Devoted Love:The Billionaire's Precious Wife-Chapter 744 - 745

Eugene had barely finished speaking when a few more guests approached.

"Mr. Albright, it’s been ages! Remember me? I’m Bluno, Bluno Marsh! Back at the chess tournament, my dad took third place, and we met backstage. I told you that when I grew up, I wanted to be a chess champion just like you, and you even complimented me."

The man speaking was a successful gentleman, whose eyes, even when smiling, held a businessman’s shrewdness.

He had brought his daughter along, but before he could delve into his purpose, another guest interrupted.

"Oh Eugene, it’s been so long, and you still look as dashing as ever. My late husband would’ve been so thrilled to see you in such high spirits."

The speaker was a well-dressed elderly lady, her eyes brimming with tears as she clutched Eugene’s hand and said, "It must have been seven or eight years since we last met. Last year, my husband fell seriously ill and on his deathbed, he still talked about wanting to play one last game of chess with you. He said you were the most admirable and formidable opponent he ever encountered in his lifetime."

The successful gentleman couldn’t help but internally scoff at the old woman’s theatrical display, which completely overshadowed his earlier attempt to engage Eugene.

As he thought this, he reached out to shake Eugene’s hand, only to be preempted by the elderly lady.

"Eugene, let me introduce someone. This is Mabel. My husband taught her everything he knew about chess. He always hoped she’d have the chance to match wits with you, as a way to fulfill his last wish. Oh dear, talking about such somber things on this joyous occasion. We can arrange a game when you’re free."

The elderly lady knew how to advance by retreating. She cast a fond look at Mabel Remington.

Mabel quickly spoke up, "Mr. Albright, I’m so thrilled to be here for your 60th birthday. I finally get to meet the respected opponent my grandfather always spoke of. Indeed, as he said, you are the epitome of vitality, an outstanding person. This was my grandfather’s most treasured possession, and though many offered a handsome sum, no one could buy it from him. He made us promise to give it to you if we ever had the chance, believing only you are worthy of it."

With both hands, Mabel offered Eugene a gift box.

"This gift is far too precious for me to accept," Eugene demurred.

He had invited her grandfather to his birthday because he truly admired the man as a great chess player and had a favorable impression of him. Eugene hadn’t realized he had passed away last year.

In recent years, Eugene had retreated to the countryside, living a life of leisure with a few old friends, paying less attention to the outside world. His main concern was to see Rosemary succeed and carry on his legacy.

He wasn’t even aware of his old friend’s passing.

"Mr. Albright, please accept it. There’s no one in the world more deserving than you. It’s also fulfilling my grandfather’s last wish. Please, take it," Mabel urged gracefully.

"Well then, I would be remiss to refuse," Eugene said, accepting the gift and gesturing, "Please, come inside."

The elderly lady gave the successful gentleman a smug look and led her granddaughter inside.

The successful gentleman, used to dominating the business world, couldn’t stomach this slight. He quickly said, "Mr. Albright, I haven’t yet introduced my daughter, Lindsay Marsh."

"Nice to meet you," Eugene nodded, and seeing more guests approaching, he invited them all, "Please, come inside."

Seeing the crowd around Eugene thicken, Bluno had no choice but to lead his daughter inside.

"Lindsay, you better make your old man proud later and outshine that Mabel! What kind of name is Mabel, anyway? It doesn’t hold a candle to Lindsay. Did you remember to take photos of your trophies before we left?"

Lindsay nodded, "I did."

"Good. You’ll need to find a way to charm Mr. Albright. If you can become his protégé, this trip will have been worth it!"

After all, they had the money; what they sought was prestige.

If his daughter could gain fame, she would have no trouble marrying into an even better family.

"But Dad, I want to be Jamie Noelle’s protégé. I love the violin."

"Sure thing, kiddo, you can learn from Eugene—ah, I mean, Mr. Albright—and study violin with Jamie Noelle at the same time. It won’t have any conflict." Bruto patted her back. "I’m just waiting for you to steal the show."

"Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll make you proud." Lindsay was quite confident in her looks and talents.

Eugene had been standing so long his feet ached, and his smile was nearly frozen on his face. As guests continued to stream in, he grew impatient—Rosemary was yet to arrive.

Was it possible those old coots were deliberately keeping her from coming, planning to stand him up collectively??

They wouldn’t dare, would they??

With that thought, he pulled out his phone and sent a voice message to the group chat.

> "Listen up, if you guys dare keep Rose from my birthday bash today, I’ll have your heads tomorrow."

Beck: [Well, let’s hear who’s got that sour tone. Oh, it’s today’s man of the hour. Why? Rose didn’t show up and you’re blaming us old folks?]

Charles: [Now, Mr. Eugene, aren’t you a tad too anxious? It’s only 7:15 p.m.; it’s still early! Rose probably just left home after dinner.]

Tanner: [If she makes it in the last minute, you should count your blessings. That girl’s busy, you know!]

Nelson: [What’s the rush? I haven’t even left my house yet. Could she be faster than me?]

Eugene glanced at the clock—it really was just 7:15 p.m., but why did it feel like an eternity had passed?

"I’ll leave you folks to it; I need a break," Eugene said, his throat dry from all the schmoozing.

The butler spoke respectfully, "Mr. Albright, Ms. Collins..."

"Where? I don’t see her." Eugene craned his neck looking around. "Where is she?"

Indeed, there were luxury cars pulling up outside, but not Rose’s. He looked everywhere but didn’t see the familiar figure.

"I wasn’t finished. What I meant was, when Ms. Collins arrives, I’ll let you know. Please, go take a rest, have some tea."

Eugene barely suppressed the urge to punch him. "Can’t you just speak in full sentences next time?"

He thought Rosemary really arrived; turned out he got his hopes up for nothing!

As he noticed seven or eight guests disembark and head his way, Eugene quickly uttered, "I must be going."

"Mr. Albright!"

Just then, a voice called out.

Eugene looked up to see a young woman, arm in arm with Martin, walking towards him with a poised and friendly smile.

Martin was his invitee, that he knew, but who was this girl? She looked vaguely familiar. And why was she latched onto Martin’s arm??

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