Chapter 7 Seventieth Birthday Party

• Arriving at the Goldleaf Hotel in Goldspire, Michael noticed it was already 7.30 PM!
• The Goldleaf Hotel, grand and majestic like a palace, stood out as one of the finest establishments in Goldspire!
• It seemed the younger generation of the Lewises had put considerable effort into selecting the Goldleaf Hotel for Tina's birthday celebration.
• Waiting anxiously at the hotel entrance was a familiar figure—Sophia.
• As Michael approached, he overheard Sophia speaking on the phone with a smile, saying something like, "Sweetheart, finish your dinner and go to bed quickly ... "
• Spotting Michael, Sophia's expression turned stern. "Michael, what's the matter with you? I told you to arrive early for Grandma's banquet today. Not only are you not early, you're extremely late!"
• Michael smirked coldly. "Is Grandma's birthday banquet more important than my sister's surgery?"
• Sophia's face darkened at Michael's demeanor.
• "What? Why are you smirking? Do you think I don't I consider your sister's surgery important? If I hadn't sent you money today, how would you afford her treatment? Without the funds, she might not make it. And here you are, smirking about it?"
• Michael responded calmly, "Yes, I appreciate you sending the money."
• He felt a pang in his heart.
• Oh, Sophia, earlier you were with another man. Do you really take this banquet seriously?
• And now you dare to blame me for not taking it seriously?
• Michael pointed to her phone. "Who were you calling 'sweetheart' and telling to go to bed?"
• "You heard that?" Panic flickered in Sophia's eyes.
• Michael sneered, "Yes, I heard you calling someone 'sweetheart'—how affectionate."
• "You've misheard!
• "Michael, listen to me. Whatever grievances you have today, keep them to yourself!
• "Our relatives will be here soon, and they might say things. No matter what they say, endure it and don't embarrass me! Don't ruin this for me!"
• With that, Sophia turned and entered the restaurant.
• Michael shook his head, feeling profoundly disheartened.
• Sophia, you're so afraid of breaking your promise to your father that you won't mention divorce. You're waiting for me to bring it up!
• Don't worry. I won't bring up divorce!
• Michael resolved to follow Sophia inside.
• The Lewises had reserved a medium-sized private room at the Goldleaf Hotel.
• Currently, most of the Lewises' relatives had already gathered there.
• Several tables were occupied with numerous guests.
• "Ah, Sophia, you've finally arrived!"
• "It's Grandma's birthday today, and you're late!"
• "You don't seem to care at all!"
• "Nonsense, maybe Sophia was preparing a surprise for Grandma!"
• Seeing Sophia's entrance, the younger Lewises warmly welcomed her.
• Meanwhile, Michael trailed behind Sophia like a ghost.
• People barely noticed him, and no one paid him any heed.
• Michael sighed wryly; he had grown accustomed to such situations.
• It was better if these people ignored him. If they noticed him, it usually meant they were mocking him.
• But there were always those who delighted in targeting him.
• Sophia's cousin, Terry Lewis, was one of them.
• Every time Terry saw Michael, he found ways to ridicule him. He disdained Michael, the live-in son-in-law, and relished inventing stories to belittle him.
• After the initial greetings, Terry's gaze finally landed on Michael.
• "Well, well, Michael, you've actually brought something. Is that a birthday gift for Grandma?"
• Terry scrutinized what Michael held with disdain.
• It was a wooden box, with a red satin ribbon wrapped around it—it looked rather humble. Who knows what cheap item might be inside. Perhaps Michael wrapped it this way out of embarrassment.