Apologize? Not a chancel
Caitlin calmly spoke, “The child acted without intention. I am willing to pay three times the amount for the broken item, but forcing a mute child to apologize–don’t you think that’s a bit too much?”
At her words, many guests cast curious glances at the child. It seemed the online rumors were true—the young master of The Vanderbilt Family, although good–looking, was indeed mute!
Megan and Xylia, the mother–in–law and daughter–in–law pair, couldn’t hide their smugness as they overheard the gossip around them. Caitlin’s words had just confirmed that Howard was mute, and now everyone would know. Soon, the whole of New York would learn of it.
How could someone mute possibly be the heir to the family?
Caitlin scanned the crowd with cold eyes and continued, “If our Howard is expected to apologize for breaking something by accident, then shouldn’t someone from The Xenos Family who released their dog to attack me earlier be held accountable? Shouldn’t they be facing legal consequences? Perhaps Felix should investigate?”
Madison and Yasmin’s faces paled. The guests around them became curious. Had someone from The Xenos Family actually released a dog to attack?
Felix, noticing the tension, spoke up, “I’ll certainly look into it, but today is Kyle’s birthday. Let’s focus on having fun. Howard is just a child, and accidents happen. We should all be more understanding.”
Felix gave Madison a brief glance, silently signaling her not to stir up trouble. He knew full well that the hunting dog had been deliberately released, but raising the issue now would only make things more complicated and ruin the birthday atmosphere.
Paul chimed in, “Exactly, exactly, it’s all sorted out. Everything’s fine! Kids will be kids, a little mischief here and there is normal! Now, let’s focus on the
cake! Let’s blow out the candles!”
Paul smoothly changed the subject, and Madison and Yasmin secretly let out a sigh of relief. If things escalated, they would have a lot of explaining to do.
Caitlin gently patted Howard’s small head, feeling sorry for him that he had to bear the unfair treatment on behalf of his older brother.
Bruce, seemingly indifferent to the whole situation, acted as if everything had nothing to do with him. But in truth, he did feel for his older brother, who was constantly subjected to discrimination and criticism from the outside world.
Soon, Felix wheeled out a large three–tier birthday cake, and the guests gathered around it.
They lit the candles and began singing the birthday song.
“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you…”
“Kyle, make a wish!”
Six–year–old Kyle, with his handsome looks resembling his father’s, was beaming with joy, wearing a birthday hat. He closed his eyes, seriously making a wish as everyone gathered around, showering him with love.
The room was filled with cheerful voices as Kyle and the other children blew out the candles together.
Applause filled the air as the children were served slices of cake, all of them thrilled.
Bruce didn’t eat any; he disliked cream. However, not eating cake didn’t raise any suspicions, as Howard was known for being very picky.
In this regard, the two brothers were quite similar.
After the cake was shared, one of the guests, not sure who exactly, said to Elder Xenos, “Old Master, you’re such a famous artist. Why not show us a little of your talent today?”
1/3
Chapter 51
The crowd joined in with encouragement, “Yes, yes! Show us a little something, Elder Xenos!”
Elder Xenos waved his hand with a smile, “No, no, I’m getting old. Let my grandson take the spotlight instead!”
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