Chapter 8 Birthday Party
1125 Words
That evening, several topics rocketed to the top of the trending list: #SofiaWilliamsJewellery, #Sofia'sExpensiveRawGemPurchase, #WilliamsJewelleryCharity, etc
Inevitably, many comments involved the Garcia family.
"Sixty-eight million dollars just like that? How wealthy is the Garcia family?"
"Ordinary people couldn't earn that much money in a lifetime, but Mrs. Garcia spent it on one single stone? I guess that's all about being rich."
Meanwhile, the Garcia family was in an uproar over the incident. Ethan was furious with Sofia. Calling her brainless, he refused to pay the bill.
Upon hearing the news, Elijah let out a sneer and started eagerly hoping for the Williams family's downfall.
Sofia deserved this for what she had done to his baby.
*****
The next day, Matthew humbly invited Charlotte to lunch. He admitted having financial troubles and asked if she had any solutions.
Charlotte smiled gently. "I do have a solution."
Matthew quickly poured Charlotte a drink, eager to hear more.
"I want to invest in Williams Jewellery. In exchange for covering the auction amount, I want ten percent of your shares!"
Ten percent of Williams Jewellery's shares for only 68 million?
It was an outrageous demand!
But considering the company's dire situation with declining sales and relentless competition...
After a long contemplation, Matthew gritted his teeth. "I agree to your terms."
"Additionally..." Charlotte hesitated.
Matthew frowned. "Is there more?"
Charlotte smiled slyly. "Williams Jewellery's brand ambassador is Amelia, correct? I don't like her!"
"Fine," Matthew agreed without hesitation, "we'll replace her immediately!"
With the business concluded, Charlotte left in high spirits.
*****
A few days later, it was Gregor's 80th birthday banquet, and nearly all of New York's high society had received invitations.
On the day of the event, the Robinson Mansion was more bustling than ever.
The banquet was set in the backyard, with tables adorned with fresh flowers flown in that morning. The main stage was surrounded by flowers, and a renowned orchestra added a touch of elegance to the celebration.
The servants, impeccably dressed, bustled about with trays, tending to the guests.
Gregor stood by the floor-to-ceiling window on the third floor, watching the lively scene in the backyard. His eyes crinkled with joy.
Charlotte leaned her head on Gregor's shoulder. Seeing her grandfather so happy, she felt that the past few weeks of hard work had been worth it .
At that moment, Charlotte noticed a group of guests gathered around as if something had happened.
"Grandpa, I'm going to check it out."
In the backyard, as Charlotte approached, she could hear Sofia's voice.
"Are you blind? My daughter's dress is haute couture. Can you even afford to pay for it?"
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..."
A servant bowed his head, apologizing profusely. He was trying to clean Karen's dress but clearly at a loss for how to act.
Karen disdainfully avoided the servant. "Don't touch me!"
"It's just a dress. No need to make a scene."
Charlotte stepped in and glanced at Karen's gown. It was an Elie Saab haute couture, now marred by a large red wine stain.
"Ms. Garcia, if you don't mind, I can find you a dress to change into."
Sofia sneered at Charlotte. "And who do you think you are? This is the Robinson family's territory. Do you have any say here?"
Now that Charlotte thought she had a thing with Thomas, she was putting on airs? How ridiculous.
"I'm just trying to help resolve the issue," Charlotte replied, looking at Karen. "Today is Mr. Robinson's birthday. We shouldn't let anything spoil it."
Sofia wasn't having it. "Who do you think you are? As if we need your??"
"Mom!" Karen interrupted, agreeing to Charlotte's suggestion. "Show me the dress you've got."
"Alright." Charlotte turned to a servant. "Take them to the guest room to change."
Charlotte was debating whether to let Karen go naked when she noticed her brother's top admirer wearing a bright yellow dress.
Coincidentally, she had the exact same dress in her closet.
"Go check my wardrobe," Charlotte whispered to the servant while pointing at the woman in yellow, "and find that dress."
The servant nodded and left.
Soon, the guests had all arrived, and the banquet began. Charlotte took the stage with a champagne glass. Elijah, who had just sat down, straightened up in surprise.
How could it be her?
Charlotte was stunning in a deep blue fishtail dress. The velvet fabric clung to her curves, radiating elegance and grace. The hem was adorned with teardrop-shaped diamonds that sparkled with her every movement.
Her eyeshadow matched the dress, and her makeup flawless, making her look like a mesmerizing midnight mermaid. Her red lips curved into a confident, radiant smile.
"Good evening, everyone. Welcome to Mr. Gregor Robinson's 80th birthday celebration. I hope you all have a wonderful time!"
Elijah stared at the familiar yet transformed woman on stage, shock evident in his eyes.
It was really Charlotte! It was truly her!
It had been three years, and she had completely changed from the modest, obedient woman she had been in the Garcia family to a rose with thorns exuding a powerful aura.
Her expression was no longer cautious but rather carefree and liberated, as if the divorce had been a relief and a rebirth for her.
Had he... mistreated her during those years of marriage?
As applause erupted, Charlotte stepped down from the stage, and the crowd eagerly surrounded her.
The upper class' keen intuition told them that anyone representing the Robinson family at such an event must be of significant standing.
Elijah pushed through the crowd, uncharacteristically rude, and pulled Charlotte into a quiet corner.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he asked, "Where have you been these past three years?"
Charlotte met Elijah's eyes with a mocking smile. "Mr. Garcia, if I remember correctly, we are already divorced. Do I need to report my whereabouts to you?"
Elijah frowned. She never used to speak like this.
"What are you doing here?"
"Why does it matter to you?" Charlotte retorted calmly.
Elijah's expression darkened.
The Charlotte who used to be as docile as a little rabbit had transformed into a prickly hedgehog in three years, sharp enough to sting anyone who tried to touch her.
"Mr. Garcia, I suggest you let go of my hand, or else..."
Before Elijah could react, Charlotte's high heel dug into his foot, making him gasp in pain.
Charlotte spun on her heel and walked away, her departure as graceful as her entrance.
Elijah watched her stride away, a mix of shadow and doubts clouding his eyes.
Charlotte's hostility felt strangely familiar.
Suddenly, Elijah was inexplicably reminded of the woman from the cruise.
Then, he realized that the resemblance between these two ladies was uncanny.
Could Charlotte be Charlie?
- Writer
