Chapter 318 A Gift from Edward
Evelyn's body uncontrollably sat up straight, her heartbeat noticeably quickened, and she stared intently at the stage.
Nancy, who was the closest to Evelyn, noticing Evelyn's emotional fluctuation, glanced at her with deepened eyes.
The audience's attention once again shifted from Gilbert to the stage.
"It's a gift from my grandson!" Byron patted Landon and Elbert, extremely excited.
He knew Edward would make a move; how could he let Gilbert from the Alexander Family steal all the spotlight?
"Elbert, can it be that Gilbert has feelings for Evelyn?" Byron asked curiously, raising his eyebrows.
Hearing that, Elbert pursed his lips, his emotions unreadable as he added, "Gilbert grew up outside; I don't know what he's thinking."
"You don't know?" Byron smiled mischievously. "It seems he cares about Evelyn."
"I don't understand the affairs of young people." Elbert cracked an awkward smile.
"Even so, I have to say something." Byron leaned back comfortably, raising his eyebrows with pride. "Evelyn will be with Edward in the future. I suggest you advise Gilbert not to waste his time on her."
Elbert was taken aback and could only smile awkwardly.
Even Landon beside him changed his expression, subtly curling his lips.
He expected Edward to give a gift but didn't anticipate such a high-profile move, completely beyond his expectations!
At this moment, the host had already brought another tray covered with a cloth and placed it on the display table.
Meanwhile, steady footsteps approached from behind Gilbert.
Gilbert turned his cold gaze, only to see Edward, dignified and composed, appearing in everyone's view.
Evelyn looked at Edward, her beautiful eyes slightly narrowed, her emotions complex.
Actually, at this moment, she was more curious about what gift Edward had chosen for Joyce.
Charlie glanced at Edward, who remained indifferent on the surface, but feeling quite displeased inside.
"I didn't prepare something particularly valuable as I think it's the sincerity behind the gift that matters. My gift represents my sincerity, and I hope you will like it," Edward said with a humble and gentle demeanor.
Evelyn propped her chin with her hand, gazing at Edward, raising an eyebrow.
She hadn't expected that Edward, who was always aloof, would show such an approachable side.
In Evelyn's eyes, he was indeed an exceptional actor.
"Since it's Edward's gift, let's take a look," Charlie said lightly, with a reluctant expression.
Gilbert secretly observed Charlie's expression, feeling amused.
Joyce and Charlie together lifted the cloth.
Quietly placed in the transparent glass box was a golden crown inlaid with pearls!
Instantly, Joyce's pupils contracted heavily, her heart pounded wildly, and her eyes turned red.
"Joyce? What's wrong?" Charlie noticed her abnormality, squeezed her warm hand, and softly asked.
Joyce quickly came back to her senses, her eyes filled with tears, stabilizing her emotions, and showing the happiest smile of the night.She said, "Charlie, I like Edward's gift."
Her soft voice spread through the microphone to the entire banquet hall, and everyone heard this heartfelt exclamation.
Everyone in the Taylor Family was stunned, including Evelyn!
She didn't understand how this crown, which looked exquisite but was not made of any top-quality materials, could be so liked by Joyce.
"Joyce, I don't quite understand," Charlie was a bit puzzled.
Joyce didn't rush to explain, her eyes sparkling, suppressing her excitement, and looked at Edward. "Edward, may I ask, where did you find this crown?"
"It's a long story. I put a lot of strings and found it from a retired prop master," Edward answered solemnly. "He had been keeping this crown. When I wanted to buy it at a high price, he refused to sell it. Later, I expressed my intention, saying it was a birthday gift for you. The prop master was moved and gave it to me without hesitation. I was fortunate to get it."
As soon as he finished speaking, Joyce's eyes filled with tears again, and she gently asked, "Is it Louis Lopez, who used to work on the 'Incomparable' crew?"
Edward nodded. "Yes, it is."
Joyce covered her mouth, almost unable to hold back her tears.
Evelyn was stunned and quickly searched for "Incomparable" on her phone.
It turned out to be an old show from over twenty years ago, which caused a phenomenal sensation when it aired! And the actress who played the queen in the show back then was Joyce.
Joyce became a household name because of this show.
And the iconic character Joyce portrayed in the show—Queen Pamela—wore this very crown!
Evelyn suddenly understood, looking at Edward with softened eyes.
This time, Edward won.
Even if she didn't like Edward, she had to admit that this time his gift was indeed sincere and thoughtful.
He spoke lightly, but she could tell how much time and effort he had put into getting this crown, which held great significance for Joyce. It was indeed a well-prepared gift.
To say she wasn't moved at all would be a lie.
