Everyone hastily gathered around, shouting, “Young Master Augustine, today’s Crystal’s birthday! Where’s your present for her?” “Why don’t you, Mr. Augustine, kiss Crystal as a birthday gift?” someone else suggested.

Elvis stood indifferently, unmoving, bathed in the bright light. Crystal stepped forward, tiptoeing to quickly kiss his handsome cheek. She had taken the initiative; he hadn’t seemed inclined to kiss her.

When Crystal retracted, the hall erupted in gasps of admiration. Crystal, the city's leading beauty, usually ignored the many men vying for her attention. She bit her lip, staring shyly and nervously at Elvis, who returned her gaze.

Stepping forward again, she rose on tiptoe to kiss him, but a small, fluffy creature intervened. A snow-white kitten dashed to Elvis's feet, staring fiercely at Crystal.

Embarrassment flooded Crystal. Everyone knew Elvis had a pet—a kitten he'd brought back three months ago. The sight of a CEO like Elvis, constantly accompanied by a kitten, was unusual, even jarring, to those accustomed to the typical styles of wealthy businessmen. And she knew the kitten disliked her.

“Elvis, your kitten is so cute,” Crystal complimented, awkwardly backing away. She didn’t like the kitten, but she feigned affection for Elvis's sake.

His face devoid of emotion, Elvis looked down at the kitten. “It’s called Phoebe,” he said calmly.

Crystal smirked, continuing her pretense. “Aww, Phoebe is just so cute.” Shifting her gaze to Elvis, she moved closer. “Elvis, how’s your grandmother’s health recently? My grandmother has been asking about her.”

He frowned, remembering his grandmother. “Grandma’s appetite hasn’t been good lately,” he replied unhappily. Since Mrs. Samantha's return, her appetite had worsened. The old lady seemed to have aged considerably, no longer the bright, cheerful grandmother she once was. Elvis suspected something troubled her; he'd caught her crying several times. The entire Augustine family worried about Mrs. Samantha's health.

Crystal sighed sadly. “Elvis, I’ll visit Grandma soon to chat and keep her company. And I’m a nutritionist; leave Grandma Augustine's diet to me. I promise to handle it.”

Elvis studied Crystal. Her cleverness and playfulness evoked a familiar, pleasing feeling. He’d seen many girls, but Crystal’s cheerful nature captivated him. He reached out, gently caressing her long, straight black hair—a feature he seemed to particularly like. Crystal stared at him with bright eyes, but soon, he withdrew his hand.