Chapter 702: Chapter 702: The War Without Gunsmoke
âI heard that Madam Mamet loved Mr. Caleb Mamet the most. The old ladyâs birthday is coming up and Mrs. Mamet actually sent a replica. Thatâs too perfunctory! Itâs true that a girl who grows up in the countryside canât make it to the stage!â
âWe canât completely say that, Mrs. Mamet doesnât look like she lacks money. She must have been cheated, itâs not her fault, is it?â
âHow can it not be her fault? If she really wanted to give a gift, she could have had a specialist appraise it and ensure it was genuine before sending it. Giving Madam Mamet a random fake art piece is her own negligence.â
Everyone looked at Xaviera Evans with disdain. How could a woman like this be suitable as the hostess of the Mamet family?
Tracy Swift slowly walked up to Xaviera in front of everyone and spoke gently, âIâm really sorry, Xaviera, I didnât expect us to give the same piece. This is not your fault, the current art market is a mix of good and bad pieces, itâs not unusual that you bought a replica.â
Although giving a replica was not Xaviera intention, as the granddaughter-in-law of the old lady, her carelessness was indeed her fault.
âIâve attended so many birthday banquets, this is the first time Iâve seen someone give a replica!â
âIsnât that the truth! Miss Swift made the effort to come all the way from Imperial City, and gave a cherished piece from her home, yet Mrs. Mamet, the granddaughter-in-law, is outdone by an outsider. In my opinion, only a well-bred lady like Miss Swift is fit to be the hostess of the Mamet family.â
Caleb Mamet swept a cold glance, and everyone immediately shut up. The banquet hall fell silent.
Tracy Swift lowered her eyes and smiled smugly. Then she walked up to Xaviera and tried to comfort her quietly, âXaviera, donât be upset, itâs not your fault you donât understand calligraphy. Apologize to the old lady later, sheâs very forgiving and wonât blame you, but weâŠâ
Before she could finish her sentence, Xaviera interrupted her coldly, âMiss Swift, I have a question and I would like you to answer it for me. The Swift family and the Mamet family hadnât interacted for many years. Why did you come all the way from Imperial City to celebrate Madam Mametâs birthday this time?â
Tracy Swift calmly and gently replied, âMr. Drew told me that Madam Mametâs birthday was approaching. Although the Swift and Mamet families havenât interacted in years, weâve always kept them in our hearts. As soon as my father heard about this, he ordered me to prepare a birthday gift and rush to Libanan, fearing that it would miss Madam Mametâs birthday. And Mr. Drew told me that Madam Mamet liked this piece.â
Xaviera raised an eyebrow, âOh, I see! So, Mr. Drew had seen this piece too? And was sure that the one Miss Swift presented was genuine?â
A slight unease crept into Tracy Swiftâs heart, but she responded indifferently, âOf course, Mrs. Mamet, Sir Whitman has already performed the appraisal. If you do not trust his judgment, we can ask other experts to do so. But I donât understand what this has to do with Mr. Drew.â
Xavieraâs eyes were deep. On the surface, it seemed like she and Tracy Swift had presented the same birthday gift, and while she had given a replica, Tracy Swift had rushed from Imperial City to present the original. Naturally, her reputation would plummet. But in reality, this was more than just a rivalry between her and Tracy Swift; it was a war without smoke or fire between Caleb Mamet and Boyd Drew.
Tracy Swift was a guest invited by Boyd Drew. She had prepared Sir Whitmanâs calligraphy, âThousand Character Longevityâ, while Xaviera, on behalf of Caleb Mamet, gave a replica, thus tarnishing Caleb Mametâs reputation. Later, outside people would say that Caleb Mamet wasnât sincere to his grandmother, whereas, Boyd Drew, who wasnât raised by his grandmother, was exceptionally filial.
She didnât care about losing face, but she couldnât drag Caleb Mamet down with her, and certainly couldnât let Caleb Mamet lose to Boyd Drew, that sly person.
Xaviera laughed meaningfully, âMr. Drew is really filial! He actually took the initiative to contact Miss Swift and invited her to attend his grandmotherâs birthday feast. Then, Miss Swift rushed over from Imperial City and even gave a âThousand Character Longevity.â Mr. Drew really put a lot of effort into winning his grandmotherâs favor!â
Boyd Drewâs eyes flashed, âMiss Evans, what are you trying to say?â
Xaviera chuckled, âMr. Drew can interpret it however he wants, it doesnât matter to me.â
At that moment, there was a sound of footsteps from outside. Boyd Drew sensed that something was wrong and quickly gave Sir Tangi a look. Sir Tangi immediately put both pieces away and explained, âIt seems Madam Mamet is coming. Letâs put this replica away so the old lady doesnât get upset when she sees it!â
The doors of the banquet hall slowly opened and the dignified Madam Mamet walked in, along with a couple and a young girl.