CHAPTER 110: AMY’S GIFT

Amy was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t had the chance to attend Steven’s birthday party yesterday, so she had no idea what happened at the event.

"I had something to do yesterday, so I left the gift to him and didn’t stay for the party."

Marianne patted her hand.

"You’ve never liked those noisy occasions, so it’s fine if you didn’t attend. However, your birthday is coming up soon. This is the first time you’re celebrating it back home in many years. I’m planning a grand celebration for you, and you can’t refuse."

Amy responded with a smile.

"Thank you, Grandma. I’ll make sure you get the biggest slice of cake!"

Saying this, she leaned lightly on Marianne’s shoulder. The old lady was in great spirits, and they exchanged a warm smile.

Suddenly, the butler came trotting in from the entrance.

"Madam, Young Master Steven is here."

Marianne nodded.

"Lead him directly to the dining room. We might as well have breakfast together."

Soon, they were all seated around the table in the mansion’s dining room.

The chefs at the old mansion had been with the Lawrence family for decades and knew everyone’s tastes well, so the dishes were served in no time.

"Steven, why are you the only one here today? Where’s Alex?"

Steven wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin and replied, "Alex is at school. I heard yesterday that you weren’t feeling well, so I thought I would come and check on you. How are you? Would you like me to call Dr. Kent to see you?"

Marianne waved her hand.

"No need for all that trouble; I’m just getting old, so I don’t feel like moving around much. It’s nothing serious."

Only then did Steven feel reassured. He stood up to pour her a cup of tea.

"Your stomach isn’t well, and you seem to like drinking tea as a way to nurture it. I recently got a new batch of world-class tea, and I’ll have Zane bring some over later."

Marianne nodded.

"You’re always thinking of me. When will you start taking care of yourself? I hope you will find a good wife to look after you sooner or later..."

He sighed helplessly, "Grandma, why bring this up again?"

She wiped her mouth and replied, "You know the family rules, but I’ve always supported your high standards. I just wish you wouldn’t be so resistant to the idea. Alex would love to have a mom, wouldn’t he?"

"I’ve already given you the necklace. I hope you will find someone to give it to soon."

Upon hearing this, Amy coughed a couple of times to interject.

"Grandma, Steven surely has his own plans. The women out there aren’t reliable. If Alex ends up with a bad mother, it would be worse than having none at all..."

Marianne took a sip of tea before replying, "If the women outside aren’t trustworthy, then look for someone nearby. Our family has known many families for years, and there are plenty of suitable people around. You could start by just developing a relationship with someone suitable."

"Yes, yes..."

Listening to their conversation, Steven’s mind involuntarily conjured Cecilia’s delicate face. He finished his breakfast quietly and prepared to leave.

"Grandma, I have to work. You enjoy your meal. I’ll be off now."

Marianne sighed helplessly.

"Whenever this topic comes up, you just want to head off. Alright, go on!"

He stood up, pouring another cup of tea for her before taking his leave. Amy followed him, saying she would see him out.

"I’ll walk you out..."

She accompanied him to the entrance of the mansion. Tidying up her dress, she took a gift box and handed it to him.

"Yesterday, I forgot to give you my gift."

"No need for that."

She placed the gift in Steven’s car and said, "I know we don’t need to stand on ceremony, but since I bought it, just accept it."

"You can always give something in return on my birthday."

Seeing her insistence, he nodded in thanks and got into his car to leave.

Inside the car, he absentmindedly opened the gift box.

He genuinely had no need for it. The only gift he had been expecting was one from Cecilia, yet she was the one who didn’t get him any gifts.

This thought left him feeling a little irritable as he opened Amy’s gift.

Inside the exquisite packaging was a bottle of perfume.

Zane, sitting beside him, gasped upon seeing the perfume.

"Isn’t this handmade by the world-renowned fragrance master Mike? This particular one has long been discontinued!"

As he spoke, his voice trailed off as he knew perfume was a personal gift typically shared between people who had close relations. Steven was known for his strong boundaries and dislike of personal intrusions.

On the other hand, Steven frowned as he noticed a card next to the perfume. Picking it up, he read the words Amy had written.

"Wishing you a lifetime of love."

Zane, noticing the message, spoke with a hint of surprise.

"Mr. Lawrence, excuse me for being nosy, but if I didn’t know she was your sister, I’d think she had feelings for you. Such an intimate gift and message..."

Steven gave him a warning glance.

"If you know you’re being nosy, then stop talking!"

It had never crossed his mind that Amy might have feelings for him—he simply didn’t like situations or things that crossed personal boundaries. He casually tossed the perfume to Zane.

"If you like it, you can have it."

Zane was instantly thrilled, repeatedly confirming with Steven.

"Really?! But what about Miss Amy?"

Crossing his arms, Steven replied in a frustrated tone.

"Annoying."

As for Amy, he never kept things he didn’t like. He would simply reciprocate her gift next time.

Several days passed by in the blink of an eye; finally, the weekend arrived for Emma.

She had decided to dedicate a day to live-stream a chess match. She believed Steven was upset because she hadn’t given him a birthday gift. Online, she had her eye on a three-million-dollar watch she wanted to buy for him.

However, she didn’t have enough money to buy it. Thus, she thought of live-streaming chess matches to earn the funds.

As soon as she logged into the live-streaming app, the company’s boss received an alert. He shouted excitedly, "She’s finally online! Quick, lock onto her!"