When fate plays its hand
145

“Of course,” Cynthia said.

“Oh, Cynthia, you’re too generous!” Rena took the gift and set it aside to open later.

Cynthia then added, “It’s a solid gold bracelet. If you don’t like the style, you can exchange it at Aurora Gold Exchange.”

Jenny remarked, “Cynthia, you’re so generous. Starting with a gold bracelet…”

Cynthia raised an eyebrow. She was clearly pleased by Jenny’s flattery, yet she kept her tone modest.” Rena, you have seen much more valuable things. This is just a small token.”

“What about me and Mindy?” Jenny half–jokingly asked. “As a bank manager, you must be familiar with these social customs.”

Cynthia wasn’t having it. “Jenny, are you saying you want one too?”

Jenny maintained her smile. “Who wouldn’t want a gold bracelet? Mindy, do you want one?”

Jenny and Cynthia turned their attention to Mindy, but Mindy stayed silent.

“Mindy, say something!”

At that moment, Lionel spoke up. “She doesn’t like wearing jewelry. She hasn’t worn any of the pieces I’ve given her.”

Jenny frowned, thinking that Mindy must not appreciate fine jewelry.

“I like it!” Jenny said, pressing the point. “Cynthia, you’re not playing favorites, are you?”

Cynthia replied, “Alright, Jenny. Why don’t you host a dinner for everyone at your place sometime? I’m sure you’ll receive plenty of gifts.”

Jenny’s face darkened. Her home wasn’t large enough to accommodate such a big group.

“If you think your place is too small, you can always host the dinner at a restaurant,” Cynthia added, cutting off any excuses Jenny might have.

Jenny was taken aback. It would be very costly to host such a large group at a restaurant. The gold bracelet seemed insignificant compared to that expense.

“Oh, I was just joking, Cynthia. Don’t take it seriously,” Jenny said.

Cynthia pouted in response.

“It’s almost 2:00 pm. Are we going to eat or not?” Jenny tried to break the awkwardness, though it only made things worse.

Anna’s face darkened. “Didn’t you eat breakfast this morning? Are you really this hungry?”

Jenny was caught off guard.

Miranda noticed everyone’s expressions and glanced at the wall clock. At this time, Leonard still hadn’t appeared, which either meant he was genuinely busy or simply being difficult.

+25 BONU

Chapter 0145

Just then, a voice came from upstairs. “Why isn’t the food served yet?”

Leonard came down the stairs, wearing a polo shirt and light–colored casual pants. Despite having gained weight and developing a beer belly, his face still showed the handsome features of his youth.

Hearing this, Jenny pouted. It was clear that no one would dare eat without him.

Seeing Leonard had finished his work, Rena greeted him with a smile. “We planned to start eating earlier, but everyone wanted to wait for you. Since it’s Christmas, it’s more fun when everyone’s here….

“Why wait for me?” Leonard frowned. “Are you really going to make everyone wait and go hungry? Mom and Dad are older–they shouldn’t have to wait like this.”

“1…” Rena was at a loss for words.

“Leonard, don’t blame Rena. It was our decision to wait. A family gathering isn’t complete without everyone,” Anna quickly defended Rena.

Cynthia nodded in agreement. “It’s not Rena’s fault. A little delay won’t hurt.”

Leonard’s expression softened. “Alright, let’s not delay any further. Let’s eat.”

At the dining table, Jenny glanced at Miranda and asked, “Miranda, didn’t your boyfriend come back to celebrate Christmas with you?”