Chapter 174: Birthday Gift
Miles remark carried a subtle implication, leaving those who had seen them together to suspect they were related. However, since neither of them had mentioned their connection, no one was foolish enough to inquire about it. Nonetheless, this didn’t imply that people were naive.
Yet, Cyril hadn’t noticed anything amiss so far. It was evident that he wasn’t paying much attention to this relationship.
otherwise, why hadn’t Cyril realized by now that they looked remarkably alike?
“You can see it, but some people simply can’t. I wonder what some people were thinking back then. Anyway, let’s not dwell on that. We’ll talk about our collaboration later. Today, we’re mainly out for relaxation.”
When it came to his sister, Bruce could sometimes be unreliable, but overall, he was quite dependable.
Though he did harbor same resentment towards Miles initially, it vanished completely upon discovering they shared common adversaries.
After the three relaxed, they parted ways. They had planned to have dinner together that evening, but Sylvia had to leave unexpectedly. Consequently, the dinner became an affair between Bruce and Miles alone. Sylvia remained unaware of what transpired during that meal. However, she noted a subtle shift in Bruce’s demeanor towards Miles afterward, not as hostile as before, but rather with a sense of understanding
“I just remembered, it’s Cyrill’s grandfather’s birthday in a couple of days. I received an invitation to send a gift. I don’t particularly care for the old man and don’t wish to bother with it. Both of you can represent me and present the gift.”
Stanford brought up this matter unexpectedly during breakfast
Both Bruce and Sylvia were taken aback. Were it not for Stanford mentioning it, they might have forgotten. Over the years, whenever the old man’s birthday arrived, it was always celebrated extravagantly to highlight his states.
“I recall you two have sent quite a few nice gifts on his previous birthdays. What are you planning to send this year?”
Stanford reminisced about the lavish gifts his daughter had once sent to please the old man. However, there was no need for such gestures now; it was time to cut ties.
Sylvia, understanding Stanford’s unspoken meaning, chuckled lightly before replying, “Don’t worry, the gift is already prepared. 1 just forgot about it earlier. Regardless, it won’t be anything to delight them overly. You’ll see what I’ve prepared tomorrow.”
Stanford always trusted his daughter’s judgment.
As for Bruce sitting beside them, he knew exactly what Sylvia had prepared. His lips twitched involuntarily with a hint of worry. If things went wrong, the old man’s birthday celebration might turn into a funeral That would indeed be troublesome.
However, whether it tumed somber or not wasn’t his primary concern. Over the years, his sister had endured so much injustice. All he could do was to return some of that Injustice, nothing more. Was there anything wrong with that?
“I’ve already prepared most of the things for you. If you need anything, just let me know, and I’ll assist you in preparing it,” Bruce offered.
“It’s unnecessary. The items you prepared earlier are sufficient. I’ll handle the rest myself. After all, this will be my final grand gesture for the old man. I won’t be preparing any more gifts in the future. So, this time, I must leave a lasting impression.”
Sylta’s smile resembled that of a cunning foxx, leaving her family curious about what else she had in store.
“The matter regarding the President’s grandfather’s birthday celebration, would you handle it? He wants to invite all possible guests and wishes to sever ties with Miss Carina as soon as possible. Her status doesn’t befit our family. Also, he asked me to give this to you, um, this thing.”
Barry struggled to articulate, feeling overwhelmed. Though he was just an assistant, the tasks he handled were often headache–inducing. The old man’s whims were unpredictable.
For instance, handing Cyril this item this time. Cyril might get angry upon seeing it, but if he didn’t, Barry wouldn’t fulfill his duty, which was equally distressing. Barry pondered his salary; it wasn’t as good as it seemed.
Cyril was engrossed in his work but raised his head slightly upon hearing Barry’s words
“What did the old man prepare for you? Why do you seem so troubled?”
As Cyril perused the documents, his expression changed instantly upon seeing their contents. No wonder Barry felt conflicted; the tiles were detailed profiles of various wealthy heiresses. Clearly, preparations were underway for Cyril’s marriage. As for Carina and Sylvia, they had never been favored. This was the old man’s way of inviting all eligible candidates, intending to seize the opportunity for Cyril to select a suitable bride.
“I can’t defy the President’s wishes, especially with his recent health concerns. I’m afraid saying the wrong thing might upset him, which would be disastrous.”
Cyril understood Barry’s dilemma, so he refrained from pressing further.
However, he couldn’t mask his displeasure, Barry felt the tension but couldn’t do much about it. What could he do in such a situation?
“Understood. I handle this matter. You won’t be bothered by anyone. Additionally, there’s a collaboration with a subsidiary. I need you to take care of it these days. You won’t have to accompany me to the President’s birthday celebration.”
Cyril spaced Barry the trouble of attending with him, sparing him from further complications
Releed, Barry exhaled deeply. This arrangement suited him perfectly; he didn’t want to case himself unnecessary trouble, caught between two dilemmas
“Alright, loss, I got it. Do you need anyone else to attend the President’s birthday celebration with you?”
“No need I’ll go alone. Oh, and keep an eye on the Ivanov Group. Any developments, especially regarding Miles.”
Though Cyril didn’t quite grasp the connection between the two matters, he wouldn’t refuse his boss’s instructions. He nodded in agreement and remembered another matter priated to these issues.