Devoted Love:The Billionaire's Precious Wife-Chapter 743 - 744

But Serena’s triumph lasted all of two fleeting seconds before her mind raced back to a scene at school.

Mr. Albright, in a very public setting, had proclaimed that Rosemary’s chess prowess was his tutelage at work, and even floated the idea of Rosemary succeeding him.

If Rosemary truly was his protégé, given their mentor-mentee bond, it stood to reason that Mr. Albright would likely extend an invite to his birthday bash.

With that thought, Serena’s mood soured. It seemed Rosemary’s luck was infuriatingly good, having stumbled upon Mr. Albright’s guidance.

Without that stroke of fortune, Rosemary probably wouldn’t even know chess.

Her thoughts stewing, Serena’s fingers danced over her phone, sending a WhatsApp message to Martin.

[Martin, got an invite to Mr. Albright’s birthday bash? I heard he’s always been low-key, celebrating quietly. Never threw a big shindig like he’s doing this time. I’m head over heels for the violin, you know.

I heard a bunch of venerable old-timers will be there. Hope I can get a chance to bump into Jamie Noelle and earn a few pointers.

I’m not a true Collins, as you well know. If I had a real talent, I’d be in your league, Martin, and your folks might even warm up to me.

I don’t want the Collins family to pull strings for me. I want to impress Jamie Noelle with my violin skills, making her want to mentor me.

Martin, can you help me out?]

After sending the message, Serena got a case of goosebumps.

At the last inter-university competition, Alma had bowled over the judges with her violin, earning heaps of praise for her natural gift. Perhaps that snob thought she was the bee’s knees and got cocky. She even dared to challenge Rosemary to a face-off onstage.

But Rosemary’s performance was crushing, garnering rave reviews.

Serena thought, if she could get Jamie Noelle’s tutelage, her violin skills would eclipse both Rosemary and Alma, and she’d be the rising star of the violin world.

Then, not just the Collins family, but everyone would look at her differently, including her aunt.

Even without the "daughter of the Collins family" label, as a maestro of the violin, she’d waltz into high society.

As for Martin, well, by then, who knew if he’d even be in her league!

With that thought, Serena allowed herself a smug smile.

Eugene Albright’s birthday party was set on his private estate, rivaling a 5-star resort in grandeur and beauty.

The invitation stated 7 p.m., but the road to the estate was already lined with luxury cars worth millions before the time. Their occupants were clearly people of wealth and stature.

The majestic gates stood wide open, the butler and a cadre of eight servants lined up to welcome the arriving guests.

Unable to sit still in the main house, Eugene himself took up a spot by the entrance, awaiting his guests.

He glanced at his watch constantly; it was nearly 7 o’clock. Those old codgers hadn’t shown up yet, nor had Rosemary sent him any message. He wondered if she had arrived.

With that thought, he kept peering out the gates.

The first to enter were Mr. Gardner and his granddaughter.

As Mr. Gardner and his granddaughter were warmly greeted by the butler and eight servants, they responded with polite smiles and nods.

After all, these were Eugene’s staff, and no detail could be overlooked.

Having exchanged pleasantries with the servants, they looked up to see the well-dressed Eugene standing before them, uncharacteristically playing the host.

Mr. Gardner approached with a hearty chuckle, "Eugene, after all these years, you’ve finally decided to throw a birthday bash. As an old friend, I’m thrilled to finally wish you a happy birthday in person. Today is truly a special day, and later, we must toast properly to it!"

"In place of liquor, let’s stick to water, since a young girl frowns upon me drinking," Eugene replied, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Mr. Gardner assumed Eugene was referring to a relative and said with a laugh, "Blessed you are, to have youngsters keeping you in check. I’ve got my own whip-smart whipper-snapper at home, this one right here. Allow me to introduce my granddaughter, Phyllis Gardner. Come on, say hello to Mr. Albright."

"Mr. Albright, on this special day, wish you a healthy long life," Phyllis said, presenting her gift with both hands.

"Oh, you brought a gift?" Eugene extended his hands to receive it, "Thank you, thank you."

"Phyllis has been passionate about chess since she was little, with over a decade of practice. For all these years, she’s admired you the most. I’ve told her about our friendship, but she wouldn’t believe it!"

As Mr. Gardner spoke, he didn’t forget to nudge his granddaughter, "See, Phyllis? I wasn’t spinning yarns. Mr. Albright and I really do go way back."

Phyllis chuckled playfully, "Grandpa, for once you’re not exaggerating."

"Hey now, what kind of talk is that?" Mr. Gardner grinned, "Eugene, we’ll go on in and wait for you."

"Great."

As soon as Mr. Gardner left, more guests approached to exchange pleasantries with Eugene.

Seizing the moment, Mr. Gardner whispered to Phyllis, "Phyllis, when the time is right, try to catch Eugene’s attention. Find a way to make him take you on as his mentee. He’s a tough cookie, you know. Old friends’ recommendations don’t sway him; he has to see something in you himself, you get me?"

"Don’t worry, Grandpa, I’ve got this in the bag," Phyllis assured him confidently.

She had won her fair share of chess competitions, and it seemed that today’s birthday guests were from the older generation, with hardly any young people.

She was sure to stand out!

"Mr. Albright, it’s been too long since we last met. You’re looking younger by the day!" A graceful lady approached, her smile impeccable as she took Eugene’s hand. "May you happy every day, and get better with each passing year."

"Vivian, thank you," Eugene’s gaze drifted to her daughter, noting the absence of her father, despite his name on the invitation.

Sensing his thoughts, she explained with a laugh, "My dad wanted to come himself, but he took a tumble and hurt his leg. He’s bedridden now and didn’t want to worry you, so he kept mum. He made me promise to bring his granddaughter to your birthday party. Oh, and here’s the present he picked for you. You must accept it."

"Thank you, you’re too kind," Eugene said, his face a mask of gratitude though he anticipated what would come next.

"Oh, and this is my daughter, my dad’s adored granddaughter. Say hello to Mr. Albright."

As expected, another attempt at a recommendation.

"They grow up so fast, don’t they?" Eugene smiled affably, hiding any trace of his feelings.

"Mr. Albright, my name is Roxanne. On your birthday, I wish you everlasting life and all the happiness in the world," Roxanne said with ease and confidence.

"Thank you."

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