Chapter 471: Opening the Doors to Welcome Guests

Chapter 471: Chapter 471: Opening the Doors to Welcome Guests

Quentin greeted Mrs. Kendrick, whose expression was a mix of complicated emotions. She didn’t have a good impression of the Yeats family, but Estelle’s cousin was decent to her. Still, he was the only one who showed up.

Estelle looked at the massive cake. Just as she was about to cut it, she saw Quentin arriving and called out, "Quentin."

"Cutting the cake already?" Quentin sounded a bit helpless. "Are you really not going to wait for the guests?"

"Birthdays are meant to be spent with family," Estelle said nonchalantly.

He took the slice of cake she handed him. "Did you make a wish?"

She nodded. The cake was so big and looked so delicious that she couldn’t resist skipping the usual formalities. Tidal Pavilion had originally prepared a grand birthday celebration complete with a host. However, seeing that everyone present was family or close friends, Estelle decided to skip the fanfare. She simply made a wish and started cutting the cake.

"Actually, I’m quite surprised you came," she said with a smile.

Quentin paused for a moment before realizing what she meant. "You’re very smart, Estelle."

Quentin was a steady and rational man. He knew Old Mrs. Yeats was throwing a celebration banquet for Claire solely to overshadow Estelle. But no matter what, Estelle was the true Miss Yeats. Her mother was from the Yeats family, her grandfather was Old Mr. Yeats’s biological brother, and she was the Miss Yeats acknowledged by Old Mr. Yeats himself. Now that Old Mrs. Yeats was trying to let someone else steal the spotlight from Miss Yeats, Quentin would have definitely found a way to stop it—if he knew about it. Yet, he hadn’t done anything.

Taking a calm sip of his tea, Quentin explained, "The Yeats family is much more complicated than you think. For example, regarding your return to the family, it’s not just grandmother opposing it on the surface—there are many others working against you in the shadows.

"I’ve been trying to figure out how to put them in their place, and this is the perfect opportunity."

Estelle raised an eyebrow. She understood what he meant by "perfect opportunity." With Old Mrs. Yeats sticking her neck out, he was going to make an example out of her to serve as a warning to those hiding deeper within the Yeats family. But...

"Old Mrs. Yeats and I despise each other, but you’re her biological grandson," Estelle pointed out curiously.

Quentin gave a faint smile. "True, but I’m not one to strictly adhere to traditional filial piety."

This time, Estelle was genuinely surprised. After pondering for a moment, she said, "So when you said earlier that we should wait for the guests before cutting the cake, it’s because..."

"Yes, we have guests, and they’ll be here soon," Quentin said helplessly. "Besides..." He suddenly looked at Nathaniel. "I doubt Mr. Sloan would just sit back and let Claire walk all over you, either."

Nathaniel’s eyes crinkled with a smile as he gave a slight nod.

Intrigued, Estelle drew out an "Oh..." So, these two had known about Old Mrs. Yeats’s plans all along. They had no intention of letting her get away with it and had already orchestrated everything in secret. So now...

Tilting her head, she asked, "Shall we open the doors and welcome our guests?"

"The wish has been made, the candles blown out, and the cake eaten," Nathaniel replied with a smile. "It’s time to welcome the guests."

Meanwhile.

Claire watched as guests streamed endlessly into her banquet, while Estelle’s side remained completely deserted. Some people even went in just to drop off a gift and quickly hurried back out. They came over to apologize to Claire, explaining that since it was Estelle’s birthday, they didn’t want to offend her completely. Reading between the lines, it was clear that everyone prioritized Claire. They only gave Estelle gifts out of respect for the Yeats family and Mr. Sloan. This left Claire feeling incredibly satisfied.

"Hmph! Look at this, Claire. Even these outsiders have more sense than your cousin!" The thought of it infuriated Old Mrs. Yeats. When Quentin had previously advised her against hosting this banquet, she refused to listen. He had simply given her a look and walked away. She had told him to attend Claire’s banquet to show his support. Not only did he fail to show up, but he actually went to the other side! As the Young Master of the Yeats family, Quentin personally going over to support Estelle was utterly disgraceful. Did he not understand who his real sister was?!

Fortunately, even with Quentin over there, it only resulted in a few more people dropping off gifts. Those who actually stayed for Estelle’s party could be counted on one hand.

The inner workings of the Capital City’s Yeats family weren’t exactly common knowledge in Crestfall. Most people assumed that since Quentin was just the Young Master, he didn’t control many of the Yeats Group’s assets. Above him were the Family Head and his wife, and the one backing Claire right now was Old Mrs. Yeats—Quentin’s own grandmother. No matter how much Quentin pitied Estelle, he surely wouldn’t disrespect his grandmother. Therefore, everyone flocked to Old Mrs. Yeats’s side. This way, they could curry favor with her without directly offending Quentin. If anyone asked, they could just say they were personally invited by Old Mrs. Yeats and had no choice. Surely, Young Mr. Yeats would understand!

Claire gritted her teeth slightly, but quickly masked it with a bashful smile. "Quentin feels sorry for Estelle because she wandered outside for so long. I understand where he’s coming from. You don’t need to be angry, Grandmother. Besides, there’s hardly anyone on Estelle’s side anyway. Her party will probably end very soon. Once they’re done, you can just send someone to invite Quentin over here."

Old Mrs. Yeats looked at her fondly. "You’re always so considerate of others, child. But doesn’t this just make you suffer in silence?"

Claire gave a shy smile. "It’s fine. We’re all family. I don’t mind these little things."

"Hmph! You might not mind, but some people insist on making a fuss!" The more Old Mrs. Yeats spoke, the angrier she got. "After today, everyone will know that Estelle’s birthday banquet was a total flop. Let her be thoroughly humiliated!"

Claire hid the smug smile in her eyes. Yes, after today, Estelle would be completely disgraced. Meanwhile, not only was she hosting a grand celebration banquet that completely overshadowed Estelle’s, but also... she wouldn’t bear the blame for it. Old Mrs. Yeats was the one who insisted on throwing this banquet. Old Mrs. Yeats was the one who forcefully snatched Seaview Tower. She was just an innocent bystander.

Just then, an assistant rushed over, his face flushed with excitement. "Old Mrs. Yeats, a VIP has arrived! It’s the president of the National Calligraphy and Painting Association! He said he wrote a piece of calligraphy to present to Miss Yeats!"

Claire’s eyes lit up.

Old Mrs. Yeats was instantly thrilled. "Hurry, invite him in!"

Sometimes, a so-called celebration banquet couldn’t just be confined to the wealthy elite. It also needed a certain level of public recognition.

As the president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association walked in, he showered Claire with praise. "Miss Yeats, winning the design championship at such a young age shows you have boundless potential! I came in a hurry and didn’t prepare a lavish gift, so please accept this piece of calligraphy."

Although it was just a simple four-character idiom wishing her success, it was penned by Old Mr. Rhodes himself. Old Mr. Rhodes lived a very reclusive life nowadays, leaving all his affairs to his disciples. If he didn’t want to write something, no amount of money in the world could buy his calligraphy. Yet now, Old Mr. Rhodes had actually taken the initiative to gift a piece to Claire! What an incredible honor this was!

Claire was equally ecstatic. Not only was her banquet packed with guests, but the arrival of such a master artist instantly elevated her status to a whole new level!

"Thank you, Old Mr. Rhodes," Claire said with a perfectly poised smile. "Please, come inside."

"Oh, no need," Old Mr. Rhodes replied with a laugh.