Chapter 480: Ruined the Birthday Message (4)

Chapter 480: Chapter 480: Ruined the Birthday Message (4)

Mr. Hale was an enthusiast of calligraphy and antiques. After retiring from the Hale Corporation, he poured all his energy into these hobbies. He had always wanted a piece by Mr. Holden but never had the opportunity. Justin Hale had always known of his grandfather’s wish, so he went ahead and invited Mr. Holden to the birthday banquet to write a piece on the spot and make the old man happy.

The usually stern and reserved patriarch hadn’t stopped smiling since seeing Mr. Holden. Cradling the birthday message personally written by Mr. Holden, he was grinning from ear to ear.

"Mr. Holden, you truly live up to your reputation as a master calligrapher. Only someone with your profound knowledge and refinement could imbue their work with such nobility and elegance! This is an air that not just anyone can cultivate," Mr. Hale praised lavishly. He was overjoyed that his wish of so many years had finally been fulfilled.

"Mr. Hale, you’re a lucky man to have such a devoted grandson! He’s capable, has vision, and not only does he run the company impeccably, but he’s also so attentive to you. It’s enough to make anyone jealous! If my little rascal at home were half the man Justin is, I’d be laughing in my sleep!" The speaker was Gordon Gable, a contemporary of Mr. Hale from the same generation.

"That’s no way to talk about your own grandson. Your Jay Gable is a fine young man. The boy just joined the company; you have to give him some time to adjust. You can’t be too hard on him. Most of the younger generation likes to have fun! Justin is the exception, completely focused on work. I’ve never once seen him take a day off to enjoy himself."

Mr. Hale was immensely proud of having such an outstanding grandson. Among the younger generation in Aethelgard, Justin Hale was a cut above the rest.

"Since Justin is so exceptional, he should spend more time with the other young people in our circle when he gets the chance. Maybe he can be a good influence, help them focus, and get them to stop thinking about fun and games all day. They have a mountain of company business waiting for them to handle, after all!"

The speaker was Mr. Faulkner. Justin’s excellence was a great source of pride for him as well; after all, this exceptional young man was his future grandson-in-law. This alliance meant the Faulkner and Hale families would be partners in the business world for at least the next fifty years, if not longer. What could be more gratifying than that?

"I will. I admit I’ve attended fewer gatherings in our circle lately. I’ll make a point to attend more in the future." Justin Hale maintained a gentle, soft smile. He exuded an air of nobility just by standing there. He was popular not only with the older generation but with his peers as well; very few disliked him, especially women.

Aiden Faulkner, standing beside Justin Hale, was the picture of elegance tonight. She stood quietly by his side, a woman of few words, but when she did speak, her voice held a bashful quality, perfectly embodying the demeanor of a young woman deeply in love.

"Grandpa, Justin has always been very busy with work, and our social gatherings often conflict with his schedule. Even when he wants to go, he often can’t. However, I could go in his stead. After all, I am his fiancée. I should be able to represent him, shouldn’t I?"

"Hahaha! You’re his fiancée, and while you can certainly represent him when he’s unavailable for many things, this is not one of them. You don’t have the kind of sway it takes to make those wild boys in our circle settle down. Justin is the only one who can keep them in line!" Mr. Faulkner boomed, his voice so full of vigor it could probably be heard outside the banquet hall.

"Exactly, exactly! Especially that good-for-nothing son of mine! He has absolutely no interest in the family business! I’ve worried myself sick over him! I mean, who turns down inheriting a perfectly good company to run off and become a doctor? Could anyone be more pitiful than me?" Felix Gallagher said with a pained expression. He was of the "uncle" generation here, and among these patriarchs, he was clearly outranked, both in his demeanor and his presence.