Chapter 488: The Biggest Winner (4)

Chapter 488: Chapter 488: The Biggest Winner (4)

"Zion Hale, I’m your brother’s fiancée!" Aiden Faulkner reined in her fury. She was so angry she was on the verge of tears, but she was utterly powerless against him.

"For now," Zion Hale said. "But who knows what the future holds? You should go give Mr. Hale his birthday gift. Seraphina and I won’t bother you any longer." Figuring that was enough, he pulled Seraphina away. ’It wouldn’t do to push her too far.’

The two stood on the outskirts of the crowd, watching as the Hales went up one by one to present their gifts. They were utterly bored. ’These kinds of parties are just so dull!’

"What are you two doing over here? Not going to join the festivities?" Wyatt Gallagher called out, having spotted their bored expressions from a distance. Zion was so bored he had already slumped over a table.

"You’d better stay away from me! I’m afraid of getting stung by a bee!" Seraphina shot Wyatt a look. ’So-called "nice guys" are pure poison! That saying is absolutely true. This particular poison is so potent, I almost died without even taking a sip! The jealousy, the drama... I can’t deal with it.’

"A bee? What bee?" Wyatt asked, confused.

"Your crazy admirer, Shannon Gable," Zion explained. "Just a moment ago, she and Aiden Faulkner ganged up on Seraphina to set a trap for her. It nearly got ugly. Luckily, Seraphina is sharp enough to have turned the tables, so she got through it unscathed. I guess it must have rattled her."

"Seraphina, you’re misplacing your anger. I’ve already made it perfectly clear to her that I’m not interested and that nothing will ever happen between us. I had no idea she would take it out on you. I’m truly sorry." ’He was saying sorry, but what was with that amused tone? There wasn’t a hint of apology in his voice! He was clearly teasing her, and even seemed to be enjoying her misfortune!’

"Wyatt Gallagher—" Seraphina glared at him, baring her small, pearly-white teeth. She looked like if he said one more word, she would actually bite him.

Wyatt rubbed his nose, not daring to joke any further. "I’ll handle this. Don’t worry, I promise Shannon Gable won’t bother you again."

"You’d better keep your word," Seraphina said, shooting him a skeptical look.

Wyatt shrugged helplessly. It was the first time he’d seen such an adorably feisty expression on her face. It was so full of life, so cute... it was enough to make his heart skip a beat.

Meanwhile, the Hales had begun presenting their gifts, each trying to display their devotion. They all hoped their offering would catch Mr. Hale’s eye; with his favor, their futures would be secure.

"Father, I know how much you adore calligraphy, especially the work of Shan Franklin. That’s why I went to great lengths to find this *Ancient Plum Blossom Poems Collection*. I’m sure you’ll love it!" Jacinta Hale and Zane Fenton once again stepped into the spotlight. For years, Jacinta had served as the link between the two families, bringing the Fenton Family considerable benefits. Everyone else watched, green with envy, but there was nothing they could do. After all, she was Mr. Hale’s illegitimate daughter.

"The *Ancient Plum Blossom Poems Collection*? Is it truly Shan Franklin’s *Ancient Plum Blossom Poems Collection*? Quick, let me have a look! This is a real treasure! Shan Franklin’s Yan-style script is his finest, and I’ve always wanted to add an authentic piece of his work to my collection, but I’ve never had the opportunity. To think you actually managed to find the *Ancient Plum Blossom Poems Collection*! You must have gone to a great deal of trouble. It couldn’t have been easy, not easy at all."

Mr. Hale was so excited his beard trembled with laughter. Unable to wait, he immediately tore open the gift. This was the authentic work by Shan Franklin he had always dreamed of owning. He never imagined such a long-cherished wish would be fulfilled at his own birthday banquet!

Mr. Hale gazed excitedly at the *Ancient Plum Blossom Poems Collection* in his hands. He wanted nothing more than to leave the banquet at once, hurry home, and practice a few characters himself.