The Rich Son-In-Law

Chapter 6: Birthday

The next morning, as Aaron prepared breakfast, the doorbell rang. When he answered, he found a man in a sharp black suit standing at the threshold, holding an exquisitely crafted wooden box. "Good morning, sir," the man said, his tone polished and professional. "Miss Stirling asked me to deliver this to you." Aaron accepted the box with a polite nod of thanks and opened it to reveal an exceptional necklace. The intricate design, featuring shimmering gemstones and masterful craftsmanship, was mesmerizing. Its elegance hinted at a storied history and impeccable value.

After breakfast, Aaron, Sarah, and Amanda set off for Lady Eleanor Prescott's grand mansion. The sprawling estate, with its manicured gardens and imposing architecture, was alive with activity. Family members mingled with prominent socialites and influential figures, creating an atmosphere that exuded wealth and power. Amanda's simmering irritation was unmistakable, and Aaron easily discerned its cause—their assigned table was in the farthest corner of the hall. At gatherings such as these, seating proximity to Lady Eleanor was a direct measure of one's favor within the family. Amanda's sharp glances at Aaron only emphasized her frustration, a subtle reminder of how she attributed their lowly status to him.

Lady Eleanor's disdain for Aaron was well-known. Since her husband's death, she had insisted Sarah divorce Aaron, citing him as an unsuitable match. Sarah's refusal, rooted in a promise made to her late grandfather, was perceived by Lady Eleanor as a direct affront to her authority. In retaliation, she ensured Aaron and Sarah's lives within the family were fraught with challenges, ranging from social ostracism to overt displays of favoritism toward others.

As the event unfolded, the highlight of the evening was announced—the gift-giving ceremony. For Aaron, this was a moment he had come to dread. Lady Eleanor's penchant for extravagant gifts was legendary, and the ceremony was a showcase of familial loyalty and competence. Over the years, Aaron's modest offerings had been met with public scorn, serving as fodder for Lady Eleanor's withering criticism. Eventually, he had stopped participating, though this decision only invited further derision.

The procession of presenters began, each attempting to outshine the last. The gifts were dazzling displays of wealth—rare artwork, bespoke jewelry, and luxury vehicles adorned the stage. Amanda leaned toward Aaron, her tone sharp and accusatory. "Please tell me you brought something decent this time," she demanded in a hushed whisper.

Aaron's nonchalant shrug deepened her exasperation. The truth was, he had no idea how his gift would be received. Trusting Natalie's judgment, he had left the selection entirely in her capable hands, confident in her understanding of the stakes.

When James Prescott, Lady Eleanor's favored grandson, approached with a flourish, the room's attention shifted entirely. James unveiled a breathtaking necklace adorned with radiant gemstones that caught and reflected the chandelier's light. "Happy birthday, Grandma," James declared with a confident smile. "This is 'The Celestial Empress,' a rare antique once owned by European aristocracy. It cost ten million dollars, but nothing is too grand for you." Lady Eleanor's face softened with approval, and the room buzzed with admiration for James's apparent generosity.

Then came Aaron's turn. The room fell into an anticipatory silence, the weight of expectation palpable. As he opened his box, gasps echoed throughout the hall. Aaron revealed a necklace identical to James's, an outcome that seemed improbable. The uniqueness of 'The Celestial Empress' was well-documented, and the presence of a duplicate raised an obvious question: which one was authentic?

James seized the moment to attack. "Really, Aaron?" he sneered. "Resorting to a fake just to impress Grandma? That's not just pathetic—it's insulting." His words drew murmurs of agreement as attendees leaned in, eager for the ensuing drama.

Aaron, however, remained unflustered. Without a word, he handed the necklace to Dean Thompson, an elderly man who had stepped forward. Dean, a renowned antique appraiser and a trusted friend of Lady Eleanor's late husband, took the necklace with a discerning gaze. The room watched in tense silence as Dean meticulously examined the piece, scrutinizing every detail with the practiced precision of an expert.

After an excruciating pause, Dean finally addressed the room. "This," he said, holding up Aaron's necklace, "is indeed 'The Celestial Empress.' Created by the famed jeweler Maximilian Duval in the early 20th century, it is a masterpiece of unparalleled craftsmanship. The diamonds are flawless, and the centerpiece, a rare Kashmir sapphire, is among the most valuable gemstones in existence. Its provenance is impeccable, having passed through the hands of European nobility. This piece is valued at over twenty million dollars."

Gasps filled the room as attendees grappled with the revelation. Dean turned to James's necklace, inspecting it briefly before delivering his verdict. "As for this," he said bluntly, "it is a poor imitation, worth no more than a few thousand dollars."

James's face turned crimson, his humiliation undeniable. The room, which had moments earlier celebrated him, now bore an air of quiet judgment.

Lady Eleanor, visibly conflicted, struggled to conceal her disappointment in James. However, she could not ignore the significance of Aaron's gift. "Well, Aaron," she said, her tone measured, "you've managed to surprise us. Let's see if you can sustain this level of effort."

Dean returned the necklace to Lady Eleanor. "This is an extraordinary piece," he remarked. "Aaron, your choice reflects remarkable discernment and taste."

Aaron inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I wanted Lady Eleanor to have something truly exceptional."

As Aaron returned to his seat, the atmosphere around him shifted. For the first time, he had defied the expectations placed upon him, earning a measure of respect from those who typically dismissed him. On the ride home, Amanda and Sarah inundated him with questions. Aaron, unprepared for their curiosity, offered a vague explanation "It was gift from a friend, after i told him about grandma's birthday, he offered the necklace to me, he didn't tell me about it's price" technically this was true, had asked Natalie for a gift but hadn't expected this outcome. "Ha I knew a bum like you couldn't afford something so expensive, you just had to go begging your friends, could you been any shameless" Amanda retorted.

 While Amanda seemed convinced by Aaron's simple explanation, Sarah's skeptical expression lingered, though she chose not to press further.