Chapter 19
Callie thought. Not only does he refuse to back me up, but he’s also acting like he doesn’t see what’s going on. Why? I’m the one George actually loves. Rachel’s just some divorced woman—she’s got no business stealing the spotlight.
George could i
uld tell Callie was pissed. But right now, he couldn’t even deal with Rachel. There was no way Callie was gonna win against her
“I’m fine.” Callie said, tenderly touching her stomach. “But have you seen the news online! I can take the insults, but I’m worried about the baby. They’re calling him a bastard.
She lifted her head, her expression full of pleading. She knew exactly how George would react to her like this. Every time she looked at him with those eyes, he couldn’t resist.
“The news is all trashing me. Can’t you do something about it?” she asked.
George sighed, feeling a headache coming on. As soon as he saw the news, he’d had people look into it. But for some reason, the online attacks seemed endless
No matter how many accounts he blocked, there were always more people posting. It felt like Rachel had some powerful hacker helping her stir things up
Til handle it. Just stop reading the news for now” George said.
He could only say that. “You should head home now, though. It’s not really appropriate for you to stay!
Callie’s visit wasn’t even his idea this was all Willa’s doing. But now that she was here, he hoped shed leave before anything escalated with Rachel He really had no idea what Rachel might do next
“Go home?” Callie blinked, clearly shocked. She thought, How can I leave now? I have been preparing this family dinner for so long!
“George, I’ve brought a gift for Grandpa, and I want him to see the baby. He’s never met his great–grandfather..” she said.
George glanced at her stomach, then looked away
“Right,” he muttered. “It is Grandpa’s birthday. Maybe when he sees the baby, he’ll be so happy he’ll approve of your marriage.”
Willa quickly added, “Yes, today’s Grandpa’s birthday. Maybe seeing the baby will soften his heart”
George nodded in agreement, though his mind was elsewhere.
Callie’s smile returned, relieved. Now that Sigmund would see the gifts they had prepared, she was sure he’d realize that she was the one who truly belonged in the Fox family- —not Rachel with her humble background
“Mr. Fox has arrived” As Rachel stepped into the house, she heard the butler announ
Everyone stood up immediately. Sigmund, wearing his signature suit, entered with a commanding presence. His hair was graying, but his dignity remained unchanged as he walked into the room, greeting everyone one by one.
“Mr. Fox hasn’t lost any of his grandeur.
“Happy 80th birthday, Mr. Foxt May you have many more happy years ahead?”
The guests lined up to present their gifts.
Sigmund responded with his usual cabin demeanor, barely glancing at the gifts. After all, at eighty years old. Sigmund had seen it all.
No matter how much effort people put into selecting presents, to lum, they all seemed the sattie- -nothing special enough to stir any interest,
Sering Sigmund remain as stoic as ever, the others felt deflated. It was clear how hard it was to please him. Despite all their careful thought and ferratation, not a single godt seemed to make hum smule.
At that ingameal.
„George walked in, leading Callie by the hand
As soon as they entered, someone quickly stepped forward with a grin. “Ah, Mr. Fox, I thought our gifts were already the best, but now that I see this, George’s gift has clearly outshone theint This year, he’s really brought you something special!”
Everyone’s gaze immediately shifted to Callie’s noticeable baby bump. A lew even subtly glances at Rachel, who had entered earlier and was standing spartly at the back, making no attempt to be noticed.
In a
family, having both the legitimate wife and a third party at a family celebration like this would be scandalous. But for this family, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
Besides, everyone knew that Rachel was just an orphan raken in by George. Callie, on the other hand, was the woman he had always cared for.
1/2
Chapter 19
Sigmund’s brow furrowed slightly, but before he could speak, someone else continued the flattery.
“Ms. Nunez’s baby is clearly the best gift for Mr. Fox, someone added with a smile.
Callie blushed. “Mr. Fox has always been someone I deeply respect. It’s truly an honor to celebrate his birthday today. I’ve also prepared a gift for him, and I sincerely hope he likes it” With that, she handed over her present.
The housekeeper quickly took it, and as soon as the box was opened, everyone gasped. Inside was a crystal sculpture, clearly a rare and valuable piece.
The crowd started eyeing Callie with admiration. They couldn’t help but notice how different she looked now–pregnant and standing there with an extravagant gift, not trying to win anyone over with flashy moves.
They all thought. This is what marrying into the right family gets you. Sure, the Nunez family isn’t as loaded as the Fox family, but their gesture still blows anything Rachel could offer out of the water!
lath
Callie, seeing all the favorable reactions, couldn’t help but feel a thrill of satisfaction. She had worked hard to arrange this gift, and today, she was determined to stand out.
“Wow, isn’t this the crystal sculpture that was auctioned in Beusea a couple of years ago? I heard it was bought by a mysterious businessman for over 3 million dollars.
“I didn’t expect it to be from the Nunez family. Someone recognized it and couldn’t help but exclaim.
Callie smiled. “Yes, that’s the one.”
The praise came pouring in, but Sigmund, seated at the head of the table, only sneered. He didn’t even spare the crystal sculpture a second glance. Callie felt a surge of irritation, thinking. How can Sigmund be so unappreciative? Doesn’t he recognize quality!”
She quickly turned her attention to Rachel, who had been quietly standing in the back. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face as she said. “I know you have some misunderstandings about me, and maybe Ms. Sarratt can win your favor more easily.
“I wonder what kind of gifts Ms. Sarratt usually gives you? Maybe she could show me, so I can learn how to make you like me more.”
All eyes shifted to Rachel
Someone couldn’t help but laugh. “Rachel… She usually gives…”
The woman trailed off, but the underlying mockery was unmistakable. Everyone knew exactly what was being implied, though no one said it outright. Sigmund clearly favored her.
Rachel glanced at that woman, who had always been close to Willa, and it was obvious that this was a deliberate attempt to p
put her down
But Rachel was done being the same person who just took all the shit in silence. She had come ready for today, gift in hand, and things were about to get real interesting
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