Vivian smiled warmly. “Sister, let me introduce you to my daughter, Victoria.”
Venice’s eyes widened in shock. “Y-your daughter?! V is your daughter?!”
“Yes, Aunt, and I’m your niece,” Victoria chimed in with a grin.
“Is this real?!” Venice asked, still in disbelief. “Your daughter is V?! That means my niece is the famous international prodigy jewelry designer?!”
Just then, Lucas and Xavier arrived, carrying their gifts. Venice’s eyes grew even wider, and the guests couldn’t help but stand in awe as they recognized the two men.
“Isn’t that Mr. Xavier, the wealthiest man in Italy?” one guest whispered to another.
“And Mr. Lucas, the renowned entrepreneur and the infamous tyrant boss?” another guest added, the room buzzing with excitement and curiosity.
Vivian introduced them. “Sister, this is my husband, Xavier.”
Xavier stepped forward with a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, sis-in-law, Venice,” he said, handing Vivian the gift she had prepared.
Venice was nearly overwhelmed by the surprise. “Wait, are you really the husband of my sister?” she asked Xavier repeatedly, still trying to wrap her head around it. “The wealthiest man in Italy is my brother-in-law?!”
Xavier nodded with a smile. “Yes, I am.”
“And this is Lucas, Victoria’s husband,” Vivian added.
Lucas nodded and greeted Venice. “Great to meet you, Aunt Venice,” he said, handing Victoria the gift she had prepared with a smile.
Venice turned to Victoria, still in disbelief. “And Lucas, the tyrant boss, is really your husband? The chairman of the rapidly growing Luca Group?”
Victoria nodded, confirming with a smile, “Yes, Aunt Venice,” as she held onto Lucas’s arm.
Venice was utterly astonished. “On my birthday, I received such an incredible surprise: first, the return of my long-lost sister Vivian. Second, I never imagined that these three remarkable people – Victoria, also known as ‘V’, the international prodigy jewelry designer, is my niece; Xavier, the richest man in Italy, is my brother-in-law, the husband of my long-lost sister; and the tyrant boss himself, Lucas, the chairman of the Luca Group – would become part of my family,” she said, still trying to process the news.
Xavier chuckled, “Don’t get too excited just yet, because the real show hasn’t even started.” Then he clapped his hands, signaling the start of something special. Seven house staff members emerged, each carrying a different gift.
The first carried a deed to a luxurious villa located on the Amalfi Coast, Italy, known for its breathtaking views and elegant architecture. Estimated value: $5 million.
The second presented a set of keys to a brand-new Ferrari Roma, a sleek and high-performance sports car. Estimated price: $220, 000.
The third held a box of Cartier jewelry, featuring a diamond necklace, sapphire earrings, and a platinum bracelet. Estimated total value: $500, 000.
The fourth brought a rare Ming Dynasty porcelain vase, renowned for its intricate blue and white designs. Estimated value: $1. 2 million.
The fifth carried a curated selection of vintage wines from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, one of the most prestigious vineyards in France. Estimated value: $50, 000.
The sixth presented a Steinway & Sons Model D concert grand piano, known for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship. Estimated price: $150, 000.
The seventh, and most intriguing, carried an antique compass, its brass surface worn with age. Xavier stepped forward to explain, “This compass dates back to the 18th century, used by explorers during the Age of Discovery. It guided many on their journeys across uncharted seas and is a symbol of adventure and courage.” Its historical significance and rarity make it invaluable, with an estimated auction value of $300, 000.
A gasp echoed through the room, and someone exclaimed, “Is this real?”
An antique expert in the crowd stood up, adjusting his glasses. “Indeed, it is authentic. The craftsmanship and patina are consistent with artifacts from that era.”
Another guest, known for his skepticism, spoke up, “There’s no need to doubt. Who is Mr. Xavier, after all, to give a fake gift?”
The room nodded in agreement, murmuring their assent. “Of course, it’s genuine,” one said. “Mr. Rozzo’s reputation precedes him,” another added.
Venice was stunned in disbelief, “Are all of these for me?” she asked, looking at Xavier in shock.
Xavier nodded with a playful smile, “Is it not enough?” he teased.
Venice shook her head, her hands waving in a gesture of overwhelmed gratitude, “No, no. This is too much, your gifts are overwhelming, I don’t know if I can accept them,” she said, her voice a mix of awe and hesitation.
Xavier chuckled softly, “Of course, you’ll accept them. Otherwise, we’ll just have to throw them away,” he joked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Venice quickly waved her hands again, “I’ll accept them, I’ll accept them,” she assured him, her voice filled with a mix of laughter and sincerity.
Xavier nodded in satisfaction, clearly pleased with her response.
“This is what I prepared for you,” Vivian chimed in, stepping forward with a beautifully wrapped package. She handed over the dress she had carefully chosen, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.
“Sister, you didn’t have to, just coming back is enough,” Venice said, her voice soft with emotion as she accepted Vivian’s gift. She carefully unwrapped it, revealing an exquisite dress that seemed to shimmer with elegance. Her eyes lit up with delight. “Vivian, I love this dress you gave me, thank you,” she said, her smile wide and genuine.
Victoria and Lucas approached next, each holding a gift. “We wanted to give you something special too,” Victoria said, her voice filled with excitement as she handed her personal gift.
Lucas nodded in agreement, saying, “This is for you,” as he handed Venice his personal gift. “And these are for the other family members,” he added, offering a collection of assorted gifts, including luxurious chocolates, designer bags, and other thoughtful items.
Venice accepted them with gratitude, her heart full as she handed them to a maid to set aside.
Victoria then noticed something peculiar and furrowed her brow. “Aunt Venice, why don’t I see any other relatives here? Do you have children or a husband?” she asked curiously, glancing around the room. The table reserved for relatives was empty, and the family table was also vacant, prompting her question.
Venice smiled warmly, glancing at her elegant Cartier watch before responding, “They should be here any moment now.” Just as she finished speaking, someone suddenly shouted, “OMG! Is this real?! V is really here?!”
They turned where the voice came from and saw a young woman almost the same age as Victoria, hurrying towards them. Venice smiled as she caught sight of the woman.