Chapter 17 The Birthday Party Of Winona
Finished
Emery returned to her room and sat on the edge of the bed. She finally
couldn‘
hold back her tears.
She didn’t even know what she was hoping for. This home had long stopped being a place for her.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. It was Gary.
“Emery, Winona’s birthday party is about to start. Get dressed and put on some makeup, then come downstairs and join us.” he said in a voice that still carried some fatherly warmth.
Emery wiped away her tears. She changed into the pale pink long–sleeved dress she had bought yesterday, applied light makeup, and used foundation to cover the scars on her legs.
Starting at
half past ten, guests began to arrive one after another.
Sunlight streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, brightening the spacious living room.
The crystal chandelier sparkled, casting a dreamlike glow over the entire banquet hall
The lady of the Shultz family, Deborah and her daughter, Regina Shultz, arrived together. Deborah wore a royal blue cheongsam, exuding elegance, while Regina donned a pastel yellow cocktail dress, looking playful and sweet
Martha and Kerry Quigley from the Quigley family also made their entrance. Martha, dressed in a black evening gown, carried herself with grace and poise, while Kerry, in a pink puff–sleeved dress, looked like a little princess.
Seamus Langford, the son of Gary’s older brother, arrived in a sharp suit, radiating sophistication.
Zachary Luther, the second son of the Luther family, sported a casual suit, exuding effortless charm.
Winona’s best friend, Niamh, wore a trendy short skirt, full of energy, while Mila, dressed in a white gown, was the picture of gentleness.
Linda Leavenforth, the lady of the Luther family also attended the banquet, clad in an elegant purple ensemble, exuding wealth and refinement.
The guests were holding their champagne, engaging in lively conversations in small groups. Their laughter and cheerful chatter echoed in the air.
On one side of the banquet hall stood a grand, multi–tiered birthday cake, adorned with candles and intricate sugar flowers.
Beside it, a towering floral arrangement filled the space with a delightful fragrance.
The band was playing lively tunes on a makeshift stage, adding a vibrant ambiance to the party.
Attendants clad in matching uniforms weaved through the crowd, providing the guests with delicious food and beverages.
Winona was dressed in a champagne–colored princess gown, her head adorned with a crystal tiara. She smiled radiantly as she mingled with the guests, embodying the image of a true princess.
Bradley and Eleanor stood nearby. Eleanor watching her daughter with pride, her face glowing with happiness.
Meanwhile, Gary and Nicholas conversed with the elders of other prestigious families, discussing business and the development of their families.
At that moment, Emery slowly descended the staircase, her appearance drawing the attention of several onlookers.
People turned to look. Clad in a pale pink dress, Emery had an air of cool detachment that set her apart.
She had carefully concealed the scar on her face with makeup, and though she appeared thuner, she still had an undentable
4:21 PM
Chapter 17 The Birthday Party Of Winona
She quickly masked her irritation with a warm smile. “Emery, come over! All the guests are here!”
She walked up to Emery and took her hand. “Emery, Mrs. Shultz and Mrs. Quigley are here!”
Finished
Hearing their names. Deborah and Martha, who had been engaged in conversation, exchanged glances before turning toward Emery, plastering polite smiles on their faces.
“Oh my, it’s Emery! Still as beautiful as ever!” Deborah exclaimed, stepping forward to take Emery’s hand.
“Of course! But she’s so thin! My dear, you’ve suffered!” Martha added, dabbing at her eyes
Emery’s expression remained neutral. “Hello, Mrs. Shultz, Mrs. Quigley,”
“Hello!”
Just then, Kerry approached with a smirk. “Oh, look who it is! The great Ms. Langford! What, prison food wasn’t to your taste? You’re nothing but skin and bones!”
The faint smile on Emery’s face vanished instantly. “If you’re so curious, you’re welcome to try it yourself.”
Winona quickly stepped in, laughing lightly. “Emery, Kerry didn’t mean anything by it. She just speaks her mind!”
Hearing the commotion, Regina also walked over. “Ms. Emery, it’s been a while!”
Emery looked at her without any particular expression. She wasn’t sure what attitude the daughter of the Shultz family had toward her, so she chose to remain silent
“Oh, after two years inside, your airs have only grown!” Regina mocked with a smile.
“Not as much as yours, Ms. Regina One might think you were here for a birthday party, but you act like a queen making an entrance,” Emery shot back.
Winona chuckled and interjected, “Emery, it’s Regina’s first time visiting our home. Let’s not make a fuss”
Deborah glanced at Winona and forced a laugh. “Winona is always so understanding!”
Ignoring their gazes, Emery looked around her.
As expected. Bradley had gone all out. The four great families of Qutbridge, along with the leading socialites, were all present
Some family heads were even here, chatting with Gary and Nicholas
Finding a quiet corner, Emery sat down and picked up a small pastry.
She had barely eaten that morning due to all the noise, and her stomach was already growling.
Seamus approached her. “Emery, are you hungry?”
She looked up at him. Her cousin had matured over the past two years.
She nodded “Atle. I didn’t have much for breakfast.”
Seamus handed her a slice of firarmsu. “Eat slowly”
A wave of bitterness surged in Emery’s heart. Seamus was the only person who had spoken up for her two years ago?
“You’ve lost weight, Emery Have these past two years been hard on you?”
She offered a famt, bitter smile “It was fine
4.21 PM d
Chapter 17 The Birthday Party Of Winona
Her evasive response confirmed his suspicions.
“Emery, if you ever need anything, you can come to me. I haven’t changed my phone number,
Just then, Nicholas’s voice rang out from the distance. “Seamus! Come here!”
“Coming!” Seamus called back
He took a card from his pocket and placed it in Emery’s hand. “This has five hundred thousand in it. Take it.
She didn’t take it, “Seamus, I don’t need it. I’m not short on money”
“You have to take it. It’s my birthday gift to you. Happy birthday. Emery.”
Emery paused, her eyes quickly welling up with tears.
He was the first person to remember that today was her birthday, and the only one who wished her happy birthday.
While
Finished
While the hall was filled with cheers for Winona, and gifts piled up like mountains, Emery was like a forgotten toy. No one remembered her birthday.
Without further protest, she accepted the card.
Just then, Bradley took the stage.
“Good afternoon, esteemed guests! Thank you all for taking the time to attend my sister’s birthday party. It’s an honor to welcome you all today.”
Applause filled the hall.
“Now, let’s welcome the birthday girl–my sister, Winona!”
Winona gracefully walked onto the stage, her exquisite makeup, designer dress, and dazzling jewelry ensuring she was the
center of attention.
