Chapter 38

Ethel's eightieth birthday celebration unfolded at her beloved home.

She had never been one for grand venues, always favoring the quiet grace of her familiar surroundings.

Knowing this well, Rodger arranged for the estate to be spruced up ahead of time. Every corner still held its refined beauty, but now cheerful touches marked the place with a sense of festivity.

Invitations had gone out early, sent to friends and relativeS.

Ethel's eldest son, Carl, and her young daughter,Eliana, all returned home for the celebration.

When her birthday arrived, brilliant decorations dressed the estate in color.

A welcoming line of staff waited at the front, each ready to greet guests with practiced smiles.

By noon, arrivals filled the hall, each person carrying gifts chosen with care.

Some guests brought original paintings by celebrated artists. Others brought health supplements, while a few gave striking pieces of jewelry.

A parade of luxury vehicles crowded the driveway.Laughter and well-wishes floated in the air, weaving a scene of warmth and joy.

Draped in a deep red gown, Ethel radiated both warmth and elegance. Not a strand was out of place as her silver hair sat perfectly coiled in a bun, and she reclined in the grand armchair, a gentle smile lighting up her face.

Even with the years behind her, her spirit shone bright -her posture was regal, her eyes sharp, and she carried herself with the grace and authority of a true matriarch, drawing admiration wherever she turned.

"Happy birthday, Ethel!"

"Wishing you a wonderful birthday!"

Friends and relatives approached in turn, offering their heartfelt greetings. Ethel responded to each with warmth and gratitude.

Meanwhile, Carl and Rodger moved through the crowd,playing the role of hosts. Eliana settled in beside Ethel,enjoying a quiet chat.

When gift-giving began, Gianna stepped up quickly determined not to be left out. Her voice rang out,saying, "Grandma, happy birthday! I wish you all the happiness and good health in the world. I picked something truly special for you. Hope you like it."

She then brought forward an elegant velvet box,opening it with deliberate care.

Nestled inside was a delicate ruby necklace.

Leaning in, Gianna added softly, "I've always heard that rubies symbolize luck and protection, which makes them truly special. I chose this ruby necklace with you in mind, hoping that it would bring you comfort and joy in your life."

Ethel traced the ruby with gentle hands, her eyes lighting up as she nodded in approval. "You're a thoughtful child, Gianna. The necklace is pretty. I really do love it."

A broad grin spread across Gianna's face. "It makes me so happy that you love it," she replied, pride lighting up her eyes.

Her attention drifted to Grace, wondering what she could possibly bring to the table.

Admiration echoed through the guests gathered nearby.

"What an extraordinary piece!"

"Miss White is so kind!" "Ethel is so fortunate to have such devoted family!

Ethel's smile stretched wider, her happiness genuine and unmistakable.

Casting a sideways glance at Grace, Gianna spotted the simple cloth bag in her hands. She raised her voice just enough to draw attention. "Grace, what did you prepare for Grandma?"

Beneath her sweet tone, her thoughts twisted. Surely,Grace would embarrass herself-what expensive gift could Grace possibly afford? She almost wanted to laugh.

Others in the room began to turn their attention to the quiet girl.

Word had spread that Grace, adopted by Rodger and Julia, had grown up in an orphanage.

Grace was undeniably attractive and carried herself with a cool, almost distant poise. Yet onlook<ers couldn't help but question what she might offer that would be fit for such an occasion.

Grace and Ethel never shared an easy relationship.Ethel always seemed to see her as an outsider.Seeing Grace approach with that plain bag only deepened her frown. Did this simple girl even understand the kind of company she was in, or the standards expected here?Who walked into a birthday banquet with something like that? So much for Julia's talk about her being well-mannered.

The crowd exchanged knowing glances, their whispers rising in volume.

Through it all, Grace remained calm, her face an unreadable mask as the stares and quiet jabs rolled off her.

With a gentle smile, Julia nudged her forward."Go ahead, Grace, give Grandma your gift."

Not even Julia knew what Grace had brought, but she understood it was given in kindness.

A quiet nod from Grace signaled her readiness, and she stepped up to Ethel.

Amusement danced on Gianna's lips, eager for the show she thought would unfold.

"Grandma," Grace said, her tone unwavering and clear,"I wish you the happiest of birthdays."

She carefully loosened the ties on her simple bag and lifted out a plain wooden box for all to see.

An immediate wave of surprise swept through the crowd. Was that really her gift?

Ethel's patience wore thin, her mind racing with annoyance. What was this nonsense? Did Grace think a box like that belonged here?

"Grace, is that it? Did you really just bring Grandma a wooden box?" Gianna questioned, pretending to be baffled.

From every angle, it looked to be nothing more than that-a nondescript, ordinary container.

"Why jump to conclusions?" Grace answered softly,her poise unshaken. With one swift motion, she flipped the lid open.

Nestled inside, a bracelet made of polished wooden beads shimmered in the light.

Gianna couldn't stifle her laughter. So this was it-she had been bracing for something remarkable, only to find a humble string of beads.

Disappointment twisted Ethel's mouth. She could barely bring herself to glance at the offering.

A wooden bracelet? How could this girl stand there and offer something so plain and pitiful? It was embarrassing, truly.

"Grace, you always know how to surprise us," Gianna said,her laugh tinged with ridicule.

Grace offered no explanation, her expression enigmatic. As far as she was concerned, fools deserved no answer at all.