Chapter 156 - Hazel's Birthday (One)
METRO CITY PALACE HOTEL
"Good evening, President Shen."
"Good evening."
Vince was greeted countless times before entering the grand hall on the tenth floor of this hotel. They were crossing known people in the business world lounging in the lobby, and everyone wanted to speak with him.
Fortunately, Bruce appeared and blocked whoever plans to approach Vince.
"President Shen has an important gathering to attend to,"? Bruce explained.
Hailey was satisfied with his job. With Bruce around, she could enjoy Vince's company without minding the people that always block their way for a talk.
Now that Vince would stay in Australia most of his time, it will also mean less time for her. It saddened her, but why would she feel that way?
It was her who gave Vince the job. Why is she complaining now? Besides, she could be with him if she chooses to reveal herself to end all of this hiding from him.
Arriving at the reception, the hall was decorated with pink and purple flowers, as Hazel's birthday theme. This evening, Hailey is also wearing a purple dress.
Standing in the middle of the hall was the birthday celebrant wearing her purple cocktail tube dress with a long tail at the back, flowing down on the floor.
Hazel was gleefully talking with a group of female classmates when she spotted Hailey and Vince entering the hall.
She wanted to scream, but now that she is 20 years old, she must behave like a proper lady.
But of course, there is a reason why she made the change to herself. From now on, she will act like an adult woman!
And yes, she wanted to get someone's attention. That is why she is doing this, and that man is here tonight.
Hazel waved at Hailey. She waved back, and instantly she understood why the birthday girl is behaving tonight.
"Hey, bro!" Jake Velasco waved at them. He is seated at the corner table with Carl and Lloyd. On their hands is a glass of champagne.
Vince glanced at Hailey like he was asking her permission. She laughed and told Vince. "Go ahead. I know they were waiting for you."
"Alright. And I know your friends don't want me around guarding you. Have fun."
"Okay. Have a drink tonight. Bruce will drive us home anyway."
"Hmm... After all, it's great to have a personal driver," he whispered in her ear, and she concurred.
At the moment, an overwhelming feeling filled her chest with their talk.
Vince is considerate toward her, and she must return his thoughtfulness. He is too busy lately, and he should be working right now instead of accompanying her for partying.
Why should she not feel lucky? Naturally, she felt like a happy wife.
Hailey placed a smacking kiss on his lips before she let him go.
As Vince approached the table, she heard Jake teasing him. "Dammit! Showing off as always!"
Hailey laughs, listening to the men's jest. She shook her head then walked toward Hazel. She admired how he would always consider she'll spend time with her friends as long as it was just a group of girls and no boys.
He is a jealous man, but he knows when he should act like one. She believes that Vince doesn't want to embarrass her nor her friends.
And by this, Vince made her fall in love with him over again.
'I'm adding it to my RED NOTEBOOK, Mr. CEO's Charming Qualities.' she beamed.
Thinking about it, she could not help giggling alone.
"Hail!" Hazel jumped on her and then hugged each other tightly. "Why are you late? Don't tell me?"
Hazel's gaze accuses her that a WONDROUS EVENT happened before they headed to the party.
"Silly girl. Vince had multiple meetings he attended today, and I picked up your gift."
"OMG! What is it? Can I open it now?"
Hailey chuckled. This girl quickly changes her mood. "It's a birthday present for you, so yeah," she said and winked at Hazel.
The birthday girl didn't wait any longer, she tore open the gift wrap, and she almost passed out reading the box's name.
Hazel was thrilled to pull the ribbon, and next, she took off the box case. Right now, Hazel was surrounded by everyone to see what is Hailey's gift for her.
Everyone held their breath to see the DV Gem symbol, a pink crown.
Inside the box is a diamond jewelry seat: a diamond watch, diamond necklace, and diamond earrings.
"Oh, my god, Hazel! That must cost a thousand US dollars!"
"Oh, god! I saw that on the DV Gem website! I can't believe I would see one for real!"
