Chapter 189: Chapter 189: Too Shameless
Usually, people waited for Master Nathan, but today, he was the one waiting. This struck them as highly unusual, and they were filled with curiosity about the four members of the Preston family.
After Cara Preston finished speaking, someone asked curiously, "Nathan, these people look unfamiliar. Wonāt you introduce them?"
Master Nathan brushed Cara Preston aside and pulled Vera Xavier forward, explaining, "I nearly lost my life a while back. It was all thanks to Vera, who happened to pass by and save me. Sheās my savior."
Master Nathanās affection for Vera and the warmth in his words all demonstrated how highly he regarded her. The guests were all shrewd people; they immediately began showering Vera with praise, complimenting everything from her looks to her demeanor, extolling her to the heavens.
Throughout it all, Vera Xavier responded with a gentle smile. Her replies were poisedāneither servile nor overbearing. She didnāt seem the least bit intimidated by the fact that she was facing people she normally only saw on television; she remained completely calm and composed.
Seeing Vera in this state, the smile in Master Nathanās eyes deepened. āAs expected,ā he thought, āthe girl my grandson has his eye on is truly one of a kind! Just look at that poise. She doesnāt look like she just came from the countryside at all. Sheās clearly a well-bred young lady!ā
Hearing everyone praise Vera while she was being completely ignored, Cara Preston grew anxious. Just then, she spotted Elise Langdon weaving her way out from the crowd and quickly waved her over.
Elise Langdon hurried over the moment she saw her. But when her eyes landed on Vera, who was surrounded by admirers like the moon is by stars, a deep sense of resentment washed over her. Thanks to Cara Prestonās provocations, the animosity between Elise and Vera had long since festered.
Elise Langdon gritted her teeth and muttered, "Shameless bitch!"
Cara Preston sighed. "My sister is an expert at putting on a show. Thereās no way sheād pass up a golden opportunity like this. Itās a shame, though. The moment she showed up, she completely stole your spotlight."
Elise Langdon had come with the same goal as Cara Preston: to make a splash. Realistically, she knew she could hardly stand out among so many influential figures, but Caraās words immediately convinced her that Vera was the one who had stolen her spotlight.
Her eyes filled with fury, but she didnāt dare cause a scene. This was the Nathan familyās home, after all.
Cara Preston knew her friend well; one look at her expression told her the time was right. She leaned in and whispered, "I heard Mr. Nathan enjoys collecting calligraphy and paintings. I spent a lot of time and effort recently to get my hands on an authentic piece by Thaddeus Thornton, but Iām not sure if itāll be good enough to catch his eye."
Elise Langdonās spirits immediately lifted. She whispered back, "Just watch me! Iām going to put Vera in her place today and make her give up any ideas about my cousin!"
With that, she pulled Cara Preston over to Master Nathan and announced, "Mr. Nathan, Cara has prepared a very special gift for you today!"
Master Nathan smiled. "Iām just happy you could come to this old manās birthday party. Thereās no need for gifts."
For someone of his stature, heād long since stopped caring about receiving presents. The thought was all that mattered.
Besides, he truly disliked Cara Preston. In his eyes, the girl was far too calculating and malicious. Furthermore, they were just high school students who still relied on their parents. Using family money to buy him a birthday gift felt rather insincere.
Elise Langdon simply assumed he was being polite and said with a smile, "Oh, Mr. Nathan, youāre too kind. This is just a small token of Caraās appreciation."