CHAPTER 289: CHAPTER 285: TWO BIRTHDAY GIFTS (PART 1)

On the day of Asher Land’s birthday, Sophie Smith felt a bit chilly.

His original plan for the birthday was for his family to fly over from Europe to celebrate with him, for a joyful family gathering. However, because of her, things got messed up, and he even took a dozen lashes for it.

Since his wounds hadn’t fully healed yet, he didn’t plan to celebrate his birthday with any fanfare. He didn’t have the energy for socializing, leaving those who had been eagerly expecting to receive his birthday invitation greatly disappointed.

Sophie felt a bit apologetic. She specifically asked Nanny Garcia about Asher Land’s taste and went to the bakery to buy a cake.

The Land Family’s servants were also exceptionally happy today, for this was the first time their young master celebrated his birthday at home.

Sophie ordered the kitchen to prepare plenty of dishes and then set up five tables.

"Nanny Garcia, today bring all the household servants together for a meal, okay?"

"Ah? Miss Smith, this, this isn’t appropriate." Nanny Garcia had always taught these servants to follow etiquette, and sitting to eat with the young master would certainly be disrespectful.

"It’s fine, no need to be so rigid. Since we’re all staying in the Land Family, we’re family, aren’t we?"

The few servants passing by showed a glimmer of joy and gratitude in their eyes as they heard Sophie say this.

With Sophie’s insistence, Nanny Garcia had no choice but to comply.

Sophie glanced at the time; it was already seven in the evening, and everything was ready. It was time for her to go upstairs to call Asher Land down for a meal.

She gently walked upstairs, then opened the door to the master bedroom.

Asher Land turned slightly, seeing her come in, a faint smile curved on his lips.

"Come down and eat. Everyone is waiting for you."

"Everyone?"

"Yes."

Asher Land felt somewhat puzzled; he hadn’t sent any birthday invites to anyone, so who could be here?

He walked downstairs, only to find five tables set with dishes in the dining room, and the servants stood up one by one, saying together "Happy Birthday, young master."

It turned out, she had arranged a birthday banquet for him on her own.

His smile widened even more. This birthday gave him a sense of belonging, more so than any other, a sense of home.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and sat down at the main table.

"Everyone, have a seat and enjoy your meal."

After Asher Land finished speaking, he looked affectionately at Sophie by his side.

"Miss Smith indeed carries herself like the mistress of the Land Family."

"Yes, young master, you and Miss Smith truly are a perfect match."

"..."

Some bold servants began to speak openly in front of Asher Land, for they naturally knew what status Sophie held in Asher’s heart after she had lived in the Land Family for so long.

"Who told you to speak out of turn at the dining table?" said Nanny Garcia, trying to stop them.

The servants who had just spoken quickly lowered their heads and stuck out their tongues.

"It’s alright, Nanny Garcia. Don’t be so restrained. I’m not arrogant enough to limit your freedom of speech, am I?"

Everyone looked at each other, feeling as if their young master suddenly descended from a pedestal, becoming more approachable.

The servants began chatting again.

"Miss Smith, you look really beautiful today. Did you dress up specially for the young master?" a gossip-loving maid said with a smile.

"No, I’m just dressed as usual," Sophie seemed to be caught off guard. She suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. In truth, she had dressed up today, for his birthday.