"What are you talking about, Kane?" She chided gently. "Jessica is Timothy''s wife. The only reason Yates and Vince treat her well is out of respect for Timothy. You really shouldn''t say things like that."


    Yates didn''tment.


    The three of them made their way into the ballroom to wish Larkin a happy birthday.


    Jessica had just signed for a delivery when Vince appeared beside her.


    A few moments earlier, Jessica had stepped out to use the restroom, and when Vince saw her heading back toward the ballroom, he began searching for her, worried she might have trouble speaking up for herself.


    Jessica quickly typed a message on her phone: "Mr. Zimmerman, could you please ask two people to help me carry something in? It''s a birthday gift I prepared for your grandfather."


    Vince immediately called over two of the staff members stationed at the entrance to help move the present.


    Together, they walked inside.


    The ballroom was abuzz with guests presenting gifts to Larkin.


    Sallie had intended toin about Vince in front of Larkin, but seeing how


    busy he was, she had no choice but to swallow her grievances for the time being.


    In the blink of an eye, She, Kane, and Yates entered the hall together.


    When Sallie spotted She, her expression soured even further.


    But whatever had happened between She and Timothy was kept strictly between the Lawsons and the Howards. No one else knew the full story except Timothy''s three closest friends.


    On the surface, She was still the Howard family''s youngdy, Timothy''s aunt by marriage.


    Kane and Yates, each representing their own families, stepped forward to present their gifts to Larkin.


    When it was She''s turn, Vince, ever the gentleman, escorted Jessica forward. Most of the guests'' attention was still focused on Larkin.


    Only Sallie noticed the two of them together, and she felt a surge of irritation. She couldn''t understand what had gotten into Vince, treating a mute woman with such courtesy and grace.


    Knowing that Larkin had a fondness for smoking a pipe, She hadmissioned a custom one as her gift. She presented it with a warm smile.


    "Mr. Zimmerman, this pipe was carved from a piece of rare jade my father''s treasured for years. I found a craftsman whose family has been in the trade for nearly a century to make it especially for you. Please see if you like the feel of it."


    The pipe was a deep emerald green, so clear it was almost ss-like. Even a small piece of such jade would be worth a fortune, let alone a beautifully crafted pipe.


    "You didn''t have to go to such trouble, She. It''s a wonderful gift," Larkin said, turning it over in his hands, clearly pleased. The aged jade had a richness that spoke of years gone by.


    "As long as you like it, that''s what matters most," She replied. "I wish you health and happiness all the days of your life."


    Larkin beamed at her. "Such a thoughtful youngdy. When you see your father, tell him I send my regards. Please, have a seat."


    Although She was adopted by the Howards, Timothy''s mother had passed away early, and the family cherished She as if she were their own. She was the kind of daughter people treasured, gentle and poised—a model of grace and refinement. No one in their circle ever looked down on her for being adopted. She was everything a family could hope for in a young woman-intelligent, generous, and well-mannered. The elders in the room couldn''t help but sing her praises, especially after seeing how much Larkin appreciated her gift.


    She handled thepliments with practiced ease, her smile warm and her responses effortless.


    Standing to one side, Jessica couldn''t help but feel out of ce. She had married into this powerful family, yet she''d never attended an event like this. The sense of not belonging was unmistakable.


    Vince seemed to sense her difort. He called out in Larkin''s direction, "Grandpa, the special guest you asked me to invite has arrived."