Chapter 25 The Grand Gift
Early the next morning, Dennis got up to have the top-grade jadeite processed. It was his father-in-law's seventieth birthday, and he needed to prepare a grand gift.
The high-quality jade was sizable. Dennis cut a small section to give to his father-in-law, valued at over two hundred thousand. This exquisite jadeite piece would surely impress his father-in-law.
The seventieth birthday celebration for Dennis's father-in-law was held at a four-star hotel, with a large private room and three big round tables. By the time James and the others arrived, all the relatives had gathered.
Jennifer's grandfather, Marvin Hill, was a retired university professor with a commanding presence and great dignity. Dennis had to be very respectful in front of him and dare not act out of line.
Marvin had two sons and two daughters. Kaitlyn was the eldest daughter, and the second son was named Tony.
This seventieth birthday celebration was organized by Tony.
The reason for being in charge of organizing the celebration was that his new son-in-law, Leonard Williams, was a rich boss. Not even thirty, he managed a large company, has a handsome fortune, and holds a significant position within the Hill Family.
In the Hill Family, when James was mentioned, Leonard was inevitably brought up. Both being sons-in-law, James was seen as far inferior to Leonard.
Now that James had arrived, the relatives' attitude was even more indifferent than the previous year, and even Dennis didn't receive a warm reception.
Feeling the coldness from his relatives, Dennis's expression wasn't pleasant, especially when he tried to toast glasses with Tony, who responded indifferently.
This irritated Dennis. He muttered, "Hmph, what's so great about you? Just because you have a bit of money!"
Thinking about this, he glanced at James, subconsciously wanting to lash out and say something derogatory. But as the words reached his lips, he couldn't bring himself to say them. After all, James had acquired a top-grade jadeite yesterday.
However, seeing Leonard looking so refined and successful at such a young age, compared to James, who seemed quite ordinary and dressed in cheap clothes, Dennis felt frustrated, and discontent grew within him.
A relative greeted, "Dad, today is your seventieth birthday. I wish you a long life and good health!"
Another said as they presented their gift, "Dad, this is the gift I got for you."
As the banquet proceeded, the younger relatives began to congratulate Marvin and present gifts one by one.
Dennis hastily picked up the gift-wrapped box without wiping his mouth and walked briskly towards Marvin's table, with Jennifer and James following.
"Dad, I wish you a long and healthy life!" Dennis said loudly, with a hint of excitement. He knew his father-in-law liked jade and had quite a collection in his study, but none as good as this top-grade jade.
He could already imagine the expression on his father-in-law's face when he opened the gift box and saw this top-grade jadeite.
A relative mocked, "Oh, Dennis, you look so proud. What gift are you giving Dad this year? Is it another fake antique like last year?"
Another sneered, "Haha, yes, last year was just a regular birthday, and you gave Dad a fake antique. We didn't hold it against you. Don't repeat last year's mistake this time."
Several relatives of the same generation were sarcastically mocking Dennis, making him feel uncomfortable.
He had indeed made a big mistake last year, giving his father-in-law a fake antique, which was a disgrace and a result of being deceived by a friend!
However, this year, such a thing was unlikely to happen again.
Thinking of the top-grade jadeite in the gift box, the size of a child's fist!
With such confidence, he was determined to redeem himself this time, to show these relatives who looked down on him that he deserved respect!
"Of course not, this year I'm giving Dad a grand gift!" Dennis straightened his back and stated proudly.
Seeing his confident demeanor, some began to doubt. Could Dennis really be giving a valuable gift this year?
It didn't make sense. Dennis was ambitious but lacked talent, and at his age, he hadn't achieved much. Coming from a modest family, how could he possibly give such a valuable gift?
Marvin didn't have a good impression of Dennis. He had not approved of Dennis at the time and had strongly opposed Kaitlyn marrying him.
"What gift have you given me?" Marvin asked, frowning.
"Dad, you'll see when you open it. It's definitely a surprise!" Dennis replied confidently.
Marvin was now curious. He opened the gift box and immediately saw a piece of emerald green jade inside. His pupils dilated as he asked in disbelief, "Is this?"
Proudly, Dennis said, "Dad, this is the top-grade jade I found at the gemstone market yesterday!"
After saying this, he glanced at James, warning him not to reveal the truth. He wanted to take all the credit for himself.
After all, in everyone's eyes, James was worthless. If he claimed he found it, no one would believe it, and it would only benefit Dennis.
Kaitlyn couldn't bear it and tugged at Dennis's sleeve, but Dennis shot her a warning look.
He replied, "Hmm... top-grade jadeite?!" Marvin's body trembled with excitement, his hands slightly shaking.
Marvin questioned, "Dennis, is this really top-grade jadeite?"
Other relatives were also shocked and gathered around, stretching their necks and widening their eyes. Many of them had some knowledge of jade and knew how precious top-grade jade was.
"Of course, it's real. I know you love collecting beautiful jade, so I went early this morning to have it sculpted and present it to you," Dennis stated and couldn't hide his satisfaction.
Marvin remarked, "Excellent, excellent!"
As expected, Marvin was thrilled. He cradled the exceptional jadeite, unable to let it go.
While Marvin was overjoyed, some were not happy, such as Tony and Leonard. They had organized the seventieth birthday celebration and footed the bill.
It should have been their moment to shine, but now Dennis had stolen the spotlight. They couldn't hide their displeasure.
James, looking at the jade, furrowed his brow, sensing something was amiss. Suddenly, he slapped his forehead. Oh no, this wasn't a top-grade jadeite at all, just an ordinary one. It must have been swapped when Dennis went to have it sculpted today!
He was about to alert Dennis when Marvin noticed something was wrong. Frowning, he asked Dennis, "Are you sure this is really top-grade jadeite?"
Dennis, still unaware of the situation, nodded confidently. He even announced, "Yes, someone offered me a million yesterday, and I didn't sell it to him."
He was lost in his own world, boasting without a care.
Marvin huffed loudly, setting down the jade in his hand, and said, "Well played, Dennis. Last year, for my birthday, you gifted me a counterfeit vase, and I let it slide. This year, my seventieth birthday, and you still tried to pull this off, again?!"
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