Chapter 6 Dedication

After a moment of stunned silence, Tristan was the first to react.

"Wait a minute. How could someone like you, a mere freeloader living off the James family, possess such a valuable item?" Tristan challenged loudly.

The guests quickly picked up on the absurdity of the situation and burst into laughter.

"That's right! Isn't he just the James family's live-in son-in-law? How could he get his hands on a Longevity Pill?"

"We almost got fooled! Phillip mentioned how incredibly rare and priceless the Longevity Pill is. It's so rare that even the elite can't easily buy it. How could he possibly have one?"

Amid the mocking laughter, Tristan felt pleased with himself. He toyed with the porcelain bottle in his hand and was poised to smash the pill on the floor.

But just as Tristan raised his hand, Ashton grabbed it.

"You've crossed the line! This is my gift for Bobby. If it were to be destroyed, that decision wouldn't be yours to make," Ashton stated icily. He then took back the Longevity Pill and presented it to Bobby with both hands.

Ashton's words left Tristan visibly embarrassed, but he couldn't argue. Instead, he muttered, "Grandpa, be careful. This might just be some cheap trinket he picked up from a street vendor. It could be dangerous!"

Bobby nodded but looked at Ashton with warmth in his eyes. "Regardless, it's the thought that counts. I appreciate the gesture, Ashton."

It was clear to everyone that Bobby was merely trying to defuse the situation for Ashton's sake. He didn't genuinely believe the pill was an authentic Longevity Pill.

However, Bobby's actions spoke volumes. He was clearly siding with Ashton.

Despite their reservations about Ashton, the James family members found themselves unable to voice further objections.

Just then, a giant birthday cake was wheeled into the banquet hall by several waiters. At last, Bobby's birthday celebration began.

Emalee felt a growing sense of unease. She and Phillip had hoped he would make a favorable impression on her grandfather during the party.

But things were going in the opposite direction. Not only was Bobby cold toward Phillip, but he also showed a clear preference for Ashton in front of everyone.

If this continued, Bobby would undoubtedly disapprove of her relationship with Phillip.

This was not what she wanted.

At that moment, Emalee spotted a piano tucked away in the corner of the banquet hall. Her eyes lit up, and she stood up. "Grandpa, Phillip isn't just an elite lawyer. He's also quite the musician. There's a piano over there. Phillip, would you play a piece for my grandpa?"

Bobby's expression briefly showed irritation. But since it was his granddaughter making the request, he nodded in agreement.

Phillip seized the moment to shine. With a confident smile, he rose and said, "I'd be honored to play for Bobby. I'll perform 'The Dance of Flowers'. It's a piece that mirrors the fleeting beauty of life, much like the passage of time."

With a flourish, he approached the piano, casually pressing on a few keys, and then began to play.

The hall fell silent, filled only with the melodic sounds of the piano.

As the last chord resonated, applause filled the hall. The James family members clapped with particular enthusiasm. The guests, aware of Phillip and Emalee's close relationship, joined in with their praises.

Overjoyed by the applause, Emalee approached Bobby and beamed. "Grandpa, see how dedicated Phillip is? He prepared a special gift for you and even played the piano. Can't we put the past behind us?"

Before Bobby could reply, Ashton let out a soft chuckle and sarcastically remarked, "He made several errors in a piece that's often used for beginners' practice. You call that dedication?"

His words cut through the applause, bringing a sudden quiet to the banquet hall.

Phillip, who had been reveling in the accolades, flushed with anger at Ashton's critique. He stood abruptly, pointed at Ashton, and challenged loudly, "If you think you can do better, why don't you come up here and show us? If not, then keep your criticisms to yourself and your mouth shut!"