Today was Marilyn’s birthday.
Since she began taking over the Ellison family, more and more people recognized the weight of her presence. Some even created a special feature about her titled: “From Researcher to Heiress of the Ellison Family: What Marilyn Has Experienced.”
The feature praised her to the detail, as people loved stories about capable socialites. Moreover, the Ellison family was unique in that they chose to pass the reins to their daughter instead of the eldest son, which added an element of intrigue.
This was Marilyn’s first public appearance since returning to the country.
Ahmad took it very seriously and planned a grand event.
From the afternoon, guests arrived in an endless stream, and the gifts from high-ranking officials and dignitaries could fill an entire room.
In such settings, few people genuinely celebrated Marilyn’s birthday; most were there for their own interests, including Marilyn herself.
“What time is it? Why isn’t Nelson here yet?” Marilyn lifted her skirt and walked to the window, glancing outside but not seeing Nelson’s car.
A servant cautiously looked up. “Miss, Mr. Oconnor has already sent a gift.”
The second part of the sentence remained unspoken: He probably won’t come.
Marilyn frowned. “What gift?”
The packaging was exquisite-a valuable necklace, a standard gift with nothing special about it.
Marilyn was furious after seeing it and threw it to the ground. “Do I lack necklaces?”
The servant didn’t dare make a sound. Suddenly, her eyes lit up as she saw a savior approaching. “Madam.”
Marilyn looked up to see Sienna walking over with a cup of water, remaining silent.
Sienna wore a chic jacket and a skirt, looking very elegant. She glanced at the item on the floor and bent down to pick it up. “Don’t like it? Let me open another one for you.”
She casually opened another gift nearby. “A Picasso painting, quite suitable for you. Let me see who sent it-Jaquan. Well, Jaquan treats you well.”
This painting had fetched a high price at Sotheby’s auction house. Jaquan was generous to give it away.
Marilyn glanced at it briefly. “I don’t like it. Even if Nelson gave me a leaf, as long as he handed it to me personally, I would like it. But even if Jaquan gave me a city, I wouldn’t like it.”
Her obsession was too deep. Sienna shook her head and put down the painting. “In this world, having someone treat you as well as Jaquan does is quite good, Marilyn. Nelson is married now.”
Hearing this, Marilyn felt extremely aggrieved. “Mother, are you like Father, wanting to hand me over to Jaquan?”
Sienna patted her shoulder. “I want you to be happy, just as I never wanted you to bear the burden of the Ellison family.”
Marilyn pursed her lips, somewhat resistant. “I can do it.”
Seeing this, Sienna said no more. She didn’t like crowded occasions but had to return today because it was a big day for Marilyn.
“Since I came back, I haven’t seen your brother and sister-in-law. Where are they?”
Marilyn’s expression turned strange at these words. “How would I know? I went downstairs; they should be here.”
“Ah…” Sienna watched Marilyn’s departing figure when Ahmad’s voice came. “Let her go.”
She turned back. “Speaking of Isaac and Regan, are they not home?”
Ahmad’s expression became very guarded as he took her hand. “Young people have their own matters; they’ll be back later. Let’s go down first; Marilyn is waiting.”