Charlie quietly listened from the side, deeply touched, and his gaze towards Edward was no longer as hostile as before. "Edward, we appreciate it. Your gift was very thoughtful, and it's clear you put a lot of effort into it. Thank you."
"Mr. Taylor, you're too kind." Edward's face remained calm, but his heart was pounding, his fingers tightly clenched.
Gilbert watched as Edward received Charlie's praise, a wave of anger crushed his chest. He prided himself on his deep scheming and psychological tactics, but he never expected to lose Edward over a mere gift!
He found it unbearable!
"Additionally, I have another gift, a token of appreciation from my grandfather and me."
Edward smiled, his eyes clear. "My grandfather and I will represent the Wellington Group in donating six million dollars to the foundation for charity."
Hearing that, the crowd was shocked.
Six million dollars from the Wellington Group is so generous!
Charlie's sharp eagle eyes lit up, and he nodded slightly.
Compared to his gift, Edward's amount was a bit less.
Directly, it overshadowed Gilbert!
Byron heard Edward's words and showed a smile of approval, giving Edward a thumbs up.
He had planned to donate later anyway, and this suited him perfectly.
Seeing the opportunity, Elbert leisurely raised his hand and laughed heartily, "I'll donate too! Just a bit less than Charlie, eight million dollars!"
Since the Wellington Family had made a move, the Alexander Family, who shared the same status in Mugden, couldn't possibly stay out of it!
"Thanks!" Charlie waved at him with a smile.
"Dad donates eight million dollars to the Taylor Family's fund? That's too much!" Randy grumbled discontentedly.
"In Dad's view, if eight million dollars can restore the face lost by Gilbert, then it's worth it." Calvin looked at Gilbert's stiff, pale face and smiled mockingly.
After giving the gifts, Edward and Gilbert both walked back.
"Edward, I didn't expect you to be so cunning. Well done," Gilbert adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, a dark coldness flashing in his eyes. "This time, I'll let you have it, but just this once."
"Mind your tongue, Gilbert."
Edward slightly raised his chin, handsome and aloof. "You didn't let me; you lost to me."
"Edward!" Gilbert gritted his teeth, his eyes turning red. He hated to hear the word "lost.
"But do you know why, even though you prepared so carefully, you still lost to me?"
Edward's starry eyes remained calm, his thin lips curving into a beautiful yet cold smile, continuing, "Even if I use tricks, it's just to win Evelyn's favor. But your intentions aren't that simple. From the moment you insisted on bringing Mrs. Alexander to the banquet despite her illness, you were destined to be my defeated opponent."
With that, Edward strode away.
Gilbert's breath hitched, his gaze turning vicious.
The banquet continued in a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Edward, having won his first battle, was very pleased and decided to sneak out for a cigarette.
He had just walked a short distance from the banquet hall when a sweet voice called out from behind, tugging at his heartstrings.
"Edward!"
Edward's Adam's apple bobbed, and he quickly turned to see Evelyn hurrying towards him like a gentle breeze.
Evelyn's bright, clear eyes sparkled, her smooth, shiny hair swayed lightly, and her red lips were as alluring as roses, stirring his emotions.
Suddenly, he felt a strong urge to open his arms, hold her tightly, and kiss her.
But in the blink of an eye, Evelyn was right in front of him.
Their gazes intertwined for a long moment, the air growing warmer, their breaths slightly erratic.
There were no sweet words between them, yet the atmosphere was indescribably intimate.
"Edward, I didn't expect you to prepare such a surprising gift for Joyce." Evelyn lightly coughed, her beautiful eyes sparkling, "It's clear that among all the birthday gifts, her favorite is the crown you gave her, overshadowing the gift I gave her."
Edward's face suddenly paled, and he quickly explained, "I'm sorry, I just thought she would like this gift. I didn't think that far. Evelyn, I'm sorry, I never meant to steal your thunder. You are a very cherished family member to Joyce, and the gift you gave her must be her favorite."
Hearing that, Evelyn couldn't help but feel a bit speechless. "Can you stop apologizing to me for no reason? How many times do I have to tell you, I hate it when you say sorry to me. It makes me feel like I'm bullying you all the time!"
Evelyn impatiently furrowed her brows, pursing her red lips. "I wanted to say thank you for your gift."
Edward was stunned, completely unexpected by that.
"I haven't seen Joyce this genuinely happy for a long time." Evelyn sighed, smiling with relief, "In this matter, no matter what, I have to thank you."
"For you, family is always the most important. That's wonderful." Edward smiled, gazing at her, his eyes filled with deep affection.
Evelyn's heart trembled, a myriad of emotions surging in her chest.
'You are also the most important to me. Once,' she thought.
"By the way, Evelyn, come with me." Saying this, Edward couldn't help but take her hand. "I have a gift for you too."
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