Chapter 134 The Silent Crowd
At Max’s acquiescence, the employees brought out the box for the draw.
“Since it’s already prepared, let’s start.”
At the wave of his hand, the employees began the draw.
The employee drew Belle’s name, and unexpectedly, Natalie’s name next.
Natalie put down her wine glass when her name was called.
“What did you get for my grandpa?” Shawn asked softly.
“It’s a secret. You’ll find out later.”
The employees went to retrieve the gifts. Natalie and Belle stood before Max. One was dressed in silver, and the other in black.
The both of them looked stunning from behind.
Unfortunately, when viewed from the front, Belle was clearly better-looking.
Belle straightened her back with a satisfied and haughty look on her face.
The employees brought out two wooden boxes of considerable size. However, Belle’s box surpassed Natalie’s in terms of its size and exquisiteness.
Natalie’s box was very aged and did not have any designs or decorations.
Max asked, “Whose shall we see first?”
He said so casually and without much thought.
Natalie coming to his birthday celebration was already the best gift he could ever receive. He was glad that she was gifting him anything, even if it was just an old box.
Belle glanced at Natalie. “Old Mr. Watsons, why don’t you look at Natalie’s gift first? She is thoughtful and will surely give you a present that you’ll like…”
Upon hearing her words, all of the guests became curious instantly.
Natalie wore a designer gown and was constantly by Shawn’s side.
What gift would such a woman present?
Max immediately saw that Belle was trying to ruin Natalie with her flattery, but he remained calm and asked in his usual tone, “What do you think, Natalie?”
“I’m fine either way.”
Hearing this, Belle laughed. Things were all going according to her plans.
“Old Mr. Watsons, since Natalie has agreed, let’s look at hers first…”
Max nodded.
Belle’s hands curled into fists as she waited anxiously. However, she already had a triumphant smile on her face.
Hmph! When Natalie opens the box, it will be akin to opening Pandora’s box. She’s going to become a laughing stock tonight!
Natalie snorted slightly.
The box opened with a click.
Without even having seen anything, Belle screamed, “Ahhh! Natalie, what on earth is your gift? Are you mad? You’re cursing Old Mr. Watsons!”
At that moment, the entire crowd fell silent as everyone’s gazes immediately fell upon Belle.
However, Belle merely thought that the crowd had been shocked into silence because they were astonished by Natalie’s gift as well.
“Natalie, you must explain yourself!. Just what are you up to?”
Natalie replied emotionlessly, “What am I up to?”
Thinking that Natalie was putting up a final struggle, Belle mocked, “Don’t tell me that you didn’t know what you gifted. Don’t pretend to be innocent in order to absolve yourself of blame!”
The tension in the air thickened.
Max’s face immediately darkened.
“I’m still here!”
He hit his walking stick angrily against the floor, the dragon head producing a dull sound from the impact.
Belle rejoiced secretly. “Natalie, you’re disrespecting Old Mr. Watsons…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Max shouted, “Belle, stop this instance!”
This startled and aggrieved her.
“Old Mr. Watsons… W-what did I do?”
She turned around to face Max and explain herself. However, her gaze fell upon the box that Natalie opened, and she was immediately dumbfounded.
Inside the old box was a wooden sculpture of the Medicine King Bodhisattva.
The sculpture carved from thousand-year-old red sandalwood wore a crown. Its left fist was tucked at the waist, and its right hand held a medicinal tree branch before its chest.
It was perfectly intact and even gave off a faint fragrance of herbs and red sandalwood. At first glance, it was worth tens of millions.
It was a valuable and apt present for a birthday celebration.
“H-How did this…”
