iting to see if you’d show up
or not.”
“Of course I–I’ll be there!” Xanthea felt a bit guilty as she glanced at Oliver, lifting the gift box in her hand, “Not just show up, but I also got you the gift you’ve been thinking about!”
Samuel’s gaze shifted to the game console she was holding, and his gloomy expression instantly brightened.
“A brand–new Dreamcast console? I heard it just came out and it’s not even in stores yet. Xan, how did you “manage to get it?”
Finally, he let go of her, and Xanthea massaged her ears, “I got someone to help me get it.”
“I knew you still care about me, always remembering what I wanted,” Samuel happily ruffled her hair and planted a couple of kisses on her face.
“Alright, Samuel, I just came off set and haven’t even washed my face yet.”
“Even without washing, you’re still my favorite darling!”
*Xan!”
Outside the banquet hall, Matthew approached her quickly upon seeing her, his face radiating joy.
For the past few days, he’d wanted to see her but was turned away because she was busy filming and visitors were not allowed on set.
Today, finally seeing her at Samuel’s birthday party, he realized just how much he missed her!
They used to spend every day together, which he took for granted. Now, just a few days apart, he found himself restless, sleepless, and distracted, constantly thinking of her no matter what he was doing. He knew he couldn’t live without her anymore.
“Have you been alright lately?”
“I’m fine.”
Before he could continue, Xanthea brushed him off with a brief response, barely even glancing his way.
“Ethan, Samuel, Xan, Oliver, Matthew, don’t just stand there, come on over and eat!”
Christopher and Susanna, seated at the main table in the banquet hall, waved them over.
Everyone moved to their places in order, greeting the distinguished guests and family friends around
them.
After a round of compliments for the three siblings, the guests began to present their gifts. When it was Matthew’s turn, he opened the gift box he was holding.
“Whoa, an 18K gold watah, that’s not cheap, is it?”
Susanna exclaimed, while an elder from the Nightshade family chimed in, “Looks like it’s worth close to 100 thousand, at least 70 or 80 thousand. Matthew, you’re quite the generous future son–in–law, splurging like this even for Samuel’s birthday!”
12.16
Chapter 191
Ethan and Samuel also looked puzzled. Although Matthew was known for his diplomacy and gifting was common, they’d never seen him give something so lavish.
“I’m flattered. Xen and I will soon be part of the same family; this is nothing”
He emphasized the words “part of the same family, causing a ripple of knowing laughter among the guests. Zerthes remained unbothered, knowing just how well he was playing the role of the devoted partner. When their engagement collapsed, it’d be quite the spectacle.
“Hey, isn’t that the CEO of Horizon Ventures Ltd? What’s he doing here?”
“Since when did the Nightshade family start doing business with Horizon Ventures Ltd.?”
Suddenly, a commotion stirred in the banquet, drawing the main table’s attention. Everyone turned to see a man in a desk suit, carrying a rectangular case, approaching.
Christopher immediately recognized him as the new CEO of Horizon Ventures Ltd. and quickly stood up, “Well, Mr. Abbott, what brings you to our gathering today?”
“Mr. Christopher Nightshade Lee approached with a warm smile, “I was instructed by Chairman Lockwood to personally bring a gift and celebrate Mr. Samuel Nightshade’s birthday!”