Chapter 8 The Party Begins
Bridgette wanted to go to the Austin’s mansion, but Elaine kept dragging her feet and only went out when it was almost 12:00 p.m. They were practically the last to arrive.
Maxwell was friends with Lowell, and he led Rodney and Elaine here.
Rodney’s gaze fell upon Bridgette, who had exquisitely dressed up today, and the gift box she was holding. Elaine had told him it was Philomel’s calligraphic work.
He said to Bridgette, “I heard from Elaine that the gift you have for Sir Austin is Philomel’s calligraphic work. If it’s possible, could I take a look? My grandfather is a big fan of Philomel. I’m thinking of getting one of Philomel’s calligraphic Works for his birthday.”
Rodney said this with genuine interest and sincerity, but Bridgette hesitated. She still thought the work was fake, and if Rodney recognized it, she’d be totally embarrassed.
Biting her lip, she said, looking torn, “But I’ve wrapped up the box. If I open it now.”
Elaine echoed, “She’s right, Rodney. She can’t seal it now, can she? You might as well appreciate it later when the Austin family thanks the gift senders and displays the gifts.”
Rodney clicked his tongue before turning around and watching videos about motorcycles with Maxwell.
Then Bridgette stole a glance at Rodney. He looked very much like
Chapter B The Party Begins
Maxwell, and both were stunning. However, they were nothing compared to Lowell.
Lowell was Xavier’s only grandson, the sole heir of the Austin family.
Bridgette averted her gaze and started to think of a way to attract
Lowell’s attention.
The party had already begun when they arrived.
Though Xavier was eighty, he was still hale and hearty. He strode. around in the courtyard, greeting guests, and then walked straight to the spot where the gifts were and scanned them intently.
“Sir Austin, what are you looking for?”
“The girl of the Garcia family is here, right? Where’s her gift?” He knew about Philomel’s work that Seymour had auctioned off at an auction a few years ago.
So, before sending an invitation to Seymour, he had specifically mentioned his admiration for Philomel. To his satisfaction, Seymour was sensible enough and said he’d have the work wrapped and brought
over.
Maxwell and the others walked over before the housekeeper told him. Sephora had prepared a surprise for him.
“Happy birthday, Xavier!” Elaine linked arms with Xavier with a grin. Xavier smiled at her, “Elaine, you’ve grown taller, haven’t you?”
Elaine grinned heartily before handing him the gifts.
“Xavier, here are the gifts from Maxwell and Rodney. I’ll play a piano piece for you later as my gift to you.”
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Chapter 8 The Party Begins
Xavier said, “OK. Let’s see what you’ve learned recently.”
Then his eyes landed on Bridgette standing aside. “This is?”
Elaine answered, “Xavier, she’s a classmate of mine. She brought you a gift, too. It’s a piece by Philomel, your favorite calligrapher!”
Xavier’s gaze immediately fell upon the gift box Bridgette was holding. “Really? Let me see!”
Meeting several gazes, Bridgette smiled proudly before handing the box to the housekeeper.
The housekeeper hurriedly signaled for two attendants to come over‘ and opened the gift box carefully. Then, everyone saw the words. “Wish You Good Health and Long Life“.
Xavier studied the calligraphic work carefully, saying, “This is great! What’s your name?”
“Sir Austin, I’m Bridgette Levine,” Bridgette quickly said.
Xavier studied her with a smile. She was pretty, polite, and sweet, and the more he looked at her, the more he liked her. Though she was the apple of the Garcia family’s eye, she didn’t strike him as spoiled.
“Bridgette Levine… That’s a nice name. Did you take your mother’s surname? Do you have a boyfriend?”
Her mother’s surname? No.
She answered, “No, I don’t… I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Xavier beamed. “I have a grandson, and he’s just a few years older than you. I’ll introduce you to him later.”
Chapter 8 The Party Begins
Bridgette was momentarily stunned–the piece worked better than she had expected!
She blushed and nodded shyly.
“Xavier, how did you know? Bridie is indeed interested in Lowe,” Elaine said with a grin.
“Really? I guess I’ll soon have a granddaughter–in–law then,” Xavier said.
Being addressed by Xavier as his granddaughter–in–law left Bridgette in a daze. She was still wondering if she was dreaming when he walked to the main hall.
She thought, “Really? Just like this?
“Could Sir Austin really not tell the calligraphy was fake? Or is it real in the first place?”
Before she could dwell on it, Elaine pulled her toward the main hall.
Xavier went on stage and welcomed the guests present.
As Lowell stood below the stage, some people came to toast him from time to time and talk to him about business.
Suddenly, he spotted a girl in a down jacket sitting down in a chair not far away.
She took off her mask, grabbed a slice of cake, and put it into her mouth.
He thought, “Her?
Chapter The Party Begins
“Why is she here?”
As his gaze lingered on Sephora, Xavier walked down from the stage.
Someone handed him a microphone, and he walked up to Lowell and said loudly, “It’s my eightieth birthday today, and all I want is a granddaughter–in–law. Lowell, tell me. When can I have a great- grandchild?”
The guests started teasing, and Lowell smiled while locking eyes with Xavier, “As you said, Grandpa, it’s your birthday today. You call the shots.”
Everyone laughed, and the entire hall was lively.
Then an attendant handed the microphone back to the host, who started to announce each guest’s gift and thank them.
Xavier whispered in Lowell’s ear, “The daughter of the Garcia family is here. She’s with Elaine and the others. I want you to go and meet her later. She’s such a sweet young woman.”
Since it was Xavier’s birthday today, Lowell didn’t want to upset him. “OK. I’ll go over later.”
While the host was thanking the guests, a piano was lifted onto the stage. Elaine gracefully ascended the stage, sat at the piano, and started to play a joyous birthday composition.
Bridgette’s attention had been on Lowell, who was surrounded by
people, throughout the whole time.
Though he was stern and unsmiling, his striking face alone was enough to captivate her.
Chapter 8 The Pany Begins
Suddenly, she spotted Sephora, who was eating a slice of cake in the
corner.
Her pupils shrank slightly.
What was Sephora doing here?
Her heart raced, and she wanted to ask Elaine for an answer, but Elaine was still on stage playing the piano. She bit her lip, stood up, and walked toward Sephora.
“Hey, how did you get in here?” she asked.
Sephora had long noticed Bridgette. Savoring the cake, she said without bothering to glance at Bridgette, “None of your business.”
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