CHAPTER 64: CHAPTER 64: MR. FITZGERALD’S GIFT

Sabrina Hayes heard the sound and looked over, seeing two familiar figures at the entrance of the ballroom.

One of them was Elder Yates.

Today, he was dressed in a suit and tie, no longer in a wheelchair, but leaning on a cane.

Though his steps were slow, his posture remained upright and dignified!

At his side was Poppy Yates, wearing a dark blue starry evening gown, her shoulder-length hair curled elegantly, blending grace with a touch of professionalism.

When they appeared, the guests naturally gasped in astonishment.

"It’s Miss Yates. She actually came? Is that Elder Yates beside her? Trust the Hawthorne Family to invite such a prominent figure!"

"It’s Elder Yates! But... he’s probably not here just for the Hawthorne Family! Last time at the banquet, he came in a wheelchair specifically to support Young Mrs. Hawthorne."

"Is that true? Young Mrs. Hawthorne knows the Yates family?"

"More than just knows them; Elder Yates admires her greatly. The project under the Yates Family’s management was eventually handed over to Young Mrs. Hawthorne..."

Amidst the discussions, people couldn’t help but be amazed by this scene.

Some guests even found it hard to believe.

It’s normal for a top-notch family like the Hawthorne Family to have dealings with the Yates Family.

But Young Mrs. Hawthorne, rumored to not have much capability, how could she forge a relationship with a family as influential as the Yates, which spans military, political, and commercial circles?

Yet, reality proved otherwise.

Once Elder Yates and Poppy Yates entered, they headed straight towards Sabrina Hayes.

Then Elder Yates’ face transformed from its usual seriousness to a benevolent smile, "Nina, we meet again!"

Poppy Yates also smiled and greeted, "Dr. Nash, I heard it’s your daughter’s birthday today. We came uninvited; you don’t mind, right?"

Sabrina was genuinely surprised to see the two of them.

She immediately greeted them with a smile, saying, "Of course I don’t mind. Elder Yates and Miss Yates being here is an honor for my daughter!"

Saying this, she spoke to Zara in her arms, "Sweetheart, say hello; this is Grandpa Yates, and this is Auntie Yates."

Zara had just finished receiving Josee Sheffield’s gift and was still excited.

Seeing strangers now, she wasn’t scared and immediately called out in a soft, milky voice, "Hello, Grandpa, hello, Auntie Yates..."

"Oh my, this little girl is so adorable, no wonder she’s Nina’s child. Quickly, Poppy, bring out the gift I prepared for the little one."

Elder Yates had a natural affection for children; after being addressed, he was overjoyed.

Poppy Yates also liked her very much, nodded quickly, and called over two bodyguards at the entrance.

The bodyguards each carried an antique-looking box as they entered.

Poppy Yates first opened one of them and said to Sabrina Hayes, "This Luminous Pearl is from Grandpa, signifying your daughter as the most precious ’pearl in your palm’!"

"This Peace Jade Pendant is from me, wishing your daughter peace, health, and smooth progression."

Sabrina Hayes was taken aback when she saw the gifts.

These gifts were indeed too valuable!

The Luminous Pearl, with its lustrous glow and dazzling brilliance, was evidently no ordinary item.

The Peace Jade Pendant was also made of jade, smooth and vibrant in color, incredibly valuable.

"Elder Yates, Miss Yates, this is too generous; how can I accept it?"

Sabrina’s first instinct was to decline.

But Elder Yates remained unfazed, "Why can’t you? Compared to what you’ve done for me, this is nothing. Or do you regard us as outsiders?"

"Well... not at all."

Though Sabrina had only met Elder Yates a few times, he not only introduced her to the military and helped her meet Mr. Fitzgerald, paving the way for Zara’s successful interaction, but also stood up for her on several occasions...

This gratitude was etched in her heart long ago.

"If not, then accept it as a token of our affection from Grandpa and me, and also for little Zara."

Poppy Yates closed the box with a smile, then pinched the little one’s cheek, "She’s so cute, one look and you can’t help but like her!"

Sabrina, unable to refuse, hesitated for a moment and finally nodded, "Then I thank you on Zara’s behalf, Elder Yates and Miss Yates. If there’s anything I can do for you in the future, just let me know."

The three of them engaged in lively conversation while the guests on-site were stunned.

Young Mrs. Hawthorne... actually has a good relationship with the Yates Family and received such expensive gifts from them.

Whether the Luminous Pearl or the Peace Jade Pendant... these are incredibly extravagant!!!

The Hawthorne clan was equally shocked.

"When did Sabrina Hayes gain such strong support?"

That’s the Yates Family!!!

Although the Yates Family’s wealth might not surpass the Hawthorne Family, they’re of noble house status, not something just anyone can associate with willy-nilly.

Jonathan Hawthorne and Florence Scott’s expressions were a mix of surprise and disbelief.

