The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1485

As Mr. Gardner and his granddaughter were warmly greeted by the butler and eight servants, they responded with polite smiles

and nods.

After all, these were Eugene's staff, and no detail could be overlooked.

Having exchanged pleasantries with the servants, they looked up to see the well-dressed Eugene standing before them,

uncharacteristically playing the host.

Mr. Gardner approached with a hearty chuckle, "Eugene, after all these years, you've finally decided to throw a birthday bash. As

an old friend, I'm thrilled to finally wish you a happy birthday in person. Today is truly a special day, and later, we must toast

properly to it!"

"In place of liquor, let's stick to water, since a young girl frowns upondrinking," Eugene replied, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Mr. Gardner assumed Eugene was referring to a relative and said with a laugh, "Blessed you are, to have youngsters keeping you in

check. I've got my own whip-smart whipper-snapper at home, this one right here. Allowto introduce my granddaughter, Phyllis

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Gardner. Con, say hello to Mr. Albright."

"Mr. Albright, on this special day, wish you a healthy long life," Phyllis said, presenting her gift with both hands.

"Oh, you brought a gift?" Eugene extended his hands to receive it, "Thank you, thank you."

"Phyllis has been passionate about chess since she was little, with over a decade of practice. For all these years, she's admired you

the most. I've told her about our friendship, but she wouldn't believe it!"

As Mr. Gardner spoke, he didn't forget to nudge his granddaughter, "See, Phyllis? | wasn't spinning yarns. Mr. Albright and | really

do go way back."

Phyllis chuckled playfully, "Grandpa, for once you're not exaggerating."

"Hey now, what kind of talk is that?" Mr. Gardner grinned, "Eugene, we'll go on in and wait for you."

"Great."

As soon as Mr. Gardner left, more guests approached to exchange pleasantries with Eugene.

Seizing the moment, Mr. Gardner whispered to Phyllis, "Phyllis, when the tis right, try to catch Eugene's attention. Find a way

to make him take you on as his mentee. He's a tough cookie, you know. Old friends' recommendations don't sway him; he has to

see something in you himself, you get me?"

"Don't worry, Grandpa, I've got this in the bag," Phyllis assured him confidently. She had won her fair share of chess competitions,

and it seemed that today's birthday guests were from the older generation, with hardly any young people.

She was sure to stand out!

"Mr. Albright, it's been too long since we last met. You're looking younger by the day!" A graceful lady approached, her smile

impeccable as she took Eugene's hand, "May you happy every day, and get better with each passing year."

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"Vivian, thank you," Eugene's gaze drifted to her daughter, noting the absence of her father, despite his non the invitation.

Sensing his thoughts, she explained with a laugh, "My dad wanted to chimself, but he took a tumble and hurt his leg. He's

bedridden now and didn't want to worry you, so he kept mum. He madepromise to bring his granddaughter to your birthday

party. Oh, and here's the present he picked for you. You must accept it."

"Thank you, you're too kind," Eugene said, his face a mask of gratitude though he anticipated what would cnext.

"Oh, and this is my daughter, my dad's adored granddaughter. Say hello to Mr. Albright."

As expected, another attempt at a recommendation.

"They grow up so fast, don't they?" Eugene smiled affably, hiding any trace of his feelings.

"Mr. Albright, my nis Roxanne. On your birthday, | wish you everlasting life and all the happiness in the world," Roxanne said

with ease and confidence.

"Thank you."