billion book
34
34
Camila was already used to this after years with her Grandma. She said with a smile, “It’s okay.”
“I’ll take you on a trip for the holidays,” Claire said.
“Yay, the diner is closed for seven days over the holidays! I got a big raise, so I can treat you to see the snow,” Camila giggled.
Claire nodded with relief, “You’re really something, sweetheart.”
After more than an hour on the bus, they finally arrived at the Maple Seafood. “This place is pretty expensive,” Camila remarked.
“It’s your grandma’s 70th birthday, so your uncle probably wants to do something nice,” Claire said, linking arms with her daughter as they walked inside.
Camila frowned and said, “I bet he will find an excuse to go to the bathroom when it’s time to pay the bill.”
This had happened a few times before. Every time the waiter brought the bill, either he was on a phone call or had gone to the bathroom, so to avoid embarrassment, her mom would always end up paying. Later, her uncle would pretend to be surprised, saying, “Oh, you’ve paid already?” He never mentioned splitting the bill or transferring money.
Once they reached the private room, her grandmother and uncle’s family had already arrived and ordered.
“Mom, happy birthday.” Claire handed her mother a prepared giftbox.
Her grandmother squeezed the thickness of the giftbox, and her smile beamed. “Claire, you’re so thoughtful.”
“Grandma, wishing you health and happiness.” Camila presented the gold earrings she had bought that morning.
Her grandmother smiled as she took them, opened the box right away, but upon seeing the gleaming earrings, her expression subtly changed. She looked slightly scornful and shook her head gently as she closed the box.
She extended her hand, wrinkled and spotted, displaying a shiny new gold bracelet. Her eyes were filled with pride. “This is the gift from Drew.”
Drew was Camila’s cousin.
Camila glanced at the gold bracelet in her grandmother’s hand, estimating it to be around ten thousand. Drew had just graduated from a lesser–known college. How could he afford such an expensive gift?
“Drew is really talented. He made over thirty thousand last month,” Riley boasted proudly.
“He is indeed successful,” Claire complimented.
“That’s right. Camila has been working for over a year since graduating and doesn’t even make ten thousand a month, does she?” her aunt Melinda pointedly said towards Camila.
Camila forced a smile.
“Yes, and since you have such a successful son like Drew, maybe it’s time you treated us to dinner? You won’t need to ‘leech‘ off my mom anymore.”
Riley’s and Melinda’s faces turned ashen. “Such an ungrateful child!”
Claire squeezed Camila’s hand, smiling, “It’s wonderful that Drew is doing so well. Riley and Melinda, every child has their own path in life. The amount of money one earns isn’t the sole measure of a person’s worth. Camila works at a company with great prospects, and she’s hardworking. I’m very proud of her.”
Just then, the door to the private room opened.
“Grandma, sorry I’m late. I was just sealing a deal with a client.” Drew entered, dressed in a suit and tie, looking every bit the corporate executive, and Camila almost didn’t recognize him.
“Drew is getting more handsome by the day. That suit really suits you,” Claire complimented.
“Hi Aunt Claire, Camila,” Drew nodded in greeting.
“Come on, let’s eat. You must be starving.” Their grandmother pulled Drew by the hand, her eyes filled with affection.
“Drew has to meet with another client this Saturday. With a top salesman like him, no wonder Capital Solutions can become the biggest financial company!” Melinda bragged.
Capital Solutions? Wasn’t that the company where Lily’s husband worked?
Camila took the seat next to Drew..