?Chapter 243:


    The Spencer family had extended an invitation to Vince’s family only as a nod to Alexander, and their distant seating underscored their marginal status.


    Elyse watched Elena from afar, her gazeced with envy. That coveted seat, so near to Wesley, ignited fierce jealousy within her. It was a position she felt was rightfully hers!


    Driven by a mix of envy and determination, Elyse seized the moment when the host invited guests to present gifts in honor of Gerald. She was the first to spring up, eager to make her mark.


    Shock washed over Vince’s family.


    Samira turned to Javier with a puzzled look. “When did Elyse prepare a gift for Mr. Spencer?”


    Javier shrugged, his expression clueless. “Don’t look at me—I’m just as baffled as you are.”


    Elyse, seated nearly at the back of the hall, had to navigate her way through the crowd from her table—the forty-ninth out of fifty. With each step, murmurs rippled through the assembly, heads turning in curious whispers.


    Elyse had draped a shawl over her shoulders, making her daring attire more appropriate so Gerald wouldn’t have to avert his eyes.


    She approached with rehearsed grace, her smile wide yet tinged with nervous anticipation. She nced at Wesley, seeking his attention, but he looked elsewhere, seemingly oblivious to her approach. The sting of his disregard was sharp, yet she masked her disappointment with practiced ease.


    Holding the ornate gift box firmly, Elyse addressed the guest of honor with a voice honeyed by feigned admiration. “Mr. Spencer, may your days be filled with joy and longevity. Please ept this ancient painting, a treasured piece I’ve acquired from a renowned master for five million dors.”


    She lingered on thest detail, ensuring the price didn’t go unheard.


    Gerald gave the painting a fleeting nce, barely registering its significance, before motioning to have it stowed away. “Thank you, Elyse. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated,” he responded tly, disinterested, barely acknowledging the effort or expense she had undertaken.


    Elyse’s smile froze, her posture awkward and tense. She had invested a hefty five million in the painting, yet Gerald barely spared it a nce. To amass such a sum, she had sold the precious gifts Javier had given her, all in an effort to please Gerald.


    However, unbeknownst to Elyse, unting the price was considered gauche among the the elite. To them, five million was a mere trifle. Their birthday gifts were often priceless antiques valued in the tens of millions. Hardly anything to boast about, five million was far from impressive.


    The other guests watched the head table intently, their gazes sharp and calcting.


    Those seated at the back tables didn’t hesitate to scoff.


    “Seriously? Bragging about five million in front of Mr. Spencer and rambling about prices? How pathetic.”


    “Truly. Going first with a five-million gift—she’s utterly out of her depth.”


    Samira’s expression turned stormy upon overhearing the whispers. Elyse had not breathed a word to her about the gift before presenting it. Moreover, Elyse had bestowed upon Gerald an ancient painting valued at five million dors, yet she…


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