"Hail, thank you so much!" Hazel is now teary-eyed while thanking Hailey.? Instantly, Hazel wore the diamond watch that has her name surrounded the watch. "What do I see here are real diamonds, right?"
"It is." Hailey nodded.
"Ah! Thank the boss for me!" She knew that Vince has a lot of money but being showered with his blessings? How lucky she is!
"Sure. I will tell Vince." Hailey smiled sweetly. Of course, Vince is willing to pay all of her capriciously. But her gift for Hazel is from her very own pocket.
Now that most of Hazel's guests were here, the disco party began.
On the stage is the famous DJ hired by Hazel's dad to play tonight. Hazel's classmates and cousins now gathered near the platform: jumping, dancing, and singing along.
*
A while ago…
"Hey, bro! What are you doing here?" asked Jake after teasing Vince for being a show-off of his love life.
"What sort of a question is that? I live here and have a company here while you? Do you have any business matters here since you migrated to the US?" asked Vince with a smirk.
"Hey! You have forgotten the most important reason why you can't stay away from that long." Carl corrected Vince, and his tone is ridiculing.
"Heh." Vince shook his head and threw a punch at Carl. "Shut up, cousin."
"Tsh! When did you become a bully?" Jake snorts. "What's wrong with attending a birthday party after I was invited?"
"Oh, how admirable your dedication is. You are willing to fly the pacific ocean, from New York to P Country, to attend a birthday party?"
"And when did you become a bully like Carl? Tsk!" Jake scowled.
Lloyd shook his head, listening to Jake. He poured champagne on an empty glass and gave it to Vince.
"Thanks, bro," said Vince.
"Anyway, I am surprised that you were here already. So, what project are you going to work for, Davies Group?" asked Jake after they stop taunting each other. Like usual, they'll talk trash, then suddenly their moods shift, and now talking about serious matters.
"Hmm..." Vince gulped half of the champagne. He placed his glass and replied to Jake. "I'm going to announce it during mom's birthday. If you want to, you are invited to come home again."
"I'll definitely attend Aunt's birthday!" Jake assures.
Vince nodded, then Lloyd raised a glass for a toast. Not long, their attention shifted to the big screen in that hall when Hazel opened Hailey's gift, and their classmates screamed with excitement.
"Hmm. So great to be young." Jake mumbled while they observed the group of teenagers in the middle of that hall.
"You mean, bachelor life is the best?" Carl countered his statement.
Jake scoffs at his sarcasm. He glared, then smirked afterward, "I have plans to get married. How about you?"
He smirked at Carl, but then he realized that guy only ignored him. This is not the Carl he used to know.
It seems that he completely changed now. He remained silent and did not counter his joke. 'What happened to this guy?'
Jake glanced at Lloyd, hoping to answer, but he only shrugged a shoulder and didn't comment at all.
Vince also notices Carl's silence tonight. This guy is the noisiest among them, but what is happening to him now?
Last time, Carl did not attend the Class Reunion, although he is part of the Board.
Vince shared a glance with Lloyd. He and Lloyd often hang out mainly in drinking sessions. The guy shook his head, and his eyes were moving toward Carl, who is silent drinking now.
He also looked at Jake, and same as him, the guy is confused at Carl's behavior lately.
Jake leaned over toward Vince, he whispered to him. "What is happening to your cousin? He seemed too silent lately."
Vince concurred; he glanced at Carl and shrugged a shoulder. He said, "I don't know. I'm also curious why he is silent lately."
"Does he have a problem? I'm sure it isn't about his love life," Jake commented.
"Stop gossiping about me. I'm just right here sitting in front of you," he said, frowning at them.
Lloyd and Jake laugh out loud. They were holding their stomach from amusement, while Vince just shook his head.
He emptied his glass and poured another champagne. Casually sipping on his drink, he fell into deep thoughts.
Carl seemed to be having trouble, but he keeps it to himself. Whatever was bothering him, he wants to know. His cousin looked stressed.
And so, maybe he and Carl need a serious talk before he goes back to Australia. The guy has acted suspiciously lately.
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