Chapter 99
Flora's question hit me like a thin needle, piercing the corner I least wanted to touch.
In the past, whenever it was Luna's birthday, no matter how unwilling George was, with my insistence and arrangements, he would at least sit down with Jack for an awkward meal.
Although Jack was always picky and George wore a cold face the whole time, barely speaking, at least he showed up.
Those few times he participated became the pitiful evidence in Flora's memory that my marriage wasn't too bad.
I opened my mouth but couldn't make a sound.
Should I tell Flora that Violet had personally called several times to urge him, but George still ignored it?
Should I tell her that the man was probably with Sarah right now, having long thrown his promises to my mom and basic courtesy out the window?
Flora saw my face instantly turn ugly, and pain and understanding flashed in her eyes.
She'd always been straightforward, and immediately cursed under her breath: "That George, what a scumbag. You two aren't even divorced yet, and he won't even keep up appearances anymore? He has no sense of propriety!"
Flora vaguely knew I wanted a divorce. Unlike Mom, she didn't try to reconcile us—she just felt bad for me.
But she had once pulled me aside, holding my hand with worry: "Grace, if you can avoid going down the divorce path, try not to. I've been there, I know how hard it is being a single mom. Talk things through with George properly—what if it's all just a misunderstanding?"
She didn't want me to repeat the pattern of failed marriages that she and Mom had experienced.
So that day, when Mom sighed about how the Brown family daughters all had such hard lives and never met good men, Flora sighed along but still held onto a sliver of hope.
I didn't dare tell her that the divorce papers had already been filed with the court, and I'd received the case filing notice.
I was afraid it would upset her and affect the upcoming surgery.
That surgery was her hope for survival—I couldn't take any risks.
Seeing my distress, Mom quickly jumped in to smooth things over, her tone as light as possible: "Flora, don't say that. George has a lot going on at the company, he probably really couldn't get away today."
"He may not be here, but he sent his gift early—something really expensive. I haven't opened it yet, you can look at it later."
I followed Mom's lead, saying quietly, "Mom, let's open the gift later. Grandma will be here soon, we should get ready to start the meal."
I wanted to change the subject as quickly as possible.
In fact, Violet had already called to ask if George had arrived.
All I could do was answer honestly: "Not yet, Grandma."
On the other end, Violet went silent for a few seconds, then let out a heavy sigh. I could hear the suppressed anger and deep disappointment in it.
She probably understood that George was deliberately staying away, using this method to silently protest against the banquet she had arranged, and once again trampling on the dignity of my mother and me.
What Violet didn't know was that George wasn't just annoyed by these family gatherings—he was annoyed by everything related to me.
Unless, of course, the party was for Sarah.
A few minutes later, there was a slight commotion at the entrance to the banquet hall.
Violet had arrived.
She wore a dignified dark red dress, her hair impeccably styled, walking in with the support of her butler.
What surprised me a bit was that George's father, my father-in-law Albert, was following behind her, though his face showed no smile.
Mom and Flora quickly went forward to greet them warmly.
Violet wore a kind smile on her face. She first had her attendants present the carefully prepared gift—a set of expensive ornaments—then took Mom's hand and said many blessings and heartfelt words.
I also stepped forward and respectfully called out: "Grandma."
Seeing me, Violet took my hand and patted it gently, then removed a gemstone bracelet from her own wrist.
The bracelet was exquisitely crafted throughout, of even better quality than the one I'd seen on Sarah's wrist, glowing with a warm, understated luster under the lights—clearly a treasured piece from years past.
Violet gently slipped the bracelet onto my wrist, and it fit perfectly.
"Grace, this bracelet was given to me by my mother when I got married. It's no worse than those at auction." Violet gripped my hand, her voice lowering with a hint of pleading. "This time, I'm putting it on you myself. George was confused before and put your gift in the wrong place."
"Would you be willing to forgive him for this little mistake, for my sake? We're all family—harmony is what matters most."
He gave my birthday compensation gift to Sarah—that's just a little mistake?
A wave of bitterness rose in my heart, but seeing the expectation in Violet's eyes, I couldn't contradict her or embarrass her in public.
I forced a smile and said quietly: "Thank you, Grandma. I'm sorry to trouble you."
Seeing this, Mom and Flora quickly came forward, supporting Violet on either side, making polite conversation and guiding her toward the main table, which also shifted the topic and let me breathe easier.
Albert took a phone call nearby, then walked to Violet's side and said something in a low voice.
Violet's expression darkened slightly. She shot him a look but didn't stop him.
As if granted amnesty, Albert gave a perfunctory nod toward Mom and quickly left the banquet hall.
Mom and I exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of relief in each other's eyes.
Albert hadn't wanted to come anyway—it was better that he left, saving everyone the awkwardness.
Flora, however, watching Albert's departing figure, couldn't help but snort coldly. Her voice wasn't loud, but loud enough for those nearby to hear: "The young one doesn't come, the old one can't stay—what, is my sister's fiftieth birthday so unbearable for the Smith family?"
The directness of her words made Violet's expression stiffen, her smile fading somewhat.
Her lips moved as if to explain, but in the end, she just said quietly, as if consoling herself or making us a promise: "George had an emergency at the company. He'll come once he's dealt with it. I've already sent the driver to pick him up."
I quickly gave Flora a look, telling her to stop.
Mom also gently tugged at Flora's sleeve, quietly trying to calm her.
Actually, I felt more relaxed with George not coming.
No need to face his cold expression, no need to deal with Sarah possibly showing up, no need to perform a broken marriage in front of everyone.
In my previous life, when he stood me up on Mom's fiftieth birthday, I'd already experienced that huge disappointment and humiliation.
In this life, I'd long learned not to have expectations, and therefore wouldn't be disappointed.
Milly was very well-behaved. Seeing Violet, she sweetly called out, "Great-grandma."
Seeing Milly, the gloom on Violet's face cleared considerably. She held Milly and talked with her for quite a while, her eyes showing genuine affection.
Seeing that most of the guests had arrived, Mom walked to Violet's side and asked softly: "Mrs. Violet Smith, what do you think... It's about time, should we start the meal? We can eat while waiting for George."
But Violet shook her head, her gaze turning to me again with an insistence that brooked no argument: "Grace, call George and ask where he is. Maybe he's stuck in traffic? I'm here—he wouldn't dare not answer your call."
My heart tightened.
Call him?
I could almost predict the outcome.
I didn't want to hear his cold refusal again on Mom's birthday, or worse, Steven's well-practiced excuses.
"Grandma, we really don't need to wait for him." I tried to make my voice sound calm and natural. "He's busy with work, we understand. Let's start the meal—we shouldn't keep everyone waiting on empty stomachs."
But Violet became stubborn. She gripped my hand, her tone carrying an elder's authority: "No, he promised me he would come. Grace, make the call. Call him right now."
"If he doesn't answer, or makes excuses again, I'll call him myself and set him straight. Today is your mother's important birthday—he must be here!"