shuhaige
Chapter 279
Chapter 279
\"Zip it!\" Steward barked, his anger palpable. \"Today's my birthday, so let's get back to entertaining the guests! We can deal with all this after the party!\"
Laurinda rolled her eyes in response.
However, Sanderson was the first to turn on his heel, making his way toward the banquet hall. Seeing Sanderson's resolute departure, Steward understood the gravity of the situation and his shoulders slumped in defeat.
Cordelia and Everard trailed behind Sanderson, gazing at his retreating back. Cordelia could sense his pain and helplessness, which made her feel somewhat downhearted.
But then, out of the blue, Everard commented, \"Dad's quite the mastermind.\"
Cordelia was perplexed. Who's he calling dad?
Before she could frown, Everard continued, \"The Delaney Corporation isn't worth much anymore, so he ditched his shares. But he's taking the talent with him. Nowadays, talent is worth more than shares.\"
Cordelia suddenly understood. She had initially felt indignant on behalf of her father when Sanderson said he didn't want his shares. Why should he give up the fruits of his labor just like that? But now it made sense!
She glanced at Everard, realizing he had a keen perspective on people and situations, which really impressed her. Such a person should be an exceptional businessman. How did he end up ousted by Bill?
Meanwhile, Sanderson appeared unbothered, but only Lorna, holding his hand, could feel his dejection. Lorna patted his hand, saying, \"It's okay, we're not short on cash. I can support us with my painting.\"
Sanderson was taken aback, his eyes suddenly brimming with tears. Lorna quickly whispered words of comfort, \"You've supported me for eighteen years, now it's my turn to support you. Plus, we might not have the shares, but we're not broke!\"
Sanderson managed a smile, \"I'm thinking of starting my own company, something just for our family.\"
Lorna was surprised but quickly responded, \"Great, I've got some savings, and it's all yours.\"
This unconditional trust warmed Sanderson's heart. Jokingly, he asked, \"Aren't you afraid I'll blow it all?\"
Lorna smirked, \"If that happens, we'll just eat toast together. You've always told me about your entrepreneurial adventures, and I've never been a part of them. It's about time we start from scratch.\"
Holding hands, they went off to chat with some of the company veterans, leaving Cordelia behind. Cordelia was speechless, her thoughts interrupted by a voice, \"Lia!\"
Turning around, she saw Little Flame and the others approaching. Yates, upon spotting Everard, coughed and nudged him aside.
Everard followed, only to see Yates hand him a gift box, \"You didn't prepare a gift for Steward, did you? This is an antique rosary, quite pricey. Perfect for a gift.\"
Everard was baffled. Yates, standing tall, added, \"This stays between us. Don't worry, I won't spill the beans to Lia.\"
Everard was speechless. Yates couldn't help but add, \"Don't be shy; accepting it. A cheap gift would embarrass Lia, got it?\"
Everard was at a loss for words. Then Yates coughed again and quickly changed the subject, \"I heard Hanley's got a fancy gift planned. Don't let him outshine you!\"
Without giving Everard a chance to refuse, Yates walked off toward Cordelia. Everard, reluctantly opening the gift box, found a smoothly polished rosary inside, evidently expensive. It must have cost Yates a few months' allowance or perhaps was a pick from Mr. Griffin's collection.
Everard's eyes flickered. This Little Flame seemed to have a special regard for the little ones. He looked down, just as Steward, aided by Kermit, returned to the banquet hall. Upon seeing Everard, Steward frowned, \"Bill's waiting upstairs in the VIP room. It's a good time to apologize.\" Everard glanced at him and handed over the box, \"...Here's your birthday gift.\"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Initially, Everard had indeed prepared a thoughtful gift, considering Steward's status as a grandparent to the kids. But now, he felt Steward didn't deserve his effort, so he used Little Flame's gift instead.
From afar, Yates, seeing the gift exchange, heaved a sigh of relief, thankful that Everard didn't let pride get in the way. It would have been disastrous otherwise.
The birthday party was more of a casual gathering where Steward thanked everyone for coming, then let them mingle freely. Sanderson, had already approached a few
veterans about leaving the compet
and they were considering ito Meanwhile, Steward had hinted at a major announcement for the
executives post-celebration, aiming to pressure Sanderson into staying.
Then, in front of everyone, Hanley presented a lavish gift - a set of famous, expensive tea sets, making Steward beam with pride. The guests rallied around Rachel, praising Hanley, while others questioned Lorna about her boyfriend's gift.
Lorna, uninterested in comparisons, simply stated, \"He's just my boyfriend, not even engaged. Why would he need to prepare a gift?\"
With that, she deftly avoided their attempts to provoke. As Lorna strutted off, the group gossiping around Rachel couldn't help but unleash their thoughts. \"A pretty boy, probably broke as a joke, huh? It's tough when you start comparing folks. Look at Hanley, now there's a catch! Bright future ahead!\"
Juliana was basking in the
compliments feeling on top of the world! At last, something to rival Cordelia! And she'd just heard from her mom that Sanderson was giving up his shares in the company going to walk away with nothing? That meant the Delaney estate would be hers for the taking! No more tiptoeing around her uncle!
The Delaney name, though respected, always came with a whisper when it came to her - she was from the second branch, and with the head of the family coming
from the first, her side al Comi
seemed a step behind. But fortune had smiled upon her sooner than she'd thought! She was now the undisputed Miss Delaney!
She carried herself with an air of superiority throughout the banquet. As the evening wound down and everyone went their separate ways, Steward
was ready to dive back into work. But the butler had news for him: \"Bill's still here!\"