Chapter 97 Gift
Edward felt a wave of shame.
Eric noticed and felt a bit bitter.
Evelyn's heart ached as she softly called, "Byron."
"Alright, Byron, it's your day. Let's keep it cheerful."
Patrick stepped up with a smile, "How about we check out the gifts the kids got you? Then we can start the banquet. No need to keep the guests waiting."
"Yes! Let's open the gifts!" Byron said, rubbing his hands like an excited kid.
'Byron is so cute!'
First, Eric and other close friends of the family presented their gifts, and Byron nodded in thanks.
"Byron!"
Eric bowed gracefully and smiled, "Edward and I are like brothers, so you're like my grandpa too! Wishing you good health!"
"Good boy! Thank you!" Byron laughed heartily.
"Byron, happy birthday!"
Debra shyly approached, standing next to Eric, "I know you like antiques, so here's my gift!"
She leaned closer to Eric, but he quickly moved aside.
Debra almost fell, wobbling before she steadied herself. There were faint chuckles around.
Debra was so embarrassed she nearly cried.
A servant brought her gift box, and Byron smiled, "Thank you!"
Debra smiled proudly again.
"Byron, this is from Molly. Please take a look."
Tyler walked over with a white paper roll tied with a red ribbon.
"Oh, from Molly? Let me see!"
Byron opened it and laughed, "Is this me? Did Molly draw this? It's amazing! What a talented girl!"
Everyone gathered to see, leaving Debra in the dust.
The drawing showed an old man in a long robe, laughing heartily, with every wrinkle detailed. Below were two lines: [Wishing Byron a long life and constant laughter. Molly.]
"Look at Molly's drawing, doesn't it look like me? She's so talented!" Byron proudly praised.
"Molly's drawing is really good, like an artist's!" Eric thought of Molly, smiling gently.
Debra's face stiffened, feeling jealous.
"Although Molly's skills are still growing, she'll definitely achieve something in art," Edward nodded.
"Byron, Molly wants to apply to art school," Evelyn said, "Even Edward praised her, which shows her potential. Why not let her pursue art? In less than five years, the Wellington family could have a brilliant artist."
Edward frowned, feeling used. 'I never praise anyone? Am I that harsh?'
"Patrick, don't you care about Molly? She has outstanding talent and needs nurturing!"
Byron's face was full of affection, "Molly is special. As parents, you should spend more time with her!"
"Yes, you're right," Patrick and Tiffany agreed with forced smiles.
"I love this gift so much. Where's Molly? I want to give her a hug!" Byron asked warmly.
"Molly's not feeling well but she'll come see you later," Tyler replied gently.
"What a pity," Byron sighed. "Tyler, get this drawing framed and hang it in my study. I want to see it all the time."
Tyler nodded seriously, carefully putting the drawing away.
Seeing how much Byron valued Molly's gift, Debra was fuming, her eyes red with anger.
She thought, 'Molly, with her limited pocket money, would embarrass herself with a cheap gift. But she used a simple drawing! My expensive antique got outshone by her casual sketch! Molly, you're dead meat.'
Meanwhile, Nicole, pacing in the hallway, had someone call Tiffany out.
Tiffany crossed her arms and approached, looking annoyed.
"Tiffany, what are we going to do?!" Nicole was frantic, like an ant on a hot pan. "Our tactics can't shake Lily's place in Byron's heart. Their bond is even stronger!"
"I didn't expect this either. The older he gets, the more stubborn he becomes," Tiffany hissed, her eyes narrowing like a snake's. "Nicole, we need to use Plan B today."
"Now?" Nicole gritted her teeth, eyes cold.
"No, wait a bit longer," Tiffany patted her shoulder and sneered. "A special guest is coming soon. I'll make sure Lily becomes a laughingstock and ruins her reputation!"
The gift-giving continued.
When Edward's silver cup appeared, it caused a stir in the crowd!
Many of Byron's antique-loving friends moved closer to see.
But Byron, being very protective, hugged the box tightly, afraid the old folks might damage his treasure.
"This is from Edward, none of you can touch it!" he declared, making everyone laugh, even Evelyn.
"Byron, this pair of silver cups was donated by Mrs. Taylor of KnightSpear Group at a charity auction. I found them rare and bought them. I'm glad you like them," Edward explained, seeing Landon present.
"It must be from Mr. Taylor's private collection! No one in Mugden can compare to him in antiques!" Byron sighed, caressing the box.
"If Charlie knew his collection became your favorite, he'd be pleased," Landon said with a gentle smile.
Landon had a way of calming tense situations with his composed manner and courteous speech.
"Byron! This is what I prepared for you!" Nicole's sweet voice suddenly cut through.
Everyone turned to her, but their eyes were somewhat disdainful. It was clear Byron didn't like Nicole, and it wouldn't be easy for her to get into the Wellington family.
"Byron, Nicole put a lot of thought into this gift. Knowing you like ancient paintings, she bought one at an auction for you," Patrick introduced with a smile.
Byron's eyes lit up with interest.
Nicole had someone bring the painting box over, making sure they wore white gloves, and carefully unrolled the scroll in front of everyone.
Several antique enthusiasts gathered around.
But the next second, Byron's face darkened a bit. "Thoughtful," he said lightly.
Someone in the crowd then questioned, "Is this a replica?"
