“On this special day, I wish Miss Pittman great success in her career, a happy family, and peace and joy!”
Ryan and his friends each presented Charlotte with birthday gifts, including exquisite jade jewelry, famous paintings, antiques, and limited-edition luxury items, all incredibly expensive.
The attendees were astonished by the generosity of these influential figures. Each gift was worth tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Charlotte was overwhelmed by the attention. Her family couldn’t believe that Quentin was friends with such powerful and wealthy individuals. They were attending Charlotte’s party and showing such respect to her family. It felt like a dream.
“Charlotte thanks all of you for coming. I am truly honored,” Charlotte said, still in a daze.
“If there is anything we missed, please forgive us. Charlotte toasts to you all!”
Charlotte was a bit flustered and looked at Quentin in disbelief. Quentin responded with a smile.
“Miss Pittman, you are too kind,” the guests replied.
Seeing these influential people treat Quentin’s family with such respect, Russell and his group felt their faces burn with shame. They wished they could find a hole to hide in. They would never dare to offend Quentin’s family again. Offending them would mean offending these powerful figures, who could easily destroy them.
Remembering how they had just made things difficult for Charlotte, they feared her holding a grudge. Georgia and Brian were especially nervous, sweating profusely.
After Quentin spoke, William personally brought in a huge birthday cake on a cart.
The cake was cream-colored with eight layers, each adorned with countless cream flowers and various floral designs. Charlotte’s name was written on top.
The cake contained various dried fruits in intricate layers, decorated with flowers and leaves. The bottom layer had twenty-three candles, making it look very delicate and beautiful.
“This cake was specially ordered for Miss Pittman by Mr. Holland at a cost of twenty thousand dollars.”
“It symbolizes everlasting love, bidding farewell to the past and welcoming the future!”
William introduced the cake solemnly.
The guests were amazed by the cake’s intricacy. Some envied Charlotte’s happiness, while others were jealous.
Charlotte beamed with joy, looking like a happy little princess celebrating her birthday for the first time.
“Thank you, Quentin, for doing so much for me,” Charlotte said, tears in her eyes as she hugged Quentin.
“Silly girl, as long as you’re happy, it’s all worth it,” Quentin replied, kissing her forehead gently.
The guests cheered and applauded for this sweet moment.
The Pittman and Parry families felt bitter. Georgia stormed out of the restaurant, followed by Brian. She couldn’t stand always losing to Charlotte and was on the verge of tears, her eyes red with anger.
“Come on, Charlotte, make a wish!” Quentin said with a smile, signaling William to turn off the lights.
The lights went out, leaving the room in darkness except for the candlelight illuminating Charlotte’s face like a goddess descended to earth.
Quentin watched her intently, his face filled with affection.
Charlotte nodded, closed her eyes, clasped her hands together in front of her mouth, and silently made her wish. She felt both excited and moved.
For five years, she had endured countless hardships and grievances without anyone to rely on or protect her. Now that Quentin was back, giving her warmth and care, she felt incredibly happy. The five years of waiting were worth it.
“I hope my love with Quentin lasts forever, that Janessa and Theo are safe and happy, and that my parents and brother are healthy. A simple and happy family life is all I wish for.”
She finished her wish, opened her eyes with a smile, and began blowing out the candles.
Charlotte circled the cake and blew out all twenty-three candles.
The lights came back on, restoring the restaurant’s original splendor.
“Happy birthday, Miss Pittman!” The crowd cheered enthusiastically, except for the Pittman and Parry families.
“Now let’s have Miss Pittman cut the birthday cake.”
William handed Charlotte a long cake knife.
Charlotte took the knife and evenly sliced the cake from top to bottom.
The staff began distributing the cake to everyone, starting with the front-row guests.
The cake itself wasn’t valuable but represented Quentin’s heartfelt gesture. With so many important people present, no one was there just for the cake.
The cake didn’t matter; what mattered was the grand occasion!
Quentin personally fed Charlotte some cake. She playfully smeared cream on his face, and he did the same to her.
They laughed and played like two lovebirds showing their affection in public. It was truly enviable.
Zaid and Chad’s table chuckled helplessly. Only Charlotte dared to smear cream on Quentin’s face; if they did it to the Governor of the Eastern Region, Quentin would probably kill them.
Janessa and Theo kept asking for more cake, making everyone laugh heartily.
Of course, the Pittman and Parry families were not happy at all. The cake in front of them didn’t stir their appetite.
The cake was quickly distributed and mostly eaten. The staff began cleaning up and setting elegant tableware for each guest.
“Now we will serve food and drinks. Please enjoy your meal and drink to your heart’s content!”
William announced as the staff brought out exquisite dishes and fine wines on carts. The treatment was top-notch; each table’s cost would easily run into six figures!
William continued loudly, “It is my great honor to host Mr. Holland’s banquet here today. I have decided that all expenses tonight will be free! Please enjoy yourselves without any reservations!”
“Mr. Holland, please allow me to extend my hospitality!” he said earnestly.