Chapter 41
Gordon and Hilda–ignored Maria. But Maria went overboard and continued, “You’re an entire family of idiots. We decided to have this celebration only after checking her scores.
“You don’t even know whether Carlisle got into college. Yet, you had the guts to hold a college entrance celebration? Are you trying to become a laughing stock?”
At the same time, Gerard looked on in disdain. Did they want to compete with him? What did they have that they could use to compete with him?
Other than the fact that Hilda was prettier than Maria, Gordon had nothing else. Carlisle was useless, just like his own father. Would he even be able to break the mold?
Just then, Rainville Hotel’s manager walked over. In a polite voice, he prompted, “Mr. Zahn, the party is about to begin. Please make your way upstairs!”
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Gerard adjusted his necktie, put his hands behind his back, and followed the manager upstairs.
Around half an hour passed. The atmosphere in front of Sunago Restaurant became livelier.
Gordon was giving their guests a warm welcome.
“Mr. Moore, I didn’t think that you would come!”
Gordon was beaming as he handed a cigarette to an old man who looked over 50.
He was Fletcher Moore, head of Helios Village, Gordon’s hometown.
“How did your son score on the test, Gordon?” Fletcher casually asked as he accepted the cigarette from
Gordon.
“Carlisle has just left school. I haven’t asked what his score is. But he did say that he got into Riverland
University!”
Gordon took out a lighter and lit Fletcher’s cigarette for him.
“You’re believing him just like that? That brat wouldn’t lie to you, would he?”
Fletcher took a puff of his cigarette. His every word hinted at his distrust of Carlisle.
“Mr. Moore, I’m sure that you’re aware of the hard work that Carlisle has put in this past month. He did his
revisions from dawn till dusk…
“Alright,” Fletcher interrupted Gordon. Then, he took out 20 dollars from his pocket and handed it to him.
“You’ve invited me anyway. As head of the village, I will show you respect. Here’s some congratulatory money. I’m giving it to you regardless of whether Carlisle got into college or not!”
The smile froze on Gordon’s face. Although he wasn’t very educated, he could read between the lines of what Fletcher had just said.
Fletcher was under the impression that Gordon held this party just so he wouldn’t embarrass himself. Did
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he think that he wanted to cheat others of their money?
“Take your money back, Fletcher. We don’t want it!” Hilda pushed Fletcher’s hand away.
“Despite your incapabilities, I see you’ve quite the temper, Hilda!” Fletcher scoffed. Then, he stuffed the 20 dollars back into his pocket.
Hilda responded in a cold voice. “Who says that I can’t lose my temper? It’s true that we haven’t earned much money all these years. But that doesn’t mean we’d let just about anyone shame us!”
Fletcher was about to argue back when a few bikes’stopped by the roadside suddenly. They were Carlisle,
Sean, and a few of Carlisle’s classmates.
“Mom, Dad, what are you arguing about?”
Carlisle had heard Hilda from a ways away. He had a pretty good guess once he spotted Fletcher.
He parked his bike by the side of the road. Then, he handed the envelope to Gordon. “Here is my score
report, Dad!”
Gordon was stunned to see the envelope that Carlisle was handing over to him. For some reason, it made
him feel nervous.
Then, more of Carlisle’s classmates arrived.
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