, Chapter 0145 , “Of course” Cynthia said. , “Oh, Cynthia, you’re too generous!” Rena took the gift and set it aside to open later. , Cynthia then added, “It’s a solid gold bracelet. If you don’t like the style, you can exchange it at Aurora Gold Exchange.” , Jenny remarked, “Cynthia, you’re so generous. Starting with a gold bracelet…” , Cynthia raised an eyebrow. She was clearly pleased by Jenny’s flattery, yet she kept her tone modest.” Rena, you have seen much more valuable things. This is just a small token.” , “What about me and Mindy?” Jenny half–jokingly asked. “As a bank manager, you must be familiar with these social customs.” , Cynthia wasn’t having it. “Jenny, are you saying you want one too?” , Jenny maintained her smile. “Who wouldn’t want a gold bracelet? Mindy, do you want one?” , Jenny and Cynthia turned their attention to Mindy, but Mindy stayed silent. , “Mindy, say something!” , At that moment, Lionel spoke up. “She doesn’t like wearing jewelry. She hasn’t worn any of the pieces I’ve given her.” , Jenny frowned, thinking that Mindy must not appreciate fine jewelry. , “I like it!” Jenny said, pressing the point. “Cynthia, you’re not playing favorites, are you?” , Cynthia replied, “Alright, Jenny. Why don’t you host a dinner for everyone at your place sometime? I’m sure you’ll receive plenty of gifts.” , Jenny’s face darkened. Her home wasn’t large enough to accommodate such a big group. , “If you think your place is too small, you can always host the dinner at a restaurant,” Cynthia added, cutting off any excuses Jenny might have. , Jenny was taken aback. It would be very costly to host such a large group at a restaurant. The gold bracelet seemed insignificant compared to that expense, , , , “Oh, I was just joking, Cynthia. Don’t take it seriously,” Jenny said. , Cynthia pouted in response. , “It’s almost 2:00 pm. Are we going to eat or not?” Jenny tried to break the awkwardness, though it only made things worse. , Anna’s darkened. “Didn’t you eat breakfast this ? Are you really this hungry?” , Jenny was caught off guard. , Miranda noticed everyone’s expressions and glanced at the wall clock. At this Leonard still hadn’t appeared, which either meant he was genuinely busy or simply being difficult. , 25 BONU , Chapter 0145 , Just then, a voice came from upstairs. “Why isn’t the food served yet?” , Leonard came down the stairs, wearing a polo shirt and lightcolored casual pants. Despite having gained weight and developing a beer belly, his face still showed the handsome features of his youth. , Hearing this, Jenny pouted. It was clear that no one would dare eat without him. , Seeing Leonard had finished his work, Rena greeted him with a smile. “We planned to start eating earlier, but everyone wanted to wait for you. Since it’s Christmas, it’s more fun when everyone’s here…. , “Why wait for me?” Leonard frowned. “Are you really going to make everyone wait and go hungry? Mom and Dad are older–they shouldn’t have to wait like this.” , “1…” Rena was at a loss for words. , “Leonard, don’t blame Rena. It was our decision to wait. A family gathering isn’t complete without everyone,” Anna quickly defended Rena. , Cynthia nodded in agreement. “It’s not Rena’s fault. A little delay won’t hurt.” , Leonard’s expression softened. “Alright, let’s not delay any further. Let’s eat.” , At the dining table, Jenny glanced at Miranda and asked, “Miranda, didn’t your boyfriend come back to celebrate Christmas with you?” , , , , , Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.