Chapter 5 The 80th Birthday

Early the next morning, Esther Jefferson awoke bright and early. By the time Chris Shelby emerged from his slumber, she had already prepared breakfast.

"I've reached out to the best doctor on the East Coast, and in a few days, Hope can be admitted to the hospital for surgery," Chris said, picking up a fritter.

"Really?" Esther looked at him, her eyes filled with disbelief.

He smiled and reassured her, "Of course. Why would I lie to you?"

Esther hesitated for a moment before voicing her concern, "But the surgery is expensive, costing a hundred grand. Where did you get that kind of money?"

"Don't worry. Now that I'm back, I'll take care of everything. Money is never an issue for me," Chris replied confidently.

As the Primus of Amerosia, Chris possessed a secret vault containing vast wealth. A mere hundred thousand dollars was insignificant to him.

Esther felt a sense of relief knowing that she finally had someone she could rely on. "Chris, did you see the news? Leon Winston was arrested last night, and all his assets were seized. He's finally getting what he deserves."

Chris smiled but remained silent. He knew that Leon Winston had caused immense harm, and justice had finally caught up with him.

"I've made a promise to you—I will protect you and our daughter. No one can harm you," Chris assured her.

Esther froze for a moment before asking incredulously, "Is it because of you that Leon Winston was arrested?"

Chris nodded and replied, "Yes, my lady..."

Before Chris could finish his sentence, Esther glared at him and exclaimed, "Stop joking, Chris Shelby! Where have you been all these years?"

Esther couldn't fathom that Chris could have brought down someone as powerful as Leon Winston. After all, Chris was once a penniless man taken in by her family. How could he have accomplished such a feat?

Chris wanted to reveal his true identity, but seeing Esther's reaction, he realized she wouldn't believe him if he told her. There would be a better time to explain in the future.

"On the day after our wedding, the state initiated a military draft, and I enlisted in the army," Chris explained.

"Ah, I see," Esther nodded, accepting his explanation without further questions. She assumed Chris had been conscripted and had now returned as his service had ended.

"Chris, Grandpa called today. It's his 80th birthday. Would you like to accompany me to the party tonight?" Esther asked, looking at him expectantly.

Chris nodded, "Of course, I haven't seen your grandfather in a long time. This time, I truly want to visit him and give him a grand birthday gift to surprise him!"

A sneer crept onto Chris's face as he spoke.

...

Grand East Coast Hotel.

It was the 80th birthday of Henry Jefferson, the elderly Mr. Jefferson.

The hotel was abuzz with excitement as numerous celebrities and influential individuals attended the grand banquet.

As a second-tier family, the Jeffersons held some sway on the East Coast.

"I present to you a pure-gold phoenix hairpin!"

"Please accept this Burmese jade sculpture!"

"And here are my pure-gold bracelets!"

"I've brought you a pair of diamond earrings!"

...

Henry Jefferson, beaming with joy, received a continuous stream of birthday gifts.

"Thank you all for joining me on my birthday. God has blessed the Jefferson family, as our children have achieved great success in their lives and careers," Henry expressed his gratitude.

The guests engaged in lively discussions about the major event that had taken place that day.

"Mr. Jefferson, did you hear about the arrival of a big shot on the East Coast? Dozens of fighter jets escorted him, and three thousand soldiers locked down the entire airport," someone remarked.

"I heard even Mr. Mester, the wealthiest man on the East Coast, wanted to meet him but was turned away," another guest chimed in.

"How intriguing! Even the governor waited at the airport for three hours and couldn't catch a glimpse of this big shot," added another.

Henry nodded knowingly and replied, "I'm aware. Nevertheless, I've extended an invitation to this esteemed guest for my birthday party."

"I highly doubt it. How could such a prominent figure attend your birthday party?" skeptics inquired.

Even Henry himself wasn't entirely confident; he was merely testing the waters.

Just then, his son, Felix Jefferson, hurriedly approached.

"Father, I've just received news that the big shot has agreed to attend the party this evening."

"Fantastic! God bless the Jefferson family!" Henry's face lit up with excitement.

Felix's wife, Lorie Jefferson, interjected, "Father, it's your 80th birthday, and Esther didn't even bother to come on such an important day."

The room fell silent as everyone pondered Lorie's words.

Esther Jefferson had become a disgrace to the Jefferson family.

With a grim expression, Henry responded, "Do not mention her during my birthday banquet. That woman has brought shame upon our family. She married a bastard and gave birth to another. She's a complete disgrace to the Jefferson name."

Lorie added curiously, "That Chris Shelby was quite peculiar as well. After finally becoming a part of the Jefferson family and marrying Esther, he disappeared the next day. Unbelievable."

Felix sneered, "What's so strange about it? Maybe Chris Shelby didn't think he was worthy of the Jefferson family and could only live like a stray dog..."

Laughter erupted among the guests, exchanging glances as they shared this easy topic of ridicule.

At that moment, Chris Shelby strode into the hotel lobby, his commanding presence palpable, causing the room to hush.

"Chris Shelby!" both Felix and Lorie exclaimed simultaneously.

All eyes turned toward Chris, captivated by his imposing figure.

Beside him stood Esther Jefferson and Hope Jefferson.

"Chris Shelby, why are you back?" Henry's face contorted with anger.

"I heard that today is your 80th birthday. I've brought my wife and daughter here to offer our congratulations and express gratitude to the Jefferson family for the care they've shown us over the years," Chris declared, a gentle smile gracing his face.

"Bring in the birthday present I've prepared for Henry," he instructed.

Immediately, several men dressed in black suits entered the room, carrying a large pure-gold coffin.

A coffin?

The room fell silent, and everyone's expression turned drastically.