Chapter 51
As night fell, the Parker Villa halfway up the hill was bathed in dazzling lights.
Melodious string music flowed from the half-open floor-to-ceiling windows, mingling with the laughter and chatter of guests on the lawn.
A taxi pulled up on the roadside a little way from the villa's entrance.
Grace paid the fare and stepped out, carrying a paper bag with an expensive gift inside.
She wore a light blue knee-length dress that Adele had sent to her school in advance. The dress was elegant and made of high-quality fabric.
Standing in the cool evening breeze, she adjusted her dress before stepping forward, blending into the opulence and clamor that didn't belong to her.
She walked through the meticulously manicured garden and entered the brightly lit main hall.
Under the crystal chandelier, the air was filled with the scent of perfume and the clinking of glasses.
Groups of business elites chatted and laughed. Grace immediately spotted the family at the center of the crowd.
Her stepfather John, dressed in a dark suit, was holding a wine glass and conversing with a guest.
Her mother Adele stood gracefully beside him in a well-tailored gown, wearing a polite smile.
The star of the evening, Ethan, was surrounded by a group of wealthy peers, his face showing the typical arrogance and pride of youth.
Grace tightened her grip on the paper bag and walked over, steeling herself.
"Mr. Parker, Mom," she said softly, her voice tinged with hesitation.
John, who was in the middle of a conversation, turned his head slightly and glanced at her. He nodded and made a faint sound from his nose.
"Mm."
Grace stood there, feeling a bit lost.
Adele was the first to react. She maintained her usual smile and affectionately took Grace's hand, explaining to the guest beside John, "This is my daughter, Grace. She's still in college."
Then she turned to Grace, "Grace, go over to Ethan. It's his birthday today. Make sure to take care of him and don't let him get too wild with his friends."
"Okay, Mom," Grace nodded obediently and turned to walk towards Ethan's group.
Ethan was showing off a new watch on his wrist to his friends.
When he saw Grace approaching, he raised an eyebrow and spoke lazily, "Well, if it isn't our family's big designer. What took you so long? I thought you were busy on a date with your boyfriend and forgot my birthday."
Grace was used to his sarcastic tone and ignored his mockery, looking away.
"What are you looking at?" Ethan said impatiently, extending his hand. "Where's my gift? Don't tell me you forgot, or are you too broke to buy one?"
Mentioning the gift made Grace's heart tighten. She hesitated, gripping the paper bag.
The gift was paid for by Damian, and using his money to please Ethan made her feel uncomfortable.
Her hesitation was noticed by Vivian Murray, who had just walked over.
Vivian's family business had close ties with the Parker family, and they collaborated on many projects. Vivian herself was a fervent admirer of Ethan.
She had always disliked Grace, who had appeared in the Parker family halfway through.
Grace's beautiful face, which Vivian envied, only deepened her dislike and jealousy.
Vivian approached with a glass of champagne, "Ethan, how could you ask that?"
Behind Vivian were several other wealthy young women, dressed to the nines.
Her voice was sweet and coy, "Grace is living off the Parker family, with Mr. Parker supporting her. How could she afford a decent gift? Just coming to wish you a happy birthday is already a big favor."
One of the girls immediately chimed in, "Exactly, Vivian. Don't make it hard for her. Maybe she prepared a handmade card as a gift."
Another girl covered her mouth and laughed, "That would be so thoughtful, much better than us who just buy gifts with money."
Their words were full of undisguised disdain and mockery.
Ethan's face darkened.
He could bully Grace, insult her, and boss her around, but who were they to say anything?
A wave of inexplicable irritation surged in his heart.
"Shut up!" Ethan snapped, cutting off Vivian and the others' taunts. He glared at Grace, his tone even harsher, "Stop dawdling. Give me the gift!"
His command silenced the laughter around them. Vivian's smile froze, and she reluctantly closed her mouth.
Under the focused gaze of everyone, Grace could no longer avoid it.
She had to take out the exquisitely packaged dark gray box from the paper bag and hand it over.
The box was a classic design from a top luxury brand, understated yet exuding an undeniable sense of quality.
Ethan took the box, casually tore off the ribbon, and opened the lid.
When the dark gray tie, lying quietly on the velvet lining, came into view, everyone around was surprised.
The tie's fabric had a high-end matte finish under the lights, with the brand's emblem subtly embroidered in matching thread.
Anyone knowledgeable would recognize it as the brand's most premium series, worth a fortune.
Even Vivian was stunned, her mocking expression replaced by a hint of shock.
Ethan's eyes lit up instantly.
He knew quality when he saw it and immediately recognized the tie's value.
He eagerly took out the tie and held it against the collar of his white shirt, visibly pleased.
"At least you have some taste," he said arrogantly, raising his chin, though his words remained cutting, "Tell me, which unlucky guy spent so much on you?"
Vivian quickly seized the opportunity, her voice turning sharper, "Exactly, Grace. You really have a knack for this. This tie must cost you several years' worth of living expenses. I wonder which man is so generous to spend so much on you?"
"Don't talk nonsense!" Grace finally couldn't help but defend herself, her face flushed.
"Did you buy it yourself?" Vivian laughed exaggeratedly, as if hearing a joke, "With what money? Everyone knows you're a burden, only able to go to school because of the Parker family's support. Where did you get the money to buy this?"
"Don't slander me!" Grace trembled with anger, her eyes red, "I earn scholarships every year and work part-time. I didn't use anyone else's money!"
Grace had been working part-time since her freshman year, but now, as a senior preparing for graduation, she had no time for part-time jobs.
Vivian stepped closer, her expression turning vicious, "What? Did we hit a nerve? You women who pretend to be innocent but are actually willing to do anything for money disgust me!"
"I didn't!" Grace pushed her forcefully.
Vivian stumbled, her face flashing with malice.
"You dare to touch me?" she screamed, and her two friends immediately grabbed Grace's arms from both sides.