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Novel Catalog
Chapter 164
Skadi refused to let up until Hera finally relented, accepting the pair of priceless jade bracelets. Though overwhelmed, Hera knew Skadi’s heart was in the right place—and trying to return the gift would only insult her best friend’s sincerity.
One by one, her former professors stepped forward with small envelopes of birthday money. It wasn’t much, but the gesture alone moved Hera. These were people who had once guided her through her academic years, and their presence today made the occasion feel even more special.
Cain, who had remained quietly seated until now, reached into his wallet and pulled out an envelope. “Here. A little something from me,” he said, handing it to her.
Hera’s hands trembled as she received it. Her voice quivered slightly. “Thank you, Uncle Cain…”
It was her twenty-second birthday. And this—this was the first time her Uncle Cain had ever given her a birthday present.
From a nearby corner, Harrison muttered under his breath, “That envelope doesn’t even look like it has anything in it…”
Laura chuckled softly. “This gift was meant for Helena, remember? I doubt he’d be stingy. I have a strong feeling there’s a check inside.”
“How much do you think it’s for?” Harrison whispered excitedly, rubbing his hands together like a child anticipating candy.
Laura shook her head. “No idea, but it won’t be less than six figures, I’m sure.”
Harrison let out a long breath, clearly impressed. He had never received a birthday gift that generous—not even close.
Then, Herman cleared his throat and spoke. “I also prepared something for you, Hera. It was originally meant for Helena, so I don’t think it quite expresses how much I care for you. But I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.”
Hera smiled warmly. “That’s alright, Grandpa. Just having you here with me today already makes me really happy.”
She meant it too. Her heart was full from the laughter, the presence of old friends and respected mentors, and the warmth of family. For her, the celebration itself was more than enough.
Birthday gifts? They were just the icing on the cake.
Suddenly, Skadi narrowed her eyes and fluttered her lashes dramatically. “Hey Nash, where’s your gift for Hera?”
In an instant, all eyes turned to Nash.
Everyone was curious. This was the guy who managed to book the Ultimate Royalty Room at the Château Hotel and had even enlisted A-list celebrity Sienna Lowe as the event host. Surely, he had something spectacular planned.
“About that…” Nash scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish look creeping over his face.
Truthfully, he had been on the phone with Theo earlier that afternoon. Theo had informed him that the photolithography stepper had been delivered and was probably being assembled as they spoke. That had completely distracted him from preparing a traditional gift.
Skadi wasn’t about to let him off easy. “Come on, it’s your first time celebrating her birthday. Don’t tell me you forgot to get her anything?”
Their friends burst into knowing laughter. The teasing was lighthearted but relentless.
After all, the guy had orchestrated a luxury dinner, reserved a legendary venue, and brought in a top celebrity. That alone was unforgettable.
Hera giggled and decided to help him out. “The roses outside are Nash’s gift to me!” She turned to him, her cheeks slightly pink. “Right?”
Nash’s face flushed as her gaze met his. The happiness in her eyes was genuine and expectant—and it made him feel even more flustered.
Truth be told, he hadn’t known about the roses at all.
Just then, Olivia, who had been guiding the staff with the dishes, stepped forward with a bright smile. “Those roses are a special feature for platinum-level members. All ninety-nine million, nine hundred and ninety-nine of them symbolize everlasting love.”
The room fell into stunned silence, followed by gasps and squeals from Hera’s female friends.
“Oh my god, Hera is living the dream!”
“I’m crying—why can’t I find a man like him?”
“Those roses alone must’ve cost billions, right?!”
All eyes turned to Hera with admiration and envy. She seemed to be living in a fairytale.
Meanwhile, Laura and Harrison were beaming with pride and satisfaction.
“You see? You were right, darling. If we hadn’t backed Hera from the start, we would’ve missed out on this incredible son-in-law!”
Harrison puffed out his chest. “Didn’t I always tell you? If I had even half of Herman’s insight, I wouldn’t have spent so much of my life getting pushed around by Hubert’s family. Honestly, I must’ve been blind when I first got together with you!”
Laura rolled her eyes. “Don’t start with that again. You were barely Jonford’s tenth most handsome man back in the day. You really think people were lining up for you?”
Harrison huffed. “Hey, I had charm! Loads of women were into me!”
She scoffed and waved him off. “Please. I’m not wasting my breath arguing with you.”