The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1485

As Mr. Gardner and his granddaughter were warmly greeted by the butler and eight servants, they responded with polite smiles and nods.

After all, these were Eugene's staff, and no detail could be overlooked.

Having exchanged pleasantries with the servants, they looked up to see the well-dressed Eugene standing before them, uncharacteristically playing the host.

Mr. Gardner approached with a hearty chuckle, "Eugene, after all these years, you've finally decided to throw a birthday bash. As an old friend, I'm thrilled to finally wish you a happy birthday in person. Today is truly a special day, and later, we must toast properly to it!"

"In place of liquor, let's stick to water, since a young girl frowns upon me drinking," Eugene replied, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Mr. Gardner assumed Eugene was referring to a relative and said with a laugh, "Blessed you are, to have youngsters keeping you in check. I've got my own whip-smart whipper-snapper at home, this one right here. Allow me to introduce my granddaughter, Phyllis Gardner. Come on, say hello to Mr. Albright."

"Mr. Albright, on this special day, wish you a healthy long life," Phyllis said, presenting her gift with both hands.

"Oh, you brought a gift?" Eugene extended his hands to receive it, "Thank you, thank you."

"Phyllis has been passionate about chess since she was little, with over a decade of practice. For all these years, she's admired you the most. I've told her about our friendship, but she wouldn't believe it!"

As Mr. Gardner spoke, he didn't forget to nudge his granddaughter, "See, Phyllis? I wasn't spinning yarns. Mr. Albright and I really do go way back."

Phyllis chuckled playfully, "Grandpa, for once you're not exaggerating."

"Hey now, what kind of talk is that?" Mr. Gardner grinned, "Eugene, we'll go on in and wait for you."

"Great."

"Thank you, you're too kind," Eugene said, his face a mask of gratitude though he anticipated what would come next.

"Oh, and this is my daughter, my dad's adored granddaughter. Say hello to Mr. Albright."

As expected, another attempt at a recommendation.

"They grow up so fast, don't they?" Eugene smiled affably, hiding any trace of his feelings.

"Mr. Albright, my name is Roxanne. On your birthday, I wish you everlasting life and all the happiness in the world," Roxanne said with ease and confidence.

"Thank you."