Chapter 1146

To be honest, Lisa was just jealous.

It's always been this way-no one can rival a woman's resentment of another woman. Who doesn't want a husband who dotes on her? And if she can't have one, she'd rather no one else does either. It's like with friends and family-they want you to do well, just not better than them. Too poor and they pity you, too rich and they

resent you.

Carter and Scott didn't catch the envy in Lisa's voice. Men are just clueless sometimes, never bothering to guess what's really going on in a woman's mind.

At that moment, Herman and Anastasia showed up. Mr. Walker, all smiles, came over to greet them. "Ana, Herman! You made it. Come on in, find a seat."

They came without their kids.

Anastasia smiled back. "Congratulations, Mr. Walker."

For an event like this, Anastasia didn't use his official title. Mr. Walker was playing the gracious host, so she played along.

“I brought a little something for the baby. Hope you don't mind.” Anastasia handed over a limited-edition collectible toy set.

A toy at a baby's welcome party—just right.

Given Mr. Walker's position, anything too fancy would look like a bribe-definitely off-limits.

A toy, though, was harmless and thoughtful, showing friendship without crossing any lines.

"Thank you, that's very kind. I'm sure the little guy will love it," Mr. Walker said politely. “Come on, let's get you settled."

Herman kept his poker face, nodded, and led Anastasia to their seats.

Lisa leaned in to Carter and whispered, "Seriously? Anastasia just gave a toy?

That's so cheap. Doesn't she feel embarrassed?"

Carter heard this and couldn't help comparing his wife to the others.

Everyone knew Mr. Walker's situation-how extravagant could you really get with a gift?

Too generous and you'd have the ethics committee knocking at your door.

Carter suddenly thought of something and asked, "So what did you get them?" Lisa handled the gift shopping.

With a smug smile, Lisa said, “A pair of solid gold lockets. Five ounces of gold, custom made."

Carter felt a headache coming on. "Why would you give something so expensive?" The real gifts are given in private. At events like this, you keep it simple.

Lisa grinned. "Relax, I didn't put it on the official gift list. On paper, it says 'a pair of silver lockets,' worth under three hundred bucks."

Carter let out a breath. "Good. That's better."

By now, all the guests had arrived and dinner was about to start.

Mr. Walker got up to give a speech. "Thank you all for coming today to celebrate my son's first month. I'm truly grateful. At my age, to still have a son, an heir-it's a blessing? I want to thank my wife, Autumn

His words were warm and heartfelt. To everyone watching, Mr. Walker looked

genuinely happy, grateful, and very much in love with his wife.

He waved Autumn up to the stage, and as he spoke, he hugged her. "Autumn, thank you for everything you've done for this family. All these years, you've worked so hard."

Autumn felt a pang of guilt. She knew he was just putting on a show, saying what he had to for appearances' sake, but she still couldn't help feeling touched.

.n

Mr. Walker held Autumn's hand, turning to the guests. "When Autumn married me, I had nothing We didn't even have a proper wedding. She followed me to the countryside, endured more than twenty years of hardship. Now things have turned around. Autumn, promise I'll look after our family, and raise our son to be a good man..."

He went on and on. Down below, more than a few guests felt sorry for Mr. Walker. There'd been so many rumors that the child wasn't really his, but Mr. Walker just ignored the gossip and focused on his wife and son.

Anastasia caught Herman's eye. They shared a look-no words needed.

Mr. Walker really knew how to put on a performance.

After the speech, dinner was served.

It was a happy occasion. No one would be so tactless as to gossip or cause trouble tonight.

After a few rounds of drinks, another guest arrived—Joseph, with his son Alan.

Mr. Walker had invited him personally. Spotting Joseph, he hurried over. “Come, have a seat!"

"Thanks." Joseph, as always, wasn't

impressed by status or power. He

barely nodded to Mr. Walker or

Autumn, then took his son straight to Anastasia's table and plopped Alan down beside her. "Anastasia, can you keep an eye on him for me?"

Anastasia blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness.

Alan was delighted and scooted closer. "Aunt Ana, you look so pretty today." "You're such a sweet-talker, Alan,” Anastasia said, smiling as she took care of him.

The banquet hall was full of people coming and going. Joseph needed to work the room, so he left Alan with Anastasia.

Joseph sat next to Herman and spoke in a low voice. “Did Walker invite you personally?"

Joseph nodded. “Yeah, but I have no clue what he's after."