Chapter 330 The Birthday Banquet
Nigel’s birthday celebration was low-key, with invitations going out to only a handful of renowned figures in the industry and a few close friends and family. Hence, these invites were highly sought after. Also, Nigel wasn’t fond of those who wielded their wealth and influence carelessly. Without Ryland’s intervention, William would have struggled to get an invite.
It was unclear how Orlando managed to get one, but when Renee spotted him at the event, she felt an intense revulsion. Orlando caught her stare and cheekily raised his champagne glass at her. His demeanor was totally different from the groveling attitude he had when begging for her forgiveness in the past.
“Renee, what’s with that look?” Ryland picked up on her scowl and asked with curiosity. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that ‘I could kill someone’ expression on you. The last time was with Shaun.”
Ryland followed Renee’s gaze and landed on Orlando. His brow furrowed.
“That guy? No wonder. He’s so aggravating. I’ve been wanting to punch him for some time.”
Hearing Shaun’s name made Renee look at Ryland worriedly, but his normal demeanor reassured her. As if suddenly remembering something, she scanned the room and wondered aloud, “Where’s Claude?”
Ryland’s expression softened with a tinge of sadness. “My godfather isn’t really fond of Claude. Since today is his birthday, I wanted to avoid anything that’ll upset him. I just want him to be happy.”
Renee gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “It’s alright. Missing one day with Claude won’t matter. You’ll have plenty of other days to spend
together. He’ll understand.”
“Yes, he’s quite understanding.” Ryland nodded with a smile.
Rence was so happy for Ryland. Claude was indeed a good man.
“Wait, Claude is not related to Orlando, is he?”
It suddenly struck Renee that they both bore the same last name. Was it merely a coincidence?
But as she voiced the question, Ryland’s face fell from its joyful look to one clouded with displeasure and resentment. “He’s Claude’s uncle, but he has always been oppressive towards Claude and his family, showing off his badge! Ever since he learned about my relationship with Claude, he’s been slandering him to my godfather! How can someone be so horrible?!”
“Then how did he manage to get an invite? Someone like Orlando really wouldn’t even be on Nigel’s guest list.”
Renee’s question made Ryland grow even angrier! He gritted his teeth and cursed, “This guy is cunning, I’m telling you! Last month, when Mrs. Olson went for grocery shopping, she was hit by a motorcyclist. And guess who was conveniently there to help her home? Orlando!”
Ryland’s anger intensified as he continued, “For all we know, he could have set up the whole motorcycle incident himself! Just one look at him and you can see he’s a sly old fox full of deceit!”
As Ryland vented his frustration, Nigel, the man of the hour, made his way into the banquet hall. His presence drew everyone’s attention. He had a warm demeanor and smiled cheerfully.
“Mr. Olson is here!” someone whispered excitedly in the crowd, and the room fell silent, all eyes turning to greet the birthday star.
Orlando moved forward through the crowd, his face beaming as he approached Nigel with an elegantly wrapped gift in hand.
“Mr. Olson, happy birthday! Please, accept this gift from me,” Orlando said
flatteringly as he presented the gift box.
gel looked at the gift box with a detached air and didn’t take it. He simply nodded courteously and said, “Thank you for your gift, Mr. Perez. However, I’ve decided not to accept any gift at this event. It’ll be just a get -together with friends. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, though.”
Orlando’s hand halted in mid-air as he heard this, and his confident smile began to fade.
Nearby, Renee and Ryland watched everything with amusement. Ryland couldn’t suppress a quiet chuckle. “Serves him right! His charm only seems to work on certain people!”
