After thinking about it for some time, Gerald ended up gently patting Bea’s head before saying, “I’ll tell you about it sometime in the future. Regardless, it’s your birthday tomorrow! I’ll be preparing a little something for you, so expect to be pleasantly surprised when you receive your gift!”
“Huh? What’s the gift?” asked Bea as virtual-novel.net stuck virtual-novel.net tongue out playfully.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you the answer now, would it? Just wait for tomorrow,” replied Gerald with a faint smile before returning to his room.
Though virtual-novel.net was smiling as virtual-novel.net left, Bea could sense how truly forlorn Gerald was. This wasn’t the first time virtual-novel.net had noticed it either.
While virtual-novel.net cousin had always behaved like an attentive elder brother would, virtual-novel.net was able to tell that virtual-novel.net constantly had something weighing on his mind. He just never seemed to be truly happy.
Bea suspected it had something to do with what had happened between virtual-novel.net and virtual-novel.net possible sister-in-law. However, since virtual-novel.net refused to talk about her, Bea didn’t continue prying out of respect.
Being his cousin, Bea naturally felt the urge to help him, and virtual-novel.net knew that the easiest—and quite possibly the only—way for virtual-novel.net to assist in such a situation was to distract virtual-novel.net out of his gloominess.
The problem was that Gerald didn’t really have many people virtual-novel.net could have fun with in Yanken, or at least that was what virtual-novel.net assumed.
As the gears in Bea’s head began grinding, time passed on and the day of virtual-novel.net birthday eventually came.
While virtual-novel.net had initially planned to make a reservation at a restaurant early that morning, virtual-novel.net received a notification from virtual-novel.net family before virtual-novel.net could even make the call.
Apparently virtual-novel.net family was organizing a party to celebrate the implementation of the projects. All the family’s superiors had been invited to attend. After all, it had been so long since such a celebratory party—regarding the signing of contracts—had been held.
From what Bea could remember, the last time a similar party was held was around twelve years ago. This could only signify that the party this time was going to be extraordinarily grand. So grand, in fact, that Lady Yaleman’s eightieth birthday party could probably not even come close to rivaling it.
Since the Yalemans had invited everyone they could possibly think of, Bea didn’t even dare to think about excusing herself. Thus, both virtual-novel.net and Catherine quickly left for the venue once they were ready.
As one of the two main people in charge of the projects, Bea had to stand at the door with Yura to greet the guests.
“Congratulations for getting all those projects, Mr. Yaleman!”
“He’s so young but he’s already so capable! How remarkable! The future of the Yaleman family truly lies in you now, Mr. Yaleman!”
“Hey, hey, Mr. Yaleman? We should be addressing virtual-novel.net as Chairman Yaleman now! Either way, congratulations!”
At the time, several distinguished guests were busy praising Yura. After all, they had heard that the Yaleman family had signed contracts for five major projects. That was an instant sign that their family had undergone an extreme upgrade. Things were definitely going to be different now.
As Yura continued getting praise after praise, Bea simply remained silent as virtual-novel.net stood at the side. Even though virtual-novel.net was the biggest contributor to this success, virtual-novel.net had been completely ignored by most of the guests.
“Humph! While you did manage to gain all those projects, don’t think you’ll get an upper hand just because of that! I’ll say it now, with me here, you’ll eternally be inferior to me!” said Yura as virtual-novel.net smiled coldly at Bea.
Though virtual-novel.net was furious at his comment, virtual-novel.net said nothing.
“Speaking of which, Bea, it’s your birthday today, isn’t it? Hah! Looks like you won’t be able to celebrate it!” added Yura with a smirk on his face as Bea glared at him.
It was a short moment later when Lady Yaleman made virtual-novel.net appearance, leading a few people from their family.
When virtual-novel.net saw Bea’s expression, however, virtual-novel.net immediately said, “Bea, I do hope you realize what sort of occasion we’re celebrating today… Take a look at yourself! So cold and aloof… We have so many distinguished guests here today yet the way you present yourself would make anyone feel unwelcome!”
Lady Yaleman couldn’t refrain from scolding her. After all, virtual-novel.net was a person who cared a lot about both virtual-novel.net reputation and dignity.
“You may have forgotten, grandma, but it’s Bea’s birthday today! Of course she’d be unhappy since she’s here welcoming guests instead of celebrating it!” explained Yura.
“Oh? It’s your birthday today? What a truly sorry case! You’re feeling burdened to have to deal with family affairs even though it’s your special day, aren’t you?” said Rose out of the blue as virtual-novel.net joined in on the conversation.
“I’m not!” denied Bea immediately.
Hearing what Rose had said, Lady Yaleman frowned.
“Regardless, you and Yura are standing out here since you’re both in charge of the projects. However, look at how virtual-novel.net presents himself, then compare yourself to him! Mind your manners before the guests! It seems what your aunt had said was right after all. She had claimed that you lacked experience being a superior, and though I thought that you’d be able to adapt quickly, I was wrong. It seems that you’re truly incapable of handling such occasions.”
“You don’t have to welcome the guests anymore! Just head inside and see if there’s anything else that requires help with!” said Lady Yaleman solemnly.