Chapter 34

Marilyn's gaze remained fixed on Robert. She envied Naomi's freedom of choice. Her envy and fantasies were interrupted by a voice.

"On behalf of the Zabel family of Angevin, I wish Mr. Hoffman happiness and longevity. May you enjoy a long and healthy life!" Kendrick stepped to the center of the banquet hall, bowing slightly with hands clasped. "This is a gift from the Zabel family—a turquoise screen!"

Many elderly guests looked on, pleased. The Zabels' representatives were clearly energetic and vigorous.

After presenting his gift, Kendrick glanced at Robert's table and sneered. "Naomi, if you invite a friend to a banquet, you should at least ask him to stand and offer birthday wishes to Mr. Hoffman."

Eighty-year-old Stephen smiled from the head table.

Kendrick's words drew all eyes to Robert. The assembled guests were powerful and influential figures, self-made men who disliked opportunism and indolence. Robert, in their eyes, embodied these traits.

Marilyn's face paled. Congratulatory words were expected, but so were gifts. What gift had Robert brought? An ordinary present would be inadequate for this occasion.

After Kendrick spoke, he sat beside Marilyn, watching Robert with a smirk, anticipating a spectacle.

Under the scrutiny of so many eyes, Robert rose calmly, showing no sign of guilt.

Kendrick's irritation grew at Robert's composure. He leaned toward Marilyn, sneering, "It seems Robert has meticulously cultivated the Hoffmans' favor."

Robert smiled toward the head table. "I wish Mr. Hoffman a long and healthy life, filled with happiness. My gift was hastily prepared due to time constraints; it's nothing grand. Knowing Mr. Hoffman's passion for stamp collecting, I hope this postage stamp conveys my sincere feelings."

Robert retrieved a gift box from his inner pocket, approached the reception table with steady steps, and placed it down, maintaining his composure throughout.

His calm demeanor struck Kendrick as surreal. Despite their initial negative impressions, the guests silently revised their opinions. This young man wasn't as bad as they'd thought.

Eighty-year-old Stephen, his gray hair neatly combed under his suit, sat weakly. However, at the mention of a "postage stamp," he perked up, gesturing for a butler to retrieve the box.

Kendrick snorted, eager to see what kind of postage stamp Robert could offer. Anything that impressed Stephen wouldn't be insignificant; a few hundred dollars wouldn't suffice.

Upon opening the box, Kendrick and Marilyn were stunned. It was the very postage stamp they had bid on at the recent auction. How was this possible? The Zabinski family, the wealthiest in Yrinas, had owned it. Why was Robert giving it away?

[The final "Send G" is unclear and has been omitted.]