CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 63: AN OVERWHELMING COMPARISON

As soon as this voice was heard, everyone couldn’t help but turn their heads to look.

At the entrance of the banquet hall, a tall figure was walking in.

The man wore a tailored black suit, with a shirt in the same color, complemented by a burgundy tie, exuding a noble and rakish charm. His handsome face wore an unruly smile.

A pair of alluring eyes, even while looking at a dog, seemed filled with affection, yet his aura carried an irresistible sharpness!

"Is that... the CEO of The Sheffield Group, Josee Sheffield?"

"Why would he come? Young Master Sheffield rarely attends these kinds of parties, doesn’t he?"

"Didn’t they say The Sheffield Group and the Hawthorne Group never really got along?"

"Didn’t you hear him say ’Well said’? Looks like he’s here to cause a scene!"

"..."

The guests were buzzing with discussion, obviously surprised by Josee Sheffield’s arrival.

Sabrina Hayes was also somewhat surprised.

When she came here today, she hadn’t informed Josee Sheffield, not expecting him to attend in person.

Tessa Hughes, who also knew Josee Sheffield, saw him arriving and immediately said, "Why are you so late?"

Josee Sheffield stood still and replied indifferently, "Got caught up with some matters, so I was delayed! However, I didn’t expect to witness such a big drama! Everyone, tonight has truly broadened my horizons, so many people, yet not even one stood up to support the ’widow and orphan’!"

His cold gaze swept across the guests present.

Though it was just a simple look, the guests felt an invisible pressure pressing down on them.

No one dared to meet his eyes.

At the same time, they were shocked.

From the sound of it, is President Sheffield... here to support Mrs. Hawthorne?

The guests were scheming, thinking that tonight’s drama was probably not over yet!

The Hawthornes and their kin by their side also had slightly changed expressions.

They hadn’t expected Josee Sheffield to come.

His status could be considered equal to Jordan Hawthorne, and his personality wasn’t an easy one to deal with.

On the surface, he seemed carefree and playful, but behind the scenes, his methods were quite ruthless!

Jordan Hawthorne was already enraged by Sabrina Hayes, and now seeing Josee Sheffield, his expression turned grim.

Especially when he heard him mention ’widow and orphan’, his anger boiled.

He’s not dead yet!

Is this cursing someone?

Jordan Hawthorne, wrapped in coldness, squinted and asked, "If I remember correctly, I didn’t invite President Sheffield tonight. Did you come to the wrong place?"

Josee Sheffield, unfazed by the sharp aura directed at him, said, "No mistake, I came specially to celebrate little Zara’s birthday!"

His reasonable tone bore a calm and unruffled demeanor, easily pressing back Jordan Hawthorne.

Jordan Hawthorne’s eyes darkened even more, just about to say something.

Sabrina Hayes had already stepped forward, supporting, "I invited him, why not?"

Jordan Hawthorne’s eyebrows sank, a frightening chill flashing in his eyes.

Ethan Hawthorne blurted out, "Sabrina, have you no shame? How dare you publicly bring another man to challenge your own husband?"

Sabrina responded coldly, "President Sheffield is my business partner. He came to celebrate my daughter’s birthday, is that a challenge? Then what do you call what the Hawthornes just did?"

"It sounds good, but who knows if you have some unspeakable relationship in private?"

Ethan Hawthorne retorted, speaking without thinking.

Sabrina’s gaze was like a knife, saying, "Ethan, it’s one thing to speak without thinking on ordinary days, but under everyone’s eyes today, I advise you to watch your words, slandering us is something you can be sued for!

Moreover, my cooperation with Josee Sheffield is all thanks to you. After being expelled from the Hawthorne Group, without a salary, I can only support myself!

Married into the Hawthorne Family for four years, not a dime was given to me, and you don’t allow others to find a way out?"

Upon hearing this, the guests were all surprised.

"Ah... is this true? She’s a young lady of a wealthy family, and they don’t even give her basic living expenses or pocket money?"

"Veridia’s richest, so stingy?"

"I once thought of marrying into the Hawthorne Family, to think that to be their young lady means this kind of treatment?"

"Isn’t that too much? I already felt it was inappropriate when they let the Sinclair kid go up and cut the cake, but as an outsider, it’s not my place to say anything, didn’t expect them to bully in private too."

"Mrs. Hawthorne is really too pitiful..."

Some of the guests, who weren’t unprincipled, hadn’t stepped forward to congratulate the Hawthornes on their newfound godson earlier.

Now, seeing the Hawthornes acting so petty, they couldn’t help but talk.

The Hawthornes heard this, feeling disgraced, each one’s face looking very bad.

"Sabrina, stop spouting nonsense, hasn’t the Hawthorne Family provided you with food, clothing, housing, and transportation? What more are you dissatisfied with?"

"Weren’t you paid a salary when you worked at Hawthorne Group?"

"Made you the pampered Mrs. Hawthorne, what more do you want?"

"The old lady wasn’t unkind when she was alive..."

Tessa interrupted with a mocking tone, "Yes, it’s true the old lady was somewhat kind to her, otherwise she would have been no better than a servant, at least servants get paid, she served her in-laws and husband without a single cent, isn’t that ridiculous!"

The Hawthornes were so provoked, their faces turned blue and white, wanting to argue.

Jordan Hawthorne coldly rebuked, "Enough, all of you, shut up!"

If this continued, the Hawthornes would utterly lose face tonight.

