Chapter 5

Unbeknownst to them, half a month had passed, and the old man's birthday was fast approaching. Aurora had managed to reduce her weight to 120 pounds. Although still slightly chubby, she looked quite slender and shapely, especially with the added muscle from her recent exercise.

Aurora walked to the ancestral home behind the villa, where generations of Pendletons had lived. The old man resided in the ancestral home, while the newer villa in front was occupied only by Sebastian's family.

The old man was astonished by Aurora's transformation. She had been so plump before that it was almost unseemly, but in just over twenty days, she had slimmed down so much.

Not only had her figure improved, but her eyes were no longer weak as before. The lively and spirited young girl before him was really his granddaughter?

Aurora approached with a beaming smile, asking, "What do you think, Grandpa? Can I attend your birthday feast?"

The old man had almost forgotten the joy he felt when Aurora was born. After her mother's death, Sebastian quickly brought Madeline and their children into the family.

Seeing that Maxwell and Evelyn were both older than Aurora, he knew that Sebastian and Madeline had been together for a while. He turned a blind eye to the sudden addition of a grandson.

As he watched his grandchildren grow into adults, Maxwell excelled in the business world, Evelyn became a rising star in the entertainment industry, and later Sophia was born, obedient and sensible. But Aurora became more and more disappointing.

Lazy and gluttonous, with poor grades and a silent demeanor, he had almost forgotten he had such a granddaughter.

Today, seeing her lively eyes and charming appearance, he felt a surge of joy, saying, "Of course, of course! My dear granddaughter, you must attend the birthday feast."

That evening, Aurora stayed in the ancestral home, chatting with her grandfather. As she was leaving, the butler, Mr. Leen, said, "You used to be so quiet, and your grandpa was worried. Now that you're talking more, he must be very happy."

Aurora smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Leen."

She knew that in such a wealthy family, affection was thin. Even if the old man was happy, if she had no ability, his shares would go to Maxwell and Evelyn. At most, she might receive some property, but she would never be allowed to interfere in the group's affairs.

But what she wanted was power, a strong background to contend with Isabella Whitmore!

In the blink of an eye, the day of the old man's birthday feast arrived. The Pendleton family was a well-known wealthy family, and the old man was highly respected in the business world.

The Pendleton home was festively decorated to celebrate the old man's sixtieth birthday.

Madeline, leading Sophia, greeted the guests at the door, smiling radiantly.

The guests had mostly arrived and were seated in the main hall when a servant announced that the eldest son had returned.

The old man immediately said, "Quickly, bring him in, bring him in."

Maxwell, the old man's only grandson and the only male of this generation in the Pendleton family, was the apple of the old man's eye. He held ten percent of the shares in the company and held the important position of General Manager.

A tall young man in a tailor-made black suit, with a gentle face and steady demeanor, walked in. He presented a brocade box to the old man, saying, "Grandpa, may you be blessed with endless joy and a lifetime of happiness!"

The old man opened the box to find two sets of Go pieces. Maxwell's assistant stepped forward, explaining, "Mr. Pendleton, knowing your love for Go, our General Manager had these specially brought from Yunnan. The pieces are made of Yunzi material, warm in winter and cool in summer. We hope they please you."

The old man was delighted, instructing the servants to put the gift away and seating Maxwell.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside, and everyone turned to see the entertainment industry's hottest star—Evelyn Pendleton.

Wearing a bright red gown, with exquisite makeup, she looked like a blooming rose. With many reporters present, flashbulbs went off non-stop as she entered.

Evelyn came forward with a gift, saying, "Happy birthday, Grandpa! May you live a hundred years!"

The old man unwrapped the gift to find an ancient Go manual. Evelyn laughed, "I searched for three months for this Go manual for Grandpa, finally winning it at an auction. I hope you like it."

"I love it! I love it! Good child, sit down and rest," the old man said joyfully.

"What good fortune the old master has! Such filial children!" a CEO nearby remarked.

"The Pendleton family is impressive, with this one grandson and the young miss as a big star!" a lady added.

"Madam Mainline is truly fortunate, with such outstanding children. I hear the fourth young miss is also very beautiful!" another lady said.

Hearing the compliments, Madeline's heart swelled with joy. She was the only Madam of the Pendleton family!

Sophia was even more proud, thinking, with such accomplished siblings, what could Aurora, an unwanted orphan, compare to her?

Amid the bustling conversation, a servant hurried in, announcing, "The Fairbanks have arrived."