They had heard that Sabrina Hayes had a good relationship with the Yates Family, but without witnessing it firsthand, they hadn’t paid it much mind.

But tonight... seeing it with their own eyes was a real shock.

Jonathan Hawthorne, being the head of the Hawthorne Family, hesitated for a few seconds and then stepped forward to greet them, "Elder Yates, I didn’t expect you to grace our Hawthorne Family event tonight. Since you’re here, you must let us host you properly."

Florence Scott concurred, "Indeed, Elder Yates gracing us with your presence elevates this ballroom. Please join us for a few drinks later."

Elder Yates had been happily playing with Zara but was suddenly interrupted, and his smile vanished instantly.

His authoritative eyes rested on the couple, exuding an indescribable coldness, "No need, we have things to do later and will be leaving shortly. We came specifically to deliver gifts to little Zara, and now that it’s done, we won’t stay any longer."

This refusal was so direct, it gave the Hawthorne couple no face at all.

Poppy Yates couldn’t even bother to give them a glance.

The Hawthorne couple’s embarrassment was palpable.

Sabrina Hayes didn’t intend to smooth things over. She just stepped forward and said, "Elder Yates, Miss Yates, this isn’t my event tonight. Let’s have a proper dinner together next time."

"That would be wonderful!"

Elder Yates beamed, demonstrating to everyone what it means to change face and be two-faced.

After a few more polite exchanges, the grandfather and granddaughter were the first to take their leave.

Zara was quite happy to receive the gift, clutching the box tightly and refusing to let go.

Seeing this, Sabrina Hayes smiled. She was about to leave too, when someone arrived at the door.

"It’s Brain Master~"

Zara, sharp-eyed, was the first to spot the newcomer.

Sabrina looked up and realized it was indeed Dylan Quinlan.

The man was wearing a white shirt and black trousers, nothing particularly formal, yet his elegant and noble demeanor fit perfectly into the setting.

Entering, Dylan Quinlan was holding a fairly large gift box.

With a smile, he approached and said, "Little Zara, happy birthday! Your teacher has brought you another gift!"

Zara’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at the gift box with curiosity.

Sabrina Hayes was a bit surprised. "Mr. Quinlan, didn’t you already give Zara a gift at school today? Why another one? Isn’t this too extravagant!"

Dylan Quinlan chuckled as he placed the gift on the ground, saying, "This time, it’s not from me. Someone asked me to deliver it."

Sabrina Hayes was momentarily stunned, then she figured it out.

The only one who could ask Mr. Quinlan to do this was... Mr. Fitzgerald!

"He..."

Sabrina Hayes wanted to ask something.

But Dylan Quinlan put his index finger to his lips, gesturing for her not to ask.

He then said, "Zara will definitely love this gift."

Sabrina couldn’t help but be curious.

Since Mr. Fitzgerald sent it, it must be extraordinary.

The previous paintings and harmonica had brought significant changes to Zara.

What could it be this time?

Zara was also full of anticipation.

Seeing the identical expressions on the mother and daughter, Dylan Quinlan smiled, squatted down, and began unwrapping the gift box.

Soon, the contents were revealed—a small iron cage.

Inside stood a fluffy little creature that looked... quite familiar!

"Ah! It’s Flash~"

Zara recognized it instantly, and her excitement was palpable. She couldn’t care less about the gift in her hands, quickly handing it to Tessa Hughes, and struggled to get down from Sabrina’s arms.

Sabrina quickly set the little one down.

The little girl ran over in a few steps and opened the cage.

Originally, Flash was quite fierce in the unfamiliar environment, resembling a little wolf cub.

But upon seeing Zara, it immediately softened, wagging its tail and waddling over to her.

Zara extended her small hands and hugged Flash tightly.

Flash licked her enthusiastically, clearly just as delighted.

Sabrina was astounded!

This is... a military dog!

Adopting one is extremely challenging, with stringent requirements.

One must have enough experience, ample financial resources, bank statements, a suitable environment, and even undergo a political background check.

The average person isn’t eligible at all.

Not to mention, Flash was clearly being trained for future service!

Yet, Mr. Fitzgerald gifted the little military dog to Zara!

Florence Scott sneered at the scene, "It’s just a dog, what’s the big deal? Sabrina, look at you, raising Zara to be so unsophisticated!"

Sabrina’s eyes darkened, just as she was about to speak.

Dylan Quinlan stepped in ahead, "This is the most precious breed of military dog, not typically available for adoption. It’s only because of Zara and Miss Nash’s relationship that an exception was made... At least, you don’t qualify!"

Florence Scott was shocked.

What?

It’s actually the most precious breed of military dog???

The others were also stunned.

A military dog, as a gift?

Who could it be, with such generosity?

Some bigwig from the military?

Who exactly is this Young Mrs. Hawthorne???