Charlotte also realized after entering the company how challenging this path was. Some people had always been privileged and exceptional, and while she didn't think of herself as inadequate, she had to admit that her older brother was far more capable.
Fiona would urge her every day, insisting that she should join the technical department to get involved in the core decision-making of the company.
Charlotte was well aware, but the technical department was not easy to get into. She had mentioned it to Gary several times, and he had told her that the department required specific professional skills, which she lacked.
However, Abner had managed to enter the department, and had risen to his current position from there.
Charlotte suppressed the emotions beneath her eyes and asked Eric, "And you, when are you planning to give up filmmaking and join the company?"
There was a touch of arrogance in Eric's eyes as he replied, "Why should I give up filmmaking?"
Charlotte arched an eyebrow, not pushing the topic further.
Eric might genuinely enjoy making films, but his mother Amanda wouldn't agree. After all these years of pursuing his passion, he was likely reaching his limit.
"Where is Audrey?" Charlotte changed the topic.
Usually at events like this, Audrey would navigate the crowd to wherever people gathered, afraid of not being noticed.
Speaking of this, Eric felt extremely jealous. They had to deal with the headaches of socializing while Audrey was comfortable inside playing with her phone.
"She's in the house," Eric said.
Charlotte thought of something and found it unbelievable. She also felt an indescribable sense of envy.
However, she would not say it out loud. She hid in a corner for a while and soon, someone came looking for her.
Charlotte and Eric mustered their energy to engage in socializing. At this moment, their envy for Audrey reached its peak.
Audrey stayed hidden until the end of the party. Charlotte had also decided to stay later. After the guests had left, only their family remained.
Audrey remembered the birthday gift she had prepared and quickly went upstairs to fetch it.
It was then that she realized she hadn't seen Abner and his siblings holding any gifts.
She became uncertain for a moment.
[Did they already give their gifts? Or am I the only one who prepared something? That would be so embarrassing.]
Seeing the line of words above Audrey's head, the Lance siblings were speechless in unison.
They couldn't possibly hold onto the gifts the whole time; those had been given to the servants to put away at the beginning of the event.
With so many gifts being given, Gary wouldn't even fully notice them all. Anyway, when others held their parties, he would delegate the gift-giving to his assistants.
In the end, Gary spoke up to alleviate Audrey's embarrassment. He asked, "What do you have there, Audrey?"
Audrey quickly handed over the exquisitely wrapped gift box in her hands and smiled, "This is a gift for Uncle Gary, wishing you boundless blessings and longevity."
Gary took the gift and chuckled, "Audrey, you're so thoughtful. I heard from your mother that you made this gift yourself."
Actually, it was when Audrey had gone to the studio to make bookmarks, and Gary had casually asked about it. Anthea had told him.
In Gary's position and experience, he didn't need any mysterious surprises.
Audrey replied with a smile.
Before she could finish speaking, she felt three pairs of eyes locked onto her. Audrey felt somewhat baffled.
[Why are they looking at me? Could it be that there's something wrong with the gift I'm giving them? What if they don't like it after receiving it? Maybe I shouldn't give it to them and keep it for myself.]
The three siblings were stunned, not expecting Audrey to prepare something for them. At that moment, their minds were surprisingly synchronized—they all wanted to know what Audrey had prepared for them.
Eric was the most straightforward, asking, "You made a gift yourself? What did you make? You have this kind of skill?"
Ignoring the subtly sarcastic undertone in his later words, Audrey said, "I made bookmarks myself. Since I rarely get the chance, I made one for each member of my family."
Upon hearing this, Gary chuckled and said, "Audrey, you have a unique approach. This is much more meaningful than having an assistant pick a gift directly."
Eric rolled his eyes slightly; his father always had his assistants pick gifts for others, regardless of the relationship. Now he had the nerve to judge others.
Since it had already been brought up, Audrey decided not to delay any longer. She went upstairs and brought down the gifts she had made for them.
Indeed, each family member had their own. Even Charlotte, who hadn't been home for a while, had one.
Charlotte seemed slightly surprised when she received the gift.
Each of these bookmarks was unique, and it was evident that they were crafted with thought and care.