Chapter 89
Today’s Kendric’s birthday.
Madelyn, butler Kash, and Mary were all sent away from this city. Despite
this, Kendric’s birthday party was still attended by many important guests,
making it a lively affair.
Days before his birthday, gifts from various people started arriving. Some
even visited in person. The new butler got up early in the morning and started.
recording the list of gifts.
He meticulously counted the birthday gifts, listed them in the register, and then presented the register to Kendric.
Kendric quickly scanned it, but then frowned, “have all the gifts been
listed?”
The butler nodded, “yes, sir. All the gifts we received are listed.” He then
stood silently, awaiting Kendric’s instructions.
Kendric seemed somewhat doubtful of his capabilities, so he called Cade over, instructing him, “personally verify all the gifts.”
The new butler felt slighted. He had been working as a butler for a considerable time, and how could he not manage such a trivial matter properly? Despite his frustration, he dared not voice his doubts.
After leaving the study, he went for Cade, “Mr. Melville… Is there something unsatisfactory about my work?”
Cade gave him a reassuring look, “no. It’s not that you didn’t perform well. It’s just…” He sighed, “forget it. It’s hard to explain.”
can’t get my work done well.”
They searched a quiet corner outside the courtyard.
The butler lit a cigarette for Cade. Cade patted on his shoulder, “you know
why did the boss focus so intently on the gift list?”
The butler shook his head.
“He’s waiting for a gift.”
www
“Wait for a gift? What kind of gift could make him so eager?”
“What matters isn’t the gift itself…”
The butler was even more confused, “so, what kind of gift is he waiting for? I’ll keep an eye out.”
Cade took a long drag on his cigarette. “Hard to say. We’ll only know when she sends it.”
The birthday party was set for eight o’clock. Prior to that, Kendric briefly met a few important guests in his study. The butler was attending to the guests diligently.
In the evening, Kendric put on his black suit, paired with a white shirt and a striped tie.
At seven o’clock, the banquet started. By eight o’clock, the gates were closed, and they concluded the gift–receiving section. When Cade brought in the gift registry, Kendric was toasting and engaging in conversation with several guests. He excused himself and left as he caught a glimpse of Cade.
Cade promptly handed over the gift registry. “we received a total of 659
congratulatory gifts.”
Kendric scrutinized each gifter. Cade opened his mouth, hesitated, but
didn’t tell the truth that there’s not a gift from Celeste.
When Kendric reached the last page, his expression changed entirely. He
slammed the gift registry back into Cade’s hands.
In the twilight, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Celeste ventured outside. Along the way, she encountered many familiar faces/Some greeted her warmly, while others intentionally inquired if she was married.
Celeste replied them with a smile, “not yet.”
She leisurely made her way back home beneath the fading hues of the sunset. When passing a flower shop, she purchased a large bouquet of
sunflowers.
By the time Myles returned, Celeste had already prepared dinner. He sounded surprise, “Cely, you cooked all of dishes?”
Celeste was washing the berries in a bowl. “Of course. Dad, come and have a taste. I’m sure
you’d like it.”
Celeste had been contemplating how to tell her father about her plans to study abroad.
She was afraid that he wouldn’t agree. Then she realized that her father’s only concern was her ability to care for herself alone in a foreign land. So, she specially cooked this dinner.
As expected, Myles couldn’t stop praising her culinary skills.
“Dad, I’m leaving for abroad next month.”
Myles’s smile froze on face, “why?”
After Celeste explained her intention to study abroad, Myles fell silent for a
while but did not object.
He slowly rose from his chair and went into the bedroom.
Upon returning, he handed her a bank card, “this is my savings. At first it’s
supposed to be your wedding gift… now take it and use it for your studies.”
Celeste struggled to to hold back tears.
Myles gently patted her head, “you have been very independent–minded
since when you’re young. Now studying abroad is your choice. Dad is growing
old and can’t keep pace with you. I can only offer my little help.”
Celeste couldn’t contain herself anymore. She dared not look at her father.
The strands of gray hair on his head were like needles, pricking at her heart.
Guilt and sadness, they transformed into her salty tears, streaming down
her cheeks.
Myles reached out to wipe her tears. “Cely, you’re a good daughter, you always have been.”
Celeste chocked, “dad, I’m sorry.”
After dinner and a shower, Celeste sat by the window, letting the wind dry her hair.
Chapter89
As she absentmindedly stared at the grapevine outside the window, the
sound of her phone vibrating reached her ears. It buzzed on the bed, in this
silent night, sounding remarkably clear.
She walked barefoot to the edge of the bed, and picked up her phone.
“Hello?”
There was no sound on the other end.
After waiting for about ten seconds, she was about to hang up the phone.”
Kendric’s voice came through. His voice was slightly hoarse, mixed with a
strong emotion, like a bottle of vodka filled with ice, cold and intense.
“It’s me.”
