---- Chapter 133 Frederick looked at me with a slight smirk. "Didn't you know? "Know what?" "This isn't just an ordinary birthday party. It's a charity birthday party." "What do you mean?" "All the gifts people bring are going to be auctioned off, and the money goes to charity." Iwas a bit stunned. "So, that's what a charity birthday party is Frederick gave me a strange look. "She does this every year. Don't you remember?" Crap... Thonestly didn't remember , but I played it off.

"Ijust didn't expect her to still be doing it this year." I touched my nose, trying to cover up my awkwardness. Frederick continued , She wants everyone to see how much Jonathan values her, but doesn't want to seem like she's flaunting it. So, she accepts all kinds of gifts, but donates them all in her name, so she gets the reputation and comes off as kind and generous." So, that was what this was all about... ---- "No wonder it's such a big deal.

But do people really just willingly bring gifts?" "You don't get it." He explained, "It's not just about the gifts. Everyone here understands Jonathan's connection to the Zimmers. If they manage to get in the Zimmers' good graces, Jonathan's more likely to see them as potential business partners. It's a smart move for both sides." So, there was all this strategy behind it... It was eye-opening, to say the least. He gave mea sideways glance. "What are you planning to give?" "Me?

Do I have to give something as well?" I was a bit surprised. Emotionally or logically, I didn't see why I'd need to give her a gift. He didn't say anything, and I watched as person after person went up on stage, presenting their carefully prepared gifts. I started to feel uneasy. The only reason I came tonight was to make some connections for future business. But now, with how things were unfolding, it felt inappropriate not to give a gift. Instinctively, I glanced toward Jonathan.

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He still had that calm, indifferent expression. ---- Just by standing there, he was the center of everyone's attention. People couldn't help but orbit around him, analyzing his every expression, every move, racking their brains trying to please him, terrified of upsetting him. He sat there like he was accepting tributes from the crowd. As I looked at him, he turned his gaze toward me as well. I hesitated, tempted to look away. But then I remembered what happened earlier, so I didn't move.

He quickly looked away, then got up and walked off. Istared at his back for a moment, pressed my lips together , and ended up following after him. Alicia was currently surrounded by admirers, basking in their compliments. Everyone's attention was on her, so no one noticed us slipping away. The hallway was quiet and cool. Isaw Jonathan walking slowly toward the fountain, where he finally stopped.

I didn't know what he was planning to do, so I figured I'd wait until he stopped before approaching, but I didn't expect him to notice me. His voice was calm and cool. "How long are you planning to keep following me?" I froze, thought for a second, then walked up behind him. Why didn't you tell me this was a charity birthday party? I didn't bring a gift." He turned around and looked at me expressionlessly . "I told ---- you to come with me. Why didn't you listen?" He didn't answer my question.

Instead, he threw out another one. I didn't know how to respond. Was I supposed to tell him I just didn't want to come with him? His eyes seemed to look straight through me. Seeing that I remained silent, his expression turned colder. "Did you come with Frederick?"