"Oh, you're Bella's friend." Elbert accepted the gift and invited Natalie. "Join us for cake. We've just started."
Natalie initially wanted to decline, but two girls pulled her over warmly. She had to stay, considering it was Elbert's birthday, and she was here on Bella's behalf, so she couldn't just leave.
Taking a bite of the cake, with its rich strawberry filling, Natalie licked her lips, took out her phone, shot a video for Bella, and sent it over. At that moment, Elbert approached with two glasses of champagne, offering one to Natalie. "May I know your name?"
Natalie politely replied, "I'm Natalie Teeger."
"Ms. Teeger." Elbert's gaze lingered on Natalie, trying to find a topic to engage her in conversation. "What's Bella up to today? I called her last night, and she said she could come."
Natalie naturally couldn't say Bella had a prior engagement. "Bella had something come up suddenly today, she was in a rush, but she specifically asked me to come and deliver your birthday gift."
Natalie's words revealed nothing substantial.
However, Elbert, regardless, wanted to chat with Natalie and seized the opportunity to talk about a few topics. But Natalie remained aloof and unresponsive. Sensing the lack of interest, Elbert awkwardly left with his drink.
Natalie had some food at the buffet table, receiving continuous messages from Bella. She felt that everyone she dated had various flaws, making each moment of the date agonizing.
After sending Bella a head-pat emoji, Natalie glanced at the time, surveyed the brightly dressed young people in the banquet hall, and got up to leave. She descended the stairs slowly and carefully due to the high heels she had chosen to match her outfit for the day.
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