Chapter 3: Distress From the Lockes

"Welcome all of you celebrating my birthday here today. Firstly, I would like to present best wishes for health and warmest greetings to my dear family members and guests...... And here, the party officially begins." 

A round of warm applause followed Mrs. Locke's opening statement. The battle between Jack and them was also temporarily put aside, and they only secretly hated each other with bullet-shaped eyes.

Today's most important performance, Presents Presentations, is also the core occasion of the party. This is where pe ople show off their wealth.

First of all, circle of the guests:

“A set of jade bracelets from Mr Cooper.”

“A sapphire from Mrs Smith.”

“A watch of Patek Philippe from Mrs Britney.”

...............

All the guests present here were willing to have further cooperation with Lockes.

Of course, the family will be the last to show their gifts. Jessica didn't believe the gift Alex had prepared would be expensive enough and pleasing to Mrs. Locke. So when the host mentioned it, she subconsciously lowered her head to avoid Mrs. Locke's gaze and pull Alex back forward.

Her expression was quickly caught by the eyes of Jack and Mrs Locke. Jack laughed proudly, and Mrs. Locke didn't pay much attention to them because she didn't like Jessica and Alex.

"Jack, my dear, what will you send to me today?"

It was clear that Mrs. Locke prioritized Jack and he proudly showed up. He went up to the stage and took out a car key. It was a Bugatti Chiron costing more than two million dollars. Every male admired it.

However, her face changed slightly as soon as Mrs Locke received the key, revealing a sad expression, for what she expected was a set of jewelry, not a car key.

More importantly, she didn't drive at all. Yet it only lasted for a second and she smiled happily then, because it was a gift from Jack, her favorite grandson.

"Oh dear, what a wonderful gift it is. I like it very much." Mrs. Locke praised it, seeming happy.

Alex and Jessica knew Jack used company money to buy the car, and Mrs. Locke wouldn't drive it either because there had already been too many luxury cars at her parking lot. In fact, it was for Jack himself.

Nearly everyone noticed it except Jack. Looking at Mrs. Locke’s smiling face, Jack thought grandma loved it very much and became even more arrogant. He looked at Jessica and Alex and said:

"Jessica, what are you going to present today, for our respected grandma? It's the thought that counts. Grandma probably wouldn't mind if your gift to her were something cheap."  

Jack emphasized,"Because we're one family."

Jack's sarcastic words successfully aroused a wave of ridicule from those around him. Jessica and Mrs. Andrew are also troubled. Alex felt it, too. He reassured Jessica and walked to Mrs. Locke.

While the others were still waiting for him to be humiliated.

Alex took out a velvet box which was carefully stored in his chest, and the box was extremely luxurious and delicate, and he opened it, and inside was a sparkling diamond. Under the dim light, it becomes even more enchanting.

"Grandma, happy birthday. Wishing you all the best."

Mrs. Locke's eyes lit up as if drawn to a diamond. She accepted the gift and couldn't help but rub it. But for this gift from Alex, she felt surprised and couldn’t believe it.

Jessica's eyes widened in disbelief and she thought he must have just bought a mid-range gift. She didn't expect such a gorgeous one. 

Family members and guests were all attracted by the diamond, especially those ladies. Men were amazed at it, but women wanted to appreciate it closely.

"Mrs. Locke, congratulations to you! What a gorgeous stone!"

……

Guests were all congratulating her, Mrs Locke felt happy.

As for Jack, who was jealous, when everyone was admiring the diamond, he suddenly concluded:

"It must be a fake diamond!"

Immediately, a sudden silence in the hall, the sparkling eyes of Mrs. Locke and the others were extinguished. Instead, there are doubts and whispers, and judgments.

"Jack, you don't have to talk nonsense!" Jessica angrily retorted. 

Instead, Jack just sneered:

"Real diamond like this one’s size costs at least tens of millions of dollars, which Alex can't afford. Had he robbed a bank?"

Jessica choked and was speechless, and there were some soft, sarcastic laughs in the stands. She turned to Alex, wanting a reasonable answer.

Alex answered after silence for seconds, he said sincerely, "I am sure it is a real diamond with legal consumption!Trust me, please." 

His humiliating words didn’t make sense.

Guests here couldn’t tell it and kept silent. They all felt it’s funnier than an ordinary birthday party.

Family members all thought Jack was right. Even though it seems like a real diamond, it won’t be as long as it’s from poor Alex.

Jack shouted, "Alex is a liar and a disgrace of Lockes !" 

People were all laughing at this, making Jessica and her mum embarrassed.

Though Mrs. Locke felt annoyed that Jack had messed her birthday night, she was also captivated by Jack's words, she said:

"Okay, to be fair, I'll have it appraised by an expert."

After that, she gave the diamond to the housekeeper, who immediately left under the curious eyes of everyone.

Alex's heart fluttered a little, but he completely trusted the butler who sent it. It must be the real thing.

Jessica and Mrs Andrew were highly insecure. If it was a fake one, they would be involved in… 

After a short time, the butler returned with the diamond in his hand. There must have been results. Curiosity makes people stand still. He whispered to Mrs. Locke's ear 

Mrs Locke’s face remained calm, which made them think that the result was contrary to what Jack said. 

Now it’s Jack’s turn to get nervous. 

Jessica and Alex also felt more secure, but the words from Mrs Locke's mouth was so cold and unbelievable for Alex.