Chapter 505: The Unattended Birthday Banquet (5)

Chapter 505: Chapter 505: The Unattended Birthday Banquet (5)

Seraphina Sterling’s eighteenth birthday was a major event for the Sterling Family, especially for Mr. Sterling and Kimberly Jennings. The family’s staff had been decorating since early morning, and after nearly a full day’s work, everything was finally ready by evening.

Owen Sterling was at the office and paid little mind to the goings-on at home. Jasmine Faulkner and Faye Sterling, however, were displeased. All the household staff bustling about for a single birthday party—it felt awful. ’It’s as if everyone exists just for her!’ ’Is it really necessary to make a birthday party this extravagant?’

"Dad, isn’t this a bit much?" Jasmine Faulkner finally couldn’t hold back her complaints to Walter Sterling. "Seraphina is only turning eighteen, but you’re treating it like a milestone birthday for an elder. I doubt any other heiress from a prominent family has ever had a birthday bash that caused such a commotion!"

"Eighteen is adulthood! Of course her eighteenth birthday must be a grand affair! Not just grand decorations, but important guests as well! The invitations have already been sent. In a little while, you and your sister-in-law can greet the guests out front. Take Faye with you. Didn’t you say she’s recovered? Let her see people and socialize. If she stays cooped up all the time, she’ll get sick even if she isn’t."

Walter Sterling glanced at Faye Sterling, who was sitting on the sofa. His brow was furrowed, and no one knew what he was thinking.

"Grandpa, I heard the Fenton family is also hosting a party at their home today. They’ve sent out a lot of invitations—Dad got one, too," Faye Sterling spoke up, though her words were not pleasant. "We’re making such a big deal out of our preparations. What if hardly anyone shows up? That would be so humiliating!"

"Hmph. The Fenton family may run a bank, but Fenton Bank has been in considerable trouble lately," Walter Sterling scoffed, completely unconcerned about a low turnout. "None of the people in high society are fools. They know perfectly well who carries more weight: the Fenton family or the Sterling family!"

"But a starved camel is still bigger than a horse," Faye countered. "No matter how you look at it, the Fenton family still has ties to the Hale family. Even though Mr. Hale announced he won’t be renewing his contract with Fenton Bank, blood is thicker than water. Fenton Bank is only facing some temporary difficulties; its foundations are still solid. The moment the Hale family steps in, Fenton Bank can turn its situation around. The Fentons run a bank, while the Sterlings run department stores. When push comes to shove, a bank is more useful to these people. So, in my view, it’s still anyone’s guess whether they’ll choose to go to the Fenton’s party or come to ours."

This was a far cry from Faye Sterling’s usual spoiled and arrogant demeanor. Her words were logical and well-reasoned; even Walter Sterling had to admit she had matured a great deal. "Faye, did your father tell you all this?"

A smile bloomed on Faye Sterling’s face, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as if she were shy. "No, I thought of it myself."

"Good. Very good! From now on, think things through carefully. Always look before you leap. Keep learning, keep observing. The children of the Sterling family are second to none!" Walter Sterling was delighted. Faye Sterling’s transformation filled him with joy. ’The Sterling family only has these two heirs. The future of the family will inevitably fall into one of their hands. If they aren’t capable, the Sterling family will fall into decline.’

"Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ve grown up. I’ll be just as brilliant as my sister from now on!" Faye Sterling’s smile grew even brighter. The withdrawn, silent Faye from before was gone, replaced by the intelligent and sensible second young lady of the Sterling family.

"Good! Good! The future of the Sterling family rests on the two of you," Walter Sterling beamed, his smile never wavering, betraying not a hint of worry. "Now go and get ready to welcome the guests. I truly didn’t expect the Fenton family to host a party at the same time, but it doesn’t matter who else is throwing a party today. It has nothing to do with us. We’ll just do what we need to do. We can’t control the choices others make."