Ynda was seated at a ck grand piano, ying a beautiful birthday melody. A crowd had gathered around, admiring the grace of the "piano princess."


    When the piece concluded, Ynda rose, her gown sweeping the floor, and gave a perfectly executed bow to the appreciative audience. Then, she descended the stage with elegant steps.


    Bet was waiting for her at the bottom, and he handed her the ss of juice he was holding.


    Ynda took it and smiled up at him radiantly.


    Yvonne watched the scene, momentarily lost in thought, not even noticing the tall figure that had appeared beside her. It wasn''t until Thomas'' arm rested lightly on her shoulder that she snapped back to reality and turned to look at him.


    "Mr. Taylor."


    "Hello," Thomas said with a nod and a smile. "I just rushed over from the set, so I''m a bitte. If you''re not busy, would you apany me to wish Mr. James Sr. a happy birthday?"


    Yvonne was about to refuse, but Thomas'' arm was already guiding her forward.


    As they approached Mr. James Sr., they saw that Bet and Ynda were still there.


    Mr. James Sr.''s eyes were crinkled with a smile as he chatted with the two younger people.


    "Mr. James Sr., wishing you a long and happy life. I know you appreciate antiques, so I took the liberty of finding a piece of antique porcin for you to look at."


    Ynda was charming and sweet, an undeniably likable young woman.


    "You''re too kind," Mr. James Sr. beamed, his eyes flitting between Ynda and Bet. He teased, "I saw your grandfather on the golf course the other day, and he mentioned you two. You''ve been together for a while now. When can an old man like me expect a wedding invitation?"


    At the mention of marriage, a blush crept up Ynda''s cheeks. She nced at


    Bet beside her before replying shyly, "That''s up to Bet."


    Mr. James Sr. let out a heartyugh. "Bet, this girl is truly devoted to you. You''d better not let her down."


    Bet merely smiled without


    business and couldn''t attend your


    celebration. He asked me to extend his sincere apologies."


    Mr. James Sr. waved a dismissive hand with augh. “Your father is a busy man. It


    feels like he spends more than half the year abroad.”


    Bet''s words were a formality, and Mr. James Sr.''s were in kind. But everyone knew the truth. Bet''s father, Frank Thompson, was now the head of the wealthiest family in the country, a man who could make the whole city shake.


    Sending his heir to attend in his ce was more than enough of a gesture to honor the James family.


    Yvonne stood to the side, watching the exchange with a cold smile touching her lips.


    "What''s so funny?" Thomas asked her.


    Yvonne replied, “A scumbag who betrayed and drove his first wife to


    her grave is piously lecturing


    !?


    someone else about devotion. Don''t you think that''s hrious?"


    Thomas raised an eyebrow at herment but offered no opinion.


    Their hushed conversation drew Mr. James Sr.''s attention.


    He looked surprised to see Thomas and Yvonne together. He had no idea when this


    girl had managed to attach herself to the young master of the Taylor family.


    “Mr. James Sr., I wish you a long life and evesting health,” Thomas said, disying the impable manners of a man raised in a top-tier family.


    His gift to Mr. James Sr. was a gold statuette symbolizing longevity. It was expensive and auspicious, but not particrly creative.