Chapter 271 An Invitation to Attend Harriet’s Birthday Celebration
“Dad, please! Just let us attend the event! I want to go there.” Erica pouted her lips, demanding her father to go along with her.
“Just do us a favor and let us explore around, Francis. The place is going to be crowded with guests by then, so no one is going to notice us. I promise we won’t give you any trouble.” Naomi sincerely beseeched Francis.
Realizing he had been neglecting Naomi and her daughter all this while, Francis eventually softened up when he thought to himself about how rare the occasion was. “Fine. Remember to wear something decent.”
Later that afternoon, Erica and her mother happily went shopping at the apparel shop, during which she texted Hayley to flaunt her good news. ‘Erica, guess where I’m going this Saturday?’
‘Where are you going?’
‘I’m going to accompany my dad to Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday feast.’
‘Are you free tonight, Erica? Let’s meet up!’ Hayley responded by asking.
‘Alright!’ Erica agreed to meet up with Hayley, thinking they were just going to catch up with each other like old friends did.
In the meantime, Hayley, who was reading Erica’s message, was surprised to find out how lucky Erica was to attend Harriet’s birthday celebration. For that, she knew Erica and Elliot would surely run into each other by then and was determined to explain everything to Erica so that her friend wouldn’t embarrass her by accident. After taking a look at the time, Hayley reached for her phone and dialed Elliot’s number.
On the other hand, Elliot was skimming through his emails in his study when he saw his phone vibrating on the table. Upon taking a glimpse of it, he reached for it and said, “Hello, Hayley.”
“Let me ask you something, Elliot. Is Grandma’s birthday this Saturday?” Hayley probingly asked.
“How did you know about that?” Elliot frowned and asked in a deep voice.
“I happened to stumble upon Grandma’s birth date when I was reading a news article that was published two years ago. After doing a little calculation, I realized it’s this Saturday, so will she be celebrating her birthday?” Hayley asked in excitement.
“Yes, she will.”
“That’s awesome! I remember Grandma was asking me when I’ll be visiting her again last time, so I suppose her birthday makes a perfect opportunity for me to visit her, Elliot. Maybe I could drop by and celebrate with her,” Hayley happily said.
“Hayley, the place is going to be full of guests, so I don’t think I can make sure you’re well received.” Elliot implied in his tone that he was reluctant to let Hayley attend the event.
“Don’t have to worry about me, Elliot. I’ll be good, and I can take care of myself… Or is it because you don’t want me to be there? Am I really a shameful presence to you? I know my modest background may have always been a disgrace to you, but… I really want to attend Grandma’s birthday feast. I just want to be there to give her my blessings. Is that too much to ask for? Can you grant me my wish?” Hayley spoke with a bitter voice, making herself sound sympathetic.
“Alright, I’ll arrange it.” Elliot continued to say, ” But you mustn’t stir up trouble during the feast at all because Anastasia and her son will be there as well. So, try to stay away from them as much as possible.”
“Alright, Elliot. I promise I’m only there for Grandma’s birthday. I’ll behave myself and stay away from trouble.” Hayley obediently agreed to behave well.
Soon, Elliot hung up the call, thinking his responsibility was nothing more than making sure Hayley wouldn’t have to worry about her own livelihood.
Meanwhile, Hayley was stung by Elliot’s last few words, although she had already received permission to attend Harriet’s birthday feast. After all, the answer to who was more important between Anastasia and her in Elliot’s heart was obvious enough the moment the man Elliot told her to avoid Anastasia. Why should I be the one who stays away from Anastasia?
Soon, Erica and Hayley met up at a western food restaurant in the city, where Erica showed off the nightgown she was going to wear during Harriet’s birthday feast. Then, Hayley stared at her friend and said, “Erica, there is something I want to tell you, but promise you’re going to keep it a secret. Can you?”
“Speak your mind.” Erica looked at her while sipping her juice.
“I’m going to attend Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday feast too.”
“Pff!” Erica spat out her juice, and her eyes were left wide open in disbelief. “What did you just say? You’re going to attend Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday feast too? H-How can you…?”
