Chapter 14 Birthday Surprise

George was a man who cared a great deal about his reputation. Every year, he would throw a party for his birthday that everyone in his family, both young and old, was obliged to attend. Previously, his vanity would only allow that the feast be held in a five-star hotel with a grand setup, but the family business was doing so poorly this year. There were too many major financial losses, so he could only throw the party in an old three-star hotel. He was too embarrassed to invite the other business owners in his circle and dispensed all unnecessary formalities. By the time Faye and her family arrived, the vast majority of the Carter family was already there. Because they showed up last, they were immediately criticized. “What’s wrong with all of you? You arrive last every year. Don’t you know that everybody else is waiting on you?” George cast an unkind glance as well. It was his 70th birthday this year, so he was supposed to throw a grand party and invite everyone. Instead, he could only have them come to a trashy hotel. He was already feeling very displeased about this when Waine and his family had the audacity to arrive late. This ignited the rage in his heart at once. “Why are you late?! Give me a reason!” They were late precisely because the b*tch, Ruby spent two hours putting on makeup and delayed their departure. They left just in time to get caught in a traffic jam. “Dad, we didn’t do it on purpose, actually...” Ruby noticed that Waine was about to expose her, so she hastily chimed in and said, “Dad, it’s all the good-for-nothing Zayn’s fault. He was procrastinating before we left the house and we ended up being delayed. We got caught in a traffic jam on our way and that’s why we’re late. This imbecile can’t do anything except ruin things for the rest of us!” Ruby delivered a slap to the back of Zayn’s head and yelled, “You useless piece of sh*t! What are you doing standing there in a trance?! Apologize, quick!” Zayn was furious. It was obviously Ruby’s own mistake, yet she had the gall to blame him. She was abominable! He wanted to tell the truth loudly, but after careful consideration, he decided to leave the matter at that. Jordan was coming over personally to send a gift later anyhow so everyone would be shocked by his presence, and Ruby would also come to understand how foolish it was to offend Zayn. As a result, he put up with it and did not utter a word. Faye watched Zayn endure it in silence and not attempt to fight back at all again. The tiny ounce of hope she managed to have for Zayn vanished into nothing. She began mocking herself, ‘Faye, oh Faye. You’re so naive. It has been four years and you still have hopes for Zayn?” Yes, Zayn gave Faye an ounce of hope when he told her that he would boost her reputation confidently on the night of the party. It seemed to her that she had been too gullible because she was tricked by Zayn once again! “That useless Zayn again? Why did you bring him along? A scoundrel like him doesn’t deserve to sit and eat with us.” “Damn it! I don’t know what’s on Waine’s mind either. Why would he allow a wastrel like that to marry into the family.” “Indeed. He has greatly tarnished the reputation of the Carters.” “Drive him out then. I don’t want to see his face.” Many members of the Carters began complaining and mocking Zayn mercilessly. “Don’t be so sure. He charged into the office for his wife and claimed that he would give us three million dollars in a week. Perhaps he is a super-rich kid in hiding,” someone said jokingly. It was none other than Howard who could not stand the sight of Zayn the most. It was his idea that Faye sacrifice herself for the family by sleeping with Mr. Wilson. “Hah-hah-hah, I’m going to die from laughter. If he's a super-rich kid, then I’m the wealthiest man in the world.” Zayn was not infuriated by so many people mocking him. On the contrary, the corners of his lips curled up ever so slightly. The more these people mocked him, the more interesting their reaction would be later. He had already begun to anticipate the moment. Faye felt that Zayn was utterly hopeless when she saw that he was laughing. Meanwhile, George had spoken. “Alright, let’s not talk about that anymore and be seated.” Next, he talked to Waine, “Have Faye get a divorce within the next two days. Our Carter family can’t accept a pauper as a son-in-law.” Waine nodded in agreement. This way, they looked at Zayn with schadenfreude thriving in their gaze. Faye heaved a sigh and thought to herself, ‘Zayn, I took you to get a divorce a few days ago for your own good. If you were a little wiser, you’d have simply signed the papers back then. Why bother being taunted by everyone here tonight? The 70th birthday feast was done on such a tight budget that there were only seven banquet tables. A child about the age of seven to eight years old said, “Mommy, why are there so few people at Great-Grandpa’s birthday party this year? I thought so many people came last year, didn’t they?” The comment was made loud enough that it was heard by the people nearby, including George. His expression darkened as soon as he heard it. The rest of the attendees did not dare to make a sound. “Nonsense, Bran, eat your meal, quick!” The child continued complaining, “The food here doesn’t taste good at all. It’s not as good as what we had at Great-Grandpa’s birthday in that fancy hotel last year. Mommy, I want to have caviar and lobsters!” Thud! George slammed his cutlery on the table. Just as he was about to lose his temper, a group of people walked into the room. A clear voice announced, “The heir to the Zeus Group is here to convey his well wishes by sending over a Rolex watch and a crate of Jamon Iberico ham to Mr. George Carter for his birthday. We hope the coming years bring even more happiness, health, and wealth to you!” The voice appeared so suddenly that it stunned all the partygoers. They had never expected that someone would come forward to extend greetings tonight. George’s hand shook and the utensils he held almost fell to the floor. He widened his eyes in surprise and stared as Ethan walked toward him in quick strides. Naturally, the man who had just arrived was Ethan. He waited a very long time for this day to come. He knew that George was a man who valued his reputation. Moreover, he had great authority and a strong grip on the Carters. In addition, the Carters’ family business had not done so well that year, and his 70th birthday party was held in a thrifty manner. As a result, he had been preparing for a while. He spent over 30,000 dollars searching for the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and also waited for a crate of precious Jamon Iberico de Bellota to give to George. He wanted to win George's favor in order to ask for Faye’s hand in marriage! He was certain that he would rapidly reach his goals. “Mr. Carter, my name is Ethan and I’m a classmate of Faye’s. I’m here to extend my well wishes to you. Here’s to another year of joy, comfort, health, and longevity!” Ethan presented the gifts in front of George and shouted aloud in respect. “Very well, very well!” George was overjoyed. He stood up to receive Ethan’s gifts. He was so excited that he could hardly control his shaky voice, “Sweet child Ethan, I’m most pleased that you could attend, most pleased indeed!” Ethan said, “Mr. Carter, it’s my fault for coming late. I hope that you don’t mind.” “I don’t mind. I don’t mind at all!” George laughed aloud in joy. He noticed Ethan affectionately gazing at Faye, and he could surmise Ethan’s intentions. Narrowing his eyes, he quickly said, “Ethan, it’s my pleasure having you here to celebrate with me. Let me know if there is anything that you would like from me, and I will fulfill it!” “Really?” Ethan was elated. He had been waiting for George to say that!