Dumping Him for His Uncle (Natasha and Zachary) novel Chapter 39

Everyone was curiously trying to get a glimpse of the gift Nicole was giving to Hayden.

Only Natasha remained seated in her original spot, picking through the food before her.

She was not particularly fond of sweets other than the small cakes and macarons on display. They were also the only option other than alcohol.

Hayden braced herself and opened the gift. She didn't expect much from a smaller family like the Bradleys.

An emerald diamond necklace soon came into view, perfectly matching Hayden's dress that day.

"I had my father win an auction bid for this emerald diamond necklace. It really suits you!" Nicole explained as she helped Hayden put the necklace on.

Emerald diamonds were not cheap by any means. Hayden was delighted by the gift as she turned to look at Matthew.

Matthew immediately picked up on her signal and pulled out a mirror out of nowhere, like performing a magic trick.

He chimed in, "Here, have a look. How is it? Did your future daughter-in-law make a good choice?"

Hayden was so happy to receive the gift that she did not pick up on the details.

Everyone nearby who heard what Matthew said already understood the implications. A few among the crowd had already begun to think about how to cozy up with the Bradley family later.

Just then, Hayden caught sight of Natasha, who was enjoying her food, through the mirror's reflection.

The smile on her face abruptly stiffened, and Nicole's eyes also turned to follow where she was looking.

"Oh, Natasha! I had no idea you would be attending! Why didn't you give me a heads-up? I'll have Matthew bring you inside," Nicole said.

Hayden was a little displeased by Nicole's behavior. It was as if she were the star of the banquet.

Hayden and Steven may be divorced, but the Fosters still held her birthday banquet as a gesture of respect.

Nicole's pretentious behavior around Hayden naturally rubbed Hayden the wrong way.

"You're Nicole's sister, Natasha. You should have told us about your arrival earlier. Now you're just making us seem like bad hosts."