Return Of The Prodigy
Return of the Prodigy Chapter 213

"Jace, the fact that you could come over is enough. There was no need for a gift. We're family, so you don't have to be overly polite!" Aaron said with a smile. Jace smiled back and said, "Haha, don't worry. I'm just showing my respect to Grandpa."

"Wonderful! Jace, you're a sensible child, unlike a certain someone..." Aaron said as he glanced at Gemma.

Gemma looked at her brother awkwardly, not knowing how to reply.

At this moment, Gemma's father, Xavier Williams, came over with the help of the servants. The white-haired man slowly made his way to the head of the table.

All the people in the hall immediately got up and greeted him.

"Grandpa, did you rest well? The guests are already here," said someone.

The old man nodded his head.

Aaron also nodded and said, "Then let's begin!" He turned around and said, "Dad, happy birthday! May you live a long, healthy life!"

The other family members followed suit, wishing the old man a happy birthday.

Xavier slightly raised his right hand and said with a gentle smile, "You're good children, all of you."

Then, the crowd moved to one side of the room.

Aaron continued, "Dad, Jace is also here. He said he prepared a gift for you."

The smile on Xavier's face grew brighter. "Where is he?" he said.

Jace walked up to the old man and said with a smile, "Grandpa, I'm here! I heard that you are fond of antiques, so please accept this gift. I wish you a happy birthday!" He handed over a box to Aaron. Usually, gifts would be opened after the party was over. However, Aaron was eager to show the guests just how outstanding Jace, their future son-in-law, was.

Besides, when Jace mentioned the antique, Aaron understood the young man's intentions, so he obliged and did not hesitate to open the box before the guests.

Inside the box was an exquisite vase with floral patterns all over it. At first glance, it was clear that the item was very old and well-preserved.

Aaron glanced at the vase and exclaimed, "Is this an ancient vase from the 15th century?"

The guests were stunned to know that the vase was so old.

"Is it really a vase from the 15th century?"

"Must be an expensive gift!"

"Yeah, this kind of antique must be very, very expensive! That Jace must be loaded if he bought this kind of gift for a birthday party."

The guests discussed among themselves, their impression of Jace changing.

Jace enjoyed their stares of envy, and his smile grew brighter.

Xavier looked at the vase and said excitedly, "Jace, this gift must have cost a fortune."

Jace said with a smile, "Grandpa, if this gift can bring you happiness, it's all worth it. Moreover, only in the hands of a person that knows how to appreciate antiques will this gift show its true value." Xavier was delighted. He pointed at a nearby chair and said, "Have a seat next to me. You must be tired after working all day."

Jace replied with a smile, "Haha, it's the duty of a man to work hard for the family."

Xavier nodded in appreciation and said, "I see, humble and hardworking. With this attitude, you won't have to worry about your future!"

"Grandpa, thank you for your praise," said Jace with a laugh. Then, he turned to look at Katie.

Katie's expression was the same as before and she did not seem impressed at all, which puzzled Jace.

After a short moment, he shook his head and thought to himself, Heh, this woman knows how to act. She probably sees me in a better light than her useless husband, but she doesn't want to show it.

I want to see how long you can keep up that act, though. I'll show you the difference between that commoner and me!

While Jace was snickering to himself, the guests stepped forward and gave Xavier their gifts.

"Mr. Kelly brought a clock that dates back to the 18th century..."

"Mr. Johnson brought an ancient stone tablet..."

"Mr. Derrick brought an old painting..."

After all the guests were done, it was Gemma's family's turn.

Aaron snorted and said disdainfully, "Dad, that ungrateful daughter of yours is also here."

Gemma flushed and she hurried to explain, "Dad, I'm here because I wanted to wish you a happy birthday."

Trey followed suit and said, "Dad, I also wanted to-"

Xavier snorted, and the expression of joy on his face disappeared, replaced by anger. "Who told you to come here?"

Gemma said awkwardly, "Dad, we're only here to wish you a happy birthday and to see how you were doing."

Aaron sneered and said, "Are you really here to wish him a happy birthday? It's more likely that you're here to spite Dad."

"Aaron, that's not true!" Gemma hastily said.

Aaron snorted. "If you're really here to wish him a happy birthday, you should bow your heads and show him the respect he deserves!" Gemma stiffened but soon bowed alongside Trey.

However, Aaron was not satisfied. "Is that all? Didn't you bring Dad any gifts?"

Gemma raised her head and said, "Of course we brought gifts! Adam, quick, bring over the gifts!"

Adam came over with a pile of colorful boxes.

Aaron frowned and said in a disdainful tone, "What's that stuff? It looks like junk."

"It looks like something you would find in a flea market. No sincerity at all!"

"He bought a lot of stuff, but you can make up for quality with quantity!"

The other members of the Williams family chimed in and taunted Adam.

The guests shook their heads as they witnessed the disgraceful display.

Hearing their taunts and sneers, Gemma's face became even redder. She wished she could leave and go home immediately. At the same time, she could not help but blame herself for letting Adam handle the gifts. She felt that Adam still had a screw loose. Just by looking at the packaging, one could tell that those gifts were nothing special.

To think, he even assured me that he would purchase something that would make us look good. Yet, he disgraced us by buying this garbage!

I hope he doesn't enrage my father further, or I can forget about ever coming back here.

"Dad, please listen to me. Adam didn't do it on purpose; he's just inexperienced. If there's something you like, please let me know, and I'll buy it for you," said Gemma.

Amanda curled her lips and said, "Gemma, what kind of gifts can we expect after seeing this junk? Do you think Dad will just accept everything you throw at him? I get the feeling that you wanted to cheap out. You were like this in the past, and you're the same now. No wonder Dad doesn't like you and gets annoyed every time he sees you!"

Gemma was at a loss for words. Not knowing what to say, she glared at Adam.

Adam took a step forward and said calmly, "Are you sure that the gifts I bought are garbage? Yet, I get the feeling that even if all your gifts were combined, they wouldn't be worth as much as a single gift of mine." All the people at the scene were shocked!