"Happy birthday, Sir Ashcroft."
"Thank you."
"Happy Birthday, Mister Ashcroft."
"Thank you."
"Happy Birthday, Lenon."
"…"
Lenon Ashcroft, the current CEO of Ashcroft Nexus, had been thanking everyone who came to congratulate him on his fifty-fifth birthday.
Beside him was his wife, Tiffany Howard, who was sporting a gentle, beautiful smile.
Both were in their fifties, but they still looked like they were in their thirties.
But their smiles turned strained when Minerva Morgrave greeted Lenon by using his name.
"Thank you, Madam Morgrave," Lenon replied, emphasizing the way he greeted her.
Minerva's smile became forced upon hearing his cold reply.
"Happy Birthday, Sir Ashcroft," Wynter followed, seeing Minerva's jaw clench.
"Thank you," Lenon returned the greeting with a gentle smile.
Wynter placed her arm on her mother's.
"I hope you enjoy the night," Lenon added.
"Thank you, sir," Wynter smiled with her perfect smile.
"Ma'am," she greeted Tiffany.
Tiffany nodded with a smile.
Minerva was unable to speak another word as Wynter slightly pulled her to gesture for her that it was time for them to leave, since there were others who wished to greet the celebrant.
"How hateful," Minerva said with gritted teeth.Wynter did not reply.
"We were close in the past, but because of—"
"Mother, we are attending their celebration," Wynter reminded, knowing that her mother would trip down memory lane again.
It would be fine if it were a simple trip, but she would speak ill of Tiffany Ashcroft. And because they needed to maintain their image, she had to remind her mother.
After all, the history of these three was not known by many.
Wynter was only aware of it because it was always her and her brother whom their mother would complain about it. Obviously not speaking a single thing towards their father.
Minerva glared at her, after ensuring that no one was paying attention to them.
"Did you realize that you embarrassed me a while ago by speaking up after they treated me so coldly? If your brother were here, he wouldn't embarrass me like that! He would have stepped up for me!"
Wynter maintained her smile, "I know, mother. I am still lacking. But the people behind us were already talking. And the ones behind are those that Father is currently having business deals with. He specifically told us to watch how we act in front of them."
Minerva smiled at the people greeting them while she changed the positions of their arms.
She placed her hand on Wynter's arm, but as she did, she dug her nails into Wynter's arm.
Wynter maintained her perfect smile despite the fact that the nails dug too deep, causing it to bleed a little. Especially since Minerva's nails were just made.
"Don't tell me what he said. I am well aware, and do you think he would be glad that you embarrassed me like that?"
"I'm sorry, mother," Wynter replied.
"Know your place. Go and get acquainted with more people. These are the only times you are useful."
"Yes, mother," she replied without a slight change in her.
Her eyes kept their perfect shine while her lips smiled perfectly as ever. No one had noticed that the interaction between the mother and child was so hideous.
After Minerva left her to interact with the rest, Wynter glanced down at her arm.
She inwardly sighed in relief that the sleeve of her gown was an angel sleeve reaching her elbow. The wounded part was hidden.
Though knowing how thorough her mother was, she would surely not let anyone see it.
"Hi, Miss Morgrave," one greeted from behind her.
Her perfect look returned as she turned to greet the person or people who came to interact with her.
Meanwhile, Minerva approached the other ladies, namely the group surrounding the wife of Rudolf Frostmoor, Leonora Frostmoor.
Frostmoor was one of the four big families.
"Good evening, Madam Frostmoor."
Leonora turned around and smiled, "Good evening, Madam Morgrave."
Minerva walked over while the others surrounding Leonora parted to give way to her.
"Good evening, Madam Morgrave," one after another, they greeted her.
Minerva smiled confidently and greeted them back.
"It has been a while since we last saw each other," Leonora said after Minerva stood beside her.
"Indeed, was it the New Year celebration?" Minerva replied.
"Yes, and congratulations, by the way. I heard your daughter brought back another win in her violin competition," Leonora then said.
Minerva smiled happily, "Oh, that girl, she just keeps on bringing back such wonderful gifts. We couldn't be more proud."
Leonora giggled, "You are truly lucky to have such a talented daughter."
Then her face turned solemn before she sighed, "I hope my eldest daughter is at the very least half as talented and brilliant as yours."
The Frostmoor family has three daughters and one son.
Seraphina Frostmoor, who was considered the black sheep of the family, is taking up medicine while being tutored by Dylan.
She is two years younger than Dylan, who is now in his third year of residency, while she is in her first year.
Followed by Ariadne Frostmoor, who was a year younger than her and had been working for their family after finishing her course, Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development at the University of California. She is now the head of the project development department.
Then the third child, Erika Frostmoor, currently 22, finished her course, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Real Estate at the University of Florida. She had just started working for their company as the Sales and Marketing Manager.
She is being prepared to be the Chief Marketing Officer.
And the youngest is Norman Frostmoor, who is graduating this year and is 21 this year, the same age as Shawn. He is currently studying Bachelor of Science in Real Estate in the UK. He is also the heir to the company.
Seraphina was expected to be the second in command in the company, but she forwent everything and chose medicine instead.
"But Seraphina is doing her best in her own way," Minerva replied.
Leonora shook her head, "She won't even listen to us and dared to actually take up medicine? Just where did she inherit that trait?"
"She'll come through," Minerva encouraged her.
"At what age? She's already 25. If she continues this, she'd be, what, 31? 32? Once she finishes, she's too old. Let's stop talking about her."
Leonora kept sighing and shaking her head in frustration.