"Of course," Cynthia said.

"Oh, Cynthia, you're too generous!" Rena exclaimed, taking the gift and setting it aside to open later.

Cynthia added, "It's a solid gold bracelet. If you don't like the style, you can exchange it at Aurora Gold Exchange."

Jenny remarked, "Cynthia, you're so generous. Starting with a gold bracelet"

Cynthia raised an eyebrow. She was clearly pleased by Jenny's flattery, but maintained a modest tone. "Rena, you've seen much more valuable things. This is just a small token."

"What about me and Mindy?" Jenny asked, half-jokingly. "As a bank manager, you must be familiar with these social customs."

Cynthia responded sharply, "Jenny, are you saying you want one too?"

Jenny maintained her smile. "Who wouldn't want a gold bracelet? Mindy, do you want one?"

Jenny and Cynthia turned their attention to Mindy, who remained silent.

"Mindy, say something!" Cynthia urged.

At that moment, Lionel spoke up. "She doesn't like wearing jewelry. She hasn't worn any of the pieces I've given her."

Jenny frowned, thinking Mindy must not appreciate fine jewelry. "I like it!" she insisted. "Cynthia, you're not playing favorites, are you?"

Cynthia replied, "Alright, Jenny. Why don't you host a dinner for everyone at your place sometime? I'm sure you'll receive plenty of gifts."

Jenny's face darkened. Her home wasn't large enough to accommodate such a large group.

Cynthia added, cutting off any excuses, "If you think your place is too small, you can always host the dinner at a restaurant."

Jenny was taken aback. Hosting such a large group at a restaurant would be very costly. The gold bracelet seemed insignificant in comparison.

"Oh, I was just joking, Cynthia. Don't take it seriously," Jenny said.

Cynthia pouted.

"It's almost 2:00 pm. Are we going to eat or not?" Jenny said, attempting to break the awkwardness, but only making things worse.

Anna's face darkened. "Didn't you eat breakfast this morning? Are you really this hungry?"

Jenny was caught off guard.

Miranda noticed everyone's expressions and glanced at the wall clock. Leonard still hadn't appeared, indicating he was either genuinely busy or deliberately delaying.

Chapter 0145

Just then, a voice called from upstairs, "Why isn't the food served yet?"

Leonard came downstairs, wearing a polo shirt and light-colored casual pants. Despite having gained weight and a beer belly, his handsome features remained.

Hearing this, Jenny pouted. It was clear no one would dare eat without him.

Seeing Leonard had arrived, Rena greeted him with a smile. "We planned to start eating earlier, but everyone wanted to wait for you. Since it's Christmas, it's more fun when everyone's here"

"Why wait for me?" Leonard frowned. "Are you really going to make everyone wait and go hungry? Mom and Dad are older—they shouldn't have to wait like this."

"I" Rena stammered, at a loss for words.

"Leonard, don't blame Rena. It was our decision to wait. A family gathering isn't complete without everyone," Anna quickly defended Rena.

Cynthia nodded in agreement. "It's not Rena's fault. A little delay won't hurt."

Leonard's expression softened. "Alright, let's not delay any further. Let's eat."

At the dining table, Jenny glanced at Miranda and asked, "Miranda, didn't your boyfriend come back to celebrate Christmas with you?"