Chapter 120: Grandfather’s Gift
Ryder:"Slow down, otherwise you will get indigestion."Then he gently patted her head with full admiration.
Ryder’s behaviour was very different when it came to her..Anyone could see the different dimensions of his personality when he was with her.He treated her like his daughter more than his youngest cousin.
Once Harrison and Anderson rejoined the group in the living room, Elizabeth refreshed their tea. The business meeting continued.
Thea and the twins engaged in their own lively conversation.As Ryder wrapped up his discussion, Emerson’s eagerness burst forth.
"Brother Ryder, where’s my gift?" she asked, excitement radiating from her face.Ryder’s smile hinted at the pleasant surprise awaiting her.
"It’s in my room..Let’s go.."As both of them were going upstairs , Emerson called Thea and said,"Sister Thea! Come with us!"
Ryder paused on the stairs, waiting for Thea to join them.
Elder Edward’s voice was barely audible, but his wink spoke volumes.
"Go and see what that boy’s got for her... and inform me secretly."
A soft chuckle circulated through the room, acknowledging Elder Edward’s cunning.
Thea nodded discreetly and trailed after Ryder and Emerson.
Ryder and Emerson were busy admiring the latest dream house while Thea was observing them quietly with a gentle smile.. A servant knocked on the door, opened it and asked Ryder to come downstairs as everyone was waiting for him.
Ryder wondered what happened suddenly and said, "I’ll be there in few minutes." Then said to Emerson, "I need to go to the office, you can continue with your gift." Then put on his suit and headed outside before bidding goodbye to Akai.
"Brother Ryder, I have something for you too. It’s in my room. I’ll bring it downstairs." And she dashed out of the room.Thea too followed after Emerson.
When Ryder went downstairs, everyone was waiting for him with the gift boxes on their sides.It would be Ryder’s birthday in a few days . He didn’t like to celebrate his birthday as he finds it quite childish.
Everyone got up and presented him gifts. He thanked everyone and kept all the gifts on the centre table saying, "I’ll open these later as I am already late for the office. He then asked the servant to keep it in his room.
Ryder turned to leave, but Elder Edward’s authoritative voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Where do you think you’re going? I’m not done with you yet.." Elder Edward said, rising from his seat.
With a deliberate movement, he retrieved a small, white paper packet from his pocket.
"Here, take this..." Elder Edward said, handing Ryder the gift.
"Thank you, Grandpa.." Ryder replied, his eyes meeting Elder Edward’s.
As Ryder attempted to set the gift aside with the others, Elder Edward’s next words carried a hint of gravity."I went through considerable trouble to acquire this gift."
The room fell silent. Faces turned attentive, sensing a deeper significance.
Everyone’s eyes locked onto Elder Edward, anticipation building.
Ryder opened the white packet, extracting a folded paper. To his surprise, two tickets fell out, accompanying the paper.
Ryder pulled out the Exclusive Rooftop Dinner tickets, then unfolded the accompanying paper. His eyes widened as he read about the luxurious New York mansion his grandfather had gifted him.
Ryder’s face contorted in frustration. He pinched the bridge of his nose, holding the packet in his other hand. "GRANDPAAA!!!" he exclaimed.
Elder Edward, mid-conversation with his son, turned with a broad smile. "What? Did you like it? I knew you would. Haha!" He didn’t notice Ryder’s vexed expression.
Ryder tried to speak, but Elder Edward continued, "I knew it was perfect! You’ll love Mansion.!" His grin grew.
Harrison:"What’s in that packet show is too.."
"It’s a blessing gift from me.."
"Thank you grandfather for this gift.."Ryder played along with Elder Edward..
His cell phone buzzed and he stepped outside.
"There are two tickets...he didn’t get annoyed..."Elder Edward was little shocked.
"What do you mean darling?"Rosie asked.
"Two tickets for a romantic dinner...."He spoke.
After hearing this last line, everyone was stunned and stood frozen in their places staring at Ryder’s back until he disappeared from their sight.
Everyone knew he never ever dated anyone or showed interest in any girl as if he was aloof to such kind of human relationships.
He was too young and going to be 23 years old. It was an age when boys usually roamed around with girls and enjoyed their life but he never did that. What happened suddenly?? .. There must be only one reason, he must have taken liking to someone. Now everyone was curious.
Emerson descended the stairs with haste, her footsteps echoing through the hallway.
"Emerson, be careful!" Thea reminded her, his voice laced with concern.
As she reached the bottom, Emerson grasped a beautifully wrapped gift and scanned the room.
"Where’s Brother Ryder?" she asked, her eyes scanning the faces.
Lydia chimed in, "He’s already left for the office, Emerson."
Emerson’s gaze lingered, her expression a blend of disappointment and curiosity.
Lydia offered a reassuring smile.
"Don’t be sad, little sister.." she cooed.
"You can give Brother Ryder the gift tonight, okay?"
Emerson nodded contemplatively.
"Sister Thea..." she addressed Thea.Lydia’s expression turned thoughtful.
"Grandfather gave Brother Ryder two tickets to a romantic dinner, and surprisingly, he didn’t get annoyed," Lydia pointed out..
"That’s odd."
"Would you like to join our outing, Sister Thea?" Melanie asked.
Emerson exclaimed, "I want to go too!"
Lydia tempered her response, "Sorry, little sister. You’re not included in this outing."
Emerson’s face fell.
"But I want to go so badly.." she protested, her voice cracking."Please, can’t I come?" she asked, her eyes shining with hope.
Elder Edward winked warmly.
"We’ll all go.." he said with a smile.
Emerson’s face lit up as she spun around.
"Wow, I’m so excited!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling over.
The twins’ faces creased into gentle smiles, captivated by Emerson’s radiant joy.
Melanie turned to Thea with a questioning gaze."Are you coming with us?"
