chapter1047

Just then, a handsome guy in a crisp white suit strolled over, flashing Lydia a friendly smile. "Miss Norwood, you made it."

Lydia glanced his way and lifted an eyebrow. Wait a second... wasn't this Lincoln, the push-up guy?

Lincoln scanned the room, looking a little on edge, and lowered his voice. "Miss Norwood, is he here yet?"

He looked genuinely worried about running into Connor again. The last time had left his arms aching for days.

Lydia just smirked. "Take a guess."

Lincoln grinned, trying to play it cool. "How would I know? But since you showed up solo, I'm guessing he's not coming tonight."

If Connor really didn't show, Lincoln thought, this could be his big chance to finally win some points with Lydia.

Juna shot Lincoln a look and snorted. "You're hopeless, you know that?"

Lincoln clicked his tongue in protest and opened his mouth to argue, but suddenly a buzz swept through the crowd.

The Norwood family had arrived.

Lucinda walked in wearing a pale pink gown that swept the floor, her makeup flawless, her arm linked with Cameron's as she glided through the guests. She caught sight of Lydia but pretended she hadn't, choosing instead to chat and laugh with Cameron, Kylie, and the rest of the crowd. This was her moment to shine and she was loving every second of it.

Lydia, Juna, and Lincoln slipped into a quiet corner of the banquet hall. Lincoln hovered beside Lydia, eager to please, asking what she liked to drink and eat. Soon he was back with an armful of treats, piling her plate high with all the best finger foods.

Juna stared at the feast in front of Lydia, then down at her own empty spot. She glared at Lincoln, her patience wearing thin. "Lincoln, I swear, if you ignore me one more time, I'm calling Connor right now and telling him someone's making a move on his girl."

"Come on, don't do anything crazy," Lincoln pleaded. "I'm on it, I promise! Just sit tight, please. No need to get all dramatic..."

He rushed off to get food for Juna, not daring to test her threat.

A short while later, Carson entered the room in a deep red suit, surrounded by people eager to greet him. For a man in his eighties, he looked remarkably energetic, his steps steady and sure.

He made the rounds, saying hello to guests one by one. Several people stepped forward, each presenting him with extravagant birthday gifts, all so expensive it was almost ridiculous.

Rosie was there too, and her gift stole the show. She presented a beautifully carved sculpture, crafted by a famous artisan from top-quality emerald. The detail was incredible, so lifelike that everyone nearby let out a quiet gasp.

Benjamin and Mandy stood proudly beside Rosie, looking smug. Compared to the other gifts, which seemed so ordinary and forgettable, Rosies was in a class of its own. class of jis own

Carson didn't need any more flashy trinkets, but this was special. It

wasn't just the emerald, but the

artistry and craftsmanship that made it shine.

Carson looked at the sculpture and smiled warmly. "Miss Gibson, this is so thoughtful of you, but truly, it's too generous. I can't possibly accept something so valuable."

But Rosie suddenly knelt down, still holding the gift, and spoke from the heart. "Carson, you're a legend in our country's Go community. Your achievements and character have always inspired me This little gift is just a token of my respect. I've loved Go for years, but I know still have so much to learn. It would mean the world to me if you'd let me study under you. That would be the

biggest honor of my life."