Chapter 65

So many people came to the birthday party today, and everyone brought gifts, but in the end, it was her gift that stood out.

In front of Nicholas, Elisa certainly didn't dare to show her pride.

She modestly said, "Oh, it's nothing, Nicholas. You're too kind."

"Your attitude is wrong. A painting best reflects a person's spirit and energy. If Christina can paint so well, she must be exceptional," Nicholas praised again.

Elisa quickly agreed, "You're right, Nicholas."

Gabrielle watched from the side, her face darkening.

If it weren't for the crowd, she would have loved to throw in some sarcastic remarks.

Elisa's background was quite ordinary, and her narrow-mindedness was obvious. She was clearly very pleased with herself but pretended to be indifferent.

She could pretend all she wanted, but she wasn't even good at it.

It was truly laughable!

And Christina, with just a few strokes, what could that show?

Who judges painting skills based on a few strokes?

If it weren't Nicholas saying this, Gabrielle would have mocked the person mercilessly.

"Today is a family gathering, let's enjoy ourselves and not worry too much about rules. Try the food and see if you like it," Nicholas said, picking up his fork.

He speared the steak in front of him and took a bite, the juices bursting in his mouth, filling it with flavor.

Everyone else followed suit, picking up their forks.

After a few rounds of drinks, Nicholas had some business to attend to and took William to the study, leaving the others to continue eating and drinking at the table.

With Nicholas gone, the atmosphere at the table wasn't as harmonious.

Gabrielle kept glaring at Elisa.

Christina didn't care about any of this. She just focused on getting food for herself. When she was almost done eating, she reached for a drink.

But the drink was a bit far, and her arm wasn't long enough. She tried but couldn't reach it.

Walter handed her the drink, and Christina smiled at him, mouthing a thank you.

This was a small, trivial act, but to Gabrielle, it was something else entirely.

With Nicholas gone, she had no reservations.

She slammed the table and stood up, glaring at Christina, "You're young and already up to no good, just like your mother, always trying to seduce men."

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Elisa was furious.

Gabrielle had been snide to her since they got out of the car, and now she was publicly insulting her daughter.

This was no different from insulting her directly!

Raymond didn't want them to cause a scene and gave Elisa a look.

Elisa, though unwilling, decided not to say anything more.

Gabrielle sneered, "I saw it with my own eyes, clear as day. How is that nonsense? Your daughter first tried to seduce William, and when that didn't work, she turned to my son. What, is my son a trash can? Taking in what others don't want?"

"When you're looking for a son-in-law, you should consider not just the man's qualities but also your daughter's character. Let me make it clear, Walter's wife must be of good character, especially not someone with a mother and daughter both lacking morals. Our family can't afford such disgraceful people!"

Gabrielle's words left no room for Elisa and her family.

Christina looked at the drink in her hand and then at Gabrielle, finding it utterly ridiculous. "He just handed me a drink because I couldn't reach it. How did that become something so dirty in your mouth?"

"Because you have a history, and your mother is no better. Shouldn't I be cautious? Today it's a drink, tomorrow you'll be in bed together," Gabrielle retorted.

Christina was amazed by her twisted logic.

By her reasoning, it was a miracle Walter had made it this far. Helping with a drink was seduction, leading to sex. So, talking to him must have the same intent?

Walter himself felt extremely embarrassed.

He lowered his voice to Gabrielle, "Mom, it's Grandpa's birthday party. Don't make a scene. Everyone's watching, and you'll make us a laughingstock."

"You've grown older but not wiser. You're being fooled by Christina," Gabrielle said, frustrated. "Look, just over a drink, you're already defending her."

"Mom, it's not what you think. We're practically family. I see her as a sister."

"What kind of family? There's no blood relation," Gabrielle pointed out.

Everyone knew Christina was brought into the Cavendish family by Elisa.

She was nominally Raymond's daughter, but who knew who her real father was?

"And she is related to William, but look how that turned out. With that precedent, I can't underestimate her."

Even Christina's good temper couldn't take it anymore.

She had done nothing wrong, yet she had to endure Gabrielle's blatant hostility. It was completely unfair.

She was about to speak when a cold voice interrupted, "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

It was William.

Though he was younger, he was highly regarded by Nicholas, so no one dared to act out in front of him.

Seeing him, Gabrielle toned down a bit, though her face was still sour. "Today is Dad's birthday party. We're all here to celebrate, but some people are using this opportunity to seduce Walter."

Gabrielle didn't name names, but her gaze was fixed on Christina, making her meaning clear.

William looked over, "Why are you causing trouble?"

It had been peaceful when he was there, but as soon as he and his grandfather left, Christina was in trouble again.

If he hadn't returned in time, who knew how bad it would have gotten?

"It's not me causing trouble, but some people being overly suspicious. There's a camera in the living room. We can check the footage to see what really happened. If it's my fault, I'll admit it. If not, no one can falsely accuse me."

Christina stood tall and firm.

She was the type who wouldn't admit to something she didn't do. She couldn't do that.