He swallowed his anger, staring coldly at Sabrina, finally fixing his gaze on Josee Sheffield, his tone icy as he warned, "President Sheffield, I don’t care what your current relationship is, but Sabrina is still my wife. Be mindful of what you do."

Josee Sheffield laughed as if he heard a great joke, laughing particularly evilly, "President Hawthorne, you’re shameless enough to remind others to be mindful? When you, as a married man, indulged in improper acts with others outside, how didn’t you know to mind your actions?"

Sabrina frowned, reminding, "I won’t be your wife for long, don’t keep saying that, after tonight, hurry up and sign the agreement, I want nothing more to do with the Hawthornes."

Jordan Hawthorne’s face was ashen, glaring at her fiercely.

Yet Sabrina refused to look at him again.

Tonight’s scandal has gone on long enough.

She was tired!

"Let’s go!"

It’s getting late, and there’s still a birthday to celebrate for Zara, no need to waste time here.

Unexpectedly, Josee Sheffield spoke up, "No rush, Zara’s birthday hasn’t started yet, after preparing so carefully, we should at least see it through!"

Sabrina was skeptical.

Could it be that she should stay for what Jordan Hawthorne had prepared?

She didn’t think she wanted it.

However, Josee Sheffield smiled and called out behind him, "Flynn!"

Flynn Underwood quickly appeared, holding a beautifully wrapped gift box.

Josee Sheffield raised his hand to take it and handed it to Zara, speaking gently, "Little Zara, I heard you like painting. This is a birthday gift from Uncle for you. Open it and see if you like it."

Zara had been feeling very down, but at this moment, she suddenly brightened up upon hearing that the gift was specially prepared for her.

She looked at her mom, seemingly asking: Can I accept it?

Sabrina felt a deep tenderness for the little one and quickly gave her a gentle nod of approval, "Go ahead and open it."

Zara nodded and immediately reached out her small hand to uncover the box.

The gift was quickly revealed to be an abstract oil painting.

Some sharp-eyed guests recognized it at a glance.

"Isn’t this the piece from the auction in Country F a few days ago? It’s a work by a famous artist, worth nearly ten million!"

"What? President Sheffield is really generous, isn’t he?"

"He’s giving such an expensive gift to a child, can she even appreciate it?"

While the guests were secretly astonished, little Zara was already happily holding onto the frame of the painting.

She clearly loved this painting.

After all, it matched her style quite well.

As a result, her delicate little face became especially lively, her little mouth happily curved up, her eyes twinkling like they held stars.

"Thank you, Uncle. Zara... really likes it..."

The little one softly and sweetly expressed her gratitude.

Josee Sheffield smiled and said, "Good, do you want something you might like even more?"

Zara tilted her head, suspiciously looking at him.

Josee Sheffield gestured to Flynn Underwood.

Flynn promptly raised his hand and clapped...

As the sound fell, there was suddenly a ruckus at the entrance of the banquet hall.

Everyone looked over to see a line of actors dressed in anime character costumes, accompanied by cheerful music, walking in from outside in an orderly fashion.

They divided into two rows and danced joyfully while crowding around a pink fox in the center.

The scene became lively and vibrant in an instant.

"Wow, it’s actually this team. Weren’t they never taking outside events?"

"With President Sheffield’s abilities, he would easily manage to invite them!"

"What a generous gesture, I’ve heard it costs millions for a single performance by this team."

"..."

The guests whispered among themselves, while Zara was overjoyed.

This team primarily performed around the pink fox.

So, the actors’ costumes and decorative items were mostly themed around the pink fox.

This is Zara’s favorite character!

The little one was mesmerized, her eyes widened, her expression full of delight.

At this moment, the actors began approaching this way, with the pink little fox in the center enthusiastically waving and greeting her.

Zara couldn’t hold back, leaning out from Sabrina’s embrace, wanting to touch it.

Seeing this, the pink fox immediately moved closer to snuggle with the little one.

The two adorable beings together melted the hearts of many onlookers.

The actor playing the pink fox seemed to really like Zara too, taking the opportunity to scoop her up and began spinning and dancing with the little girl.

Zara was overjoyed, her laughter unstoppable.

That soft, sweet little voice was crisp, adorable, and heartwarming.

The performance lasted over ten minutes.

The whole time was filled with loving, lively interactions.

Zara’s behavior was particularly surprising, showing no signs of any defects or psychological issues.

As it neared the end, the pink fox even performed a magic trick for Zara, pulling a music box out from behind.

It was styled like the pink fox, holding a birthday cake and dressed in a cute little outfit.

With a press, it played enchanting music!

Zara loved it so much, she wouldn’t let go.

Jordan Hawthorne was deeply stung by this scene.

His expression was very unpleasant, with stormy gloom in his eyes.

How could he not see that these were intentionally done by Josee Sheffield for him to see?

It was clear the purpose was to embarrass him!

Sabrina’s reaction, however, was entirely different.

She was very touched.

It was obvious that these were thoughtfully prepared by Josee Sheffield!

Without comparison, there is no harm.

Suppressing the emotions in her heart, she asked him, "How... did you know Zara’s birthday?"

Josee Sheffield casually replied, "I’ve always known, remembered it since she was born."

Sabrina didn’t know what to say.

A thousand words condensed into just one sentence, "Thank you!"

Josee Sheffield, unconcerned, said, "This is just the beginning, there’s more surprises, someone else is coming shortly..."

Sabrina, puzzled, "Who?"

Before Josee Sheffield could answer, there was noise at the door again.

He nodded towards it and smiled, "Look, here they come!"