Chapter 484: Ruined the Birthday Message (Part 8)

Chapter 484: Chapter 484: Ruined the Birthday Message (Part 8)

"Aiden Faulkner—" Zion Hale suddenly raised his voice, his words heavy with suppressed rage. "Shouldn’t you know better than anyone here why Mr. Hale’s calligraphy was ruined? If you hadn’t just bumped into the waiter, there’s no way he would have crashed into Seraphina! Do you think we’re all blind? I can’t believe the Faulkner Family produced someone as hypocritical as you!"

Zion Hale’s furious outburst made the situation even more confusing. Everyone had their own ideas about who was right and who was wrong.

"I never touched the waiter! Don’t you dare lie through your teeth! To protect Seraphina Sterling, you’ll really say anything, won’t you? You’re defending her so tirelessly, what’s your relationship with her?" Aiden Faulkner shot back angrily.

"She’s like a sister to me, of course I’m going to protect her! Hey, you, tell us. Did this person bump into you just now or not?" Zion Hale turned his attention to the waiter. It was obvious that the people here didn’t seem to believe him; they were all on Aiden Faulkner’s side.

"I... I was... I was trying to dodge Miss Faulkner. I didn’t know Miss Sterling would suddenly turn around! I’m sorry, it was my mistake, all my mistake!" The waiter bowed repeatedly, his head lowered in apology.

"Did you hear that? I didn’t bump into him! Even the waiter has set the record straight!" Aiden Faulkner shot him a glare, then turned her sights on Seraphina Sterling. "Don’t think that just because someone’s sticking up for you, everything’s fine. This is a masterpiece by Mr. Holden, his birthday gift to Mr. Hale. What are you going to do now? What could you possibly use to compensate Mr. Hale?"

"That’s right, Seraphina Sterling. We just asked you to go check on Faye Sterling, why did you have to get so angry? As her older sister, isn’t it only natural to take care of your younger sister? Even if you were upset, you can’t take it out on the calligraphy Mr. Hale just received! A piece by Mr. Holden is priceless, and it was his blessing to Mr. Hale, a token of his sincerity! How could you trample on someone’s hard work and heartfelt sentiment like that! What are we going to do now?"

Shannon Gable, who had been silent until now, chimed in. She and Aiden Faulkner were perfectly in sync. It was two against one, and many people were already leaning toward their side, believing that Seraphina Sterling was indeed the one at fault.

Seraphina Sterling sighed helplessly. ’How embarrassing! So embarrassing! To not even dodge a waiter and get framed so easily. If Terrence Grant found out, he’d laugh at me for three days and three nights! Has all my training gone to waste?’

"What’s done is done. Do you two have to be so aggressive right here? Mr. Holden hasn’t left yet, so we can just trouble him to write another one!" No matter what anyone else thought, Zion Hale stood firmly by Seraphina Sterling’s side.

"Are you that naive? Mr. Holden is a master. Getting him to write one piece is already a rare honor, and you’re asking him to write another? On what grounds? Just because you’re the second young master of the Hale family? Aren’t you just a little too naive?" Aiden Faulkner had finally found a chance to strike back. The sarcasm in her tone was too obvious to ignore.

Aiden Faulkner’s words finally angered Seraphina Sterling. Zion Hale was special to her, and she would absolutely not let anyone mock him like that in front of her. "Mr. Holden, you are a contemporary grandmaster of calligraphy, a veritable titan in your field. I have also studied calligraphy for half a year. Might I ask you, an esteemed elder, for some guidance?"

"Hey, Seraphina Sterling! Have you no shame? Do you think learning calligraphy is a game? There’s profound knowledge involved! You think half a year is a long time? Let me tell you, you’re just a beginner! What could you possibly have learned in half a year? I’ve been studying for seven years and I’m still not qualified for Mr. Holden’s guidance, yet you dare to make such a request? Aren’t you embarrassed?"

Aiden Faulkner continued to humiliate Seraphina Sterling, while not forgetting to elevate herself in the process. In order to secure her engagement to Justin Hale and win Mr. Hale’s favor, she had been secretly and diligently practicing calligraphy, though she rarely showed it off in public. But today, Seraphina Sterling had given her the perfect opportunity.

"What’s there to be embarrassed about? Mr. Holden is a master! Wouldn’t everyone who studies calligraphy want to receive guidance from a master? This has nothing to do with qualifications. The way you put it, people might think Mr. Holden is too aloof. I think it’s just a matter of courage. Having the courage to ask is what’s most important! Mr. Holden, what do you think?"

"Hahaha! The little lady has a point! As long as someone truly loves calligraphy, and provided I have the energy, I am more than happy to offer guidance! However, I am very strict. I will point out any and every flaw, so you’d better not end up in tears!" Mr. Holden’s hearty laugh livened up the previously tense atmosphere. It seemed that even though his work had been destroyed right in front of him, Mr. Holden wasn’t angry at all.

"I’m a college student, not a grade-schooler. Why would I cry? However, if you feel my calligraphy is passable and shows great potential for improvement, could I trouble you to write another birthday inscription for Mr. Hale, as a way to encourage me to continue practicing? How about it?" Seraphina Sterling smiled, revealing two deep dimples. Her bright eyes sparkled, making her seem like an innocent, naive child.

Everyone came to a sudden realization. So, this was all to compensate Mr. Hale! Getting guidance from Mr. Holden was already difficult enough; his standards were incredibly high! To make him feel that her work was ’not bad’ and ’had potential’ was no easy feat. But to then ask him to write a whole new piece for Mr. Hale on top of that? The bar would be set even higher! Seraphina Sterling was only eighteen. Could she really do it?

"It’s a nice idea, but don’t forget, you’ve only practiced calligraphy for half a year. Do you really think your work will be good enough for Mr. Holden’s eyes?" Aiden Faulkner shot a light glance at Seraphina Sterling. "Mr. Holden, may I be included as well? My request is the same as Seraphina Sterling’s. If you feel my calligraphy is decent enough, would you please write another birthday inscription for Mr. Hale?"

She couldn’t let Seraphina Sterling monopolize such a great opportunity! How could she let Seraphina snatch away such a prime chance to show off? After all, she had practiced for seven years, while Seraphina had only studied for half a year. It was obvious who would win and who would lose.

Was this turning into a competition between the two young ladies? The crowd perked up. Many of the older guests enjoyed practicing calligraphy or playing chess in their spare time. Although they weren’t masters themselves, their level of appreciation was certainly no worse than that of a professional calligrapher.