It seems everyone knows Yvette Jacobs’ purpose, which is merely to confirm her identity. Julian Sterling, however, felt sorry for her and gently took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss. Jude Shaw glanced at Gloria Galloway with a faint smile, unsure why Yvette had invited her. If it was just to show off how loving they are, then that would be truly malicious. Gloria knew Jude was looking at her; her infatuation with Julian was no secret. It was likely everyone present was aware. She took a deep breath, clenching her fists tightly. Eleanor Hollis discreetly patted Gloria on the sleeve, signaling her to remain calm. After everyone finished talking, they started taking out their gifts. Since everyone here were close friends, the gift-giving was just a formality, so none of the gifts were expensive. When it was Gloria’s turn, she was about to take out her gift when Yvette spoke up. "Julian, this is my gift for you, a shirt. I thought you might brand when I passed by it." Gloria’s face turned pale as she saw the shirt Yvette presented, because it was exactly the same as hers, even the brand was the same. If she took out her gift now, wouldn’t that make her a laughingstock? She felt a chill all over, suddenly unsure if it was a coincidence or something else entirely. If it was a coincidence, it was too much of one. Julian seemed very pleased with Yvette’s gift, praising it continuously. Yvette smiled and then turned to Gloria. "Gloria, were you also planning to give Julian a gift just now?" Gloria felt a cold sweat break out, sensing that Yvette’s gaze had seen right through her, evidently aware of her feelings for Julian, thus humiliating her. Her gift was now impossible to present, so she just lightly tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Sorry, I forgot to bring it with me." She bit her lip, her head lowered. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝙣𝙚𝙩 Eleanor, sitting beside her, frowned slightly. She had seen the small gift box inside Gloria’s bag. Perhaps for carrying the gift, Gloria brought a large tote bag today, just the right size to fit the box. "Oh, that’s alright, we’re just happy you came." Yvette smiled and continued to chat with Julian. Gloria bit her lips tightly, her hand clutching the bag beside her, unwilling to let go. Jude, with sharp eyes, noticed the item in the bag and reached to take it. "Isn’t the gift right here? How could you forget? Oh, it’s a shirt?" Jude had already taken the shirt out; it was identical to Yvette’s, even the brand was the same. A glimpse of understanding flashed in Jude’s eyes. He then smiled and handed the shirt to Julian. "Gloria is probably shy, knowing she accidentally picked the same gift as someone else and is embarrassed to show it. Julian, just accept it." Julian glanced at the shirt and casually took it. That thank you was directed at Gloria. Gloria was initially upset with Jude for touching her things without permission but realized he was helping her out of embarrassment, so she looked up gracefully. "It’s nothing, giving a gift is a must. I realized my gift was the same as Miss Jacobs’, and felt a little uneasy presenting it." Her face flushed, and she moved slightly closer to Eleanor’s side. "It’s okay, since shirts for men are like lipsticks for women; there’s always room for one more." Perhaps because it was his birthday, Julian was in good spirits and said something to ease Gloria’s embarrassment. Yvette clenched her teeth almost to the breaking point; Jude was such a busybody! She figured out that Julian’s friends were all siding with Gloria, which was why they didn’t want to see her. If she didn’t make a move soon, it seemed it would be Gloria who would end up with Julian. She felt a bit unwilling, but as the hostess, she had to speak. "Gloria, I didn’t expect our tastes to be the same. We should go shopping together someday." Gloria gave an embarrassed smile without replying. She wasn’t a fool. Giving the same gift was already a coincidence, and having it be the same brand too—how coincidental could it get? It seemed Yvette had known what she would give all along and presented her gift first. She originally thought that someone Julian fancied would be a sophisticated person, but it turned out to be just this kind of person not suited for the spotlight. Gloria actually felt relieved, at least when facing Yvette, she no longer felt so inadequate. Yvette simmered alone in her anger, while everyone across from her was in on it together. Except for Julian, she was clearly not welcomed by the others. "Well, you guys chat. I’ll go make something to eat. I bought a lot of food today; it shouldn’t go to waste." The other men didn’t agree readily. Only Eleanor teased her with a couple of jokes, then said no more. Yvette went to the kitchen, wishing she could smash every pot and pan. This group of people! They dared to ignore her like that... After she left, the atmosphere in the living room instantly relaxed, and everyone cracked uninhibited jokes. Listening to the laughter and joy coming from the living room, Yvette felt a dull ache in her heart. She bit her lip hard and then buried herself in chopping vegetables. One day, she would make these people acknowledge her. Only then would there be hope for the Jacobs Family to rise again. She deliberately cut her finger, crying out in pain. Julian, who was chatting with a few people, ran over as expected and took her finger to examine it. "How careless of you. Don’t worry about the cooking anymore. We’ll eat out tonight." Yvette looked up, "No, I bought so much food. Julian, it’s fine, it’s just a small cut." Julian domineeringly pulled her into his embrace, leaving no room for argument in his tone. "We can eat this food another time. Your finger is injured, don’t handle this now. I’ll go let the others know." Yvette then nodded, nestling into his arms. "Yvette accidentally cut her finger. Should we head out to eat?" Julian came to the living room with the suggestion. But Jude suddenly looked at Gloria, his tone sincere. "Gloria’s cooking is quite good. Gloria, why don’t you make something for everyone? Eleanor and I can help you. What do you think?" After meeting Julian, Gloria did focus on honing her culinary skills. The dishes she made were now quite presentable. However, today was supposed to be Yvette’s chance to shine in the kitchen. Would it be inappropriate to steal her thunder ? This thought merely swirled in her mind for a moment before she impulsively stood up.