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Chapter 168 Happy Birthday
I smirked, knowing dealing with Melanie was a piece of cake. However, I decided to keep a low profile after signing the contract as it would make anyone envious. It wouldn't be wise to stir the pot at this sensitive time.As for using Melanie, I would have to wait for the right moment.Although Tuesday was my birthday, I might have forgotten it if my mother hadn’t prepared a special breakfast. Ava woke up early and sang a birthday song with her childlike voice. Her voice was so heartwarming that I felt an indescribable mix of emotions.Matthew was supposed to be away on a business trip on this day last year. However, he returned in the evening with a necklace, a complete set of makeup items, and his wishes. We even went to Al Dente, a well-known restaurant, for dinner with the whole family.Looking back now, I wondered if he had been on a business trip or if he had been spending time with Melanie.I chuckled bitterly, feeling a lump in my throat. I lowered my head and bit into a w
Chapter 169 A Heartwarming Family Dinner
"Are you busy?" I asked."What is it? Go ahead," Atlas sounded somewhat unhappy, making my heart race slightly."Where are you?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy."Quillbrooke," he hushedly spoke, sounding like he was in a meeting.I felt even more awkward. "I was just...wondering what you're up to right now. I'm fine, so you can call me back when you're not busy."I quickly hung up but couldn't hide my disappointment. I wanted to tell Atlas I missed him but knew the situation prevented it. Since he was a business tycoon, being with him daily was impossible.Perhaps choosing him meant not living an everyday life. I chuckled, wondering why I was so sentimental since it was only my birthday. Soon, I composed myself because I had many important things to handle. I couldn’t afford to dwell on my emotions and had to face reality.That afternoon, I called Lauren and Ivanna to invite them for dinner. Ivanna knew it was my birthday and always remembered it each year.Before leaving work,
Chapter 170 Can I Take Her Out?
He stood by the car as I got out with Ava, and he approached us, saying, “You’re back!”My dad had a strong impression of Atlas, mainly since the latter had visited my dad at the hospital twice. My mom said, “Hello, Mr. Atlas, please come in! I’m sorry if we kept you waiting.”“That’s okay, Mrs. Laura. I just arrived,” he said with a smile. When he saw me carrying Ava, he asked, “Can I help?”I was surprised as I stood rooted, not knowing what to say. However, Atlas had already approached me, saying, “Let me hold her.”His gesture made me feel like crying for some reason. He reached out for Ava, but it seemed he didn’t know how to take her from my arms.“I can manage,” I said.“You can give her to me. You look like you’re struggling,” Atlas insisted, and I could only pass Ava to him.From his stiff and awkward posture, I knew he had never held a child. Still, he was earnest, like he was handling a delicate item. I almost laughed at his awkwardness and went to help adjust his pos
Chapter 171 The Birthday Gift
When we entered the Starlight International penthouse, a dinner for two and a chilled bottle of wine were waiting for us. Atlas pulled me into his arms and said, “Happy birthday! This was the best I could do because I’ve been swamped. But I’m glad I didn’t miss it.” I leaned into him and said, “I prefer simple celebrations. Just being with you makes me happy.”With a magician’s flair, he produced a gift box seemingly out of nowhere. I looked at him, and he gestured at me to open it.I lifted the lid, revealing a stunning pen. It was adorned with diamonds and featured my initials inlaid with rubies.“It’s gorgeous!” How did he know that I had a thing for pens?Back then, I used to collect various pens and had a sizable collection at my parents’ house. However, when life grew busier, I set my collection aside.The pen was not just a luxury item. It was a genuine work of art—an Aurora Diamante fountain pen. It was a pen I had once mentioned to Matthew that I would buy when I beca
Chapter 172 Up in the Air
His eyes narrowed. “What’s the matter?” “It’s nothing. Design Division asked for the drawings,” I said. “I met Nick the other day and told him about it, so he’s aware.”“Design Division?” Then he said, “They could always get them from Nick’s project department. You don’t have to resend them.” I almost criticized that mean woman, but I refrained. After all, she was his employee. I said nothing, and he didn’t ask further questions about it. Time went by fast, and we were only together for four hours. It was late at night when he sent me home. I felt terrible when I saw how tired he looked. He had hurried back just for my birthday and would have to leave for Quillbrooke early tomorrow.At the door, he pulled me into his arms and held me for a moment. “Good night.” I looked at him. “Try to get some sleep, okay?”“I will.” He watched me go in. I didn’t want to close the door, but he’d never leave if I didn’t. He needed to rest. I shut the door with a heavy heart, and then ran