Avery stares at Leonie at a temporary loss for words. If she rejects Leonie's offer, she'll look petty and childish. Leonie has all the skills of an award-winning actress, and the guests are eating out of her hand. They whisper back and forth, praising her generosity and sweetness.
"Since Evan didn't hold a birthday party for you, I'll celebrate your birthday!" Leonie announces.
Some guests begin to applaud her kindness, and Leonie leads Avery to a large pink cake. Leonie's statement has the intended effect, and the gossiping crowd murmurs again.
"How pathetic—her own husband won't even throw her a birthday party," some women whisper, "How dare she ruin Leonie's birthday party? She's so spiteful! Shame on her."
"Why did the Howel family ever choose her to marry Evan?" asks a man.
"I heard that they're on bad terms with each other and have already signed a divorce agreement," says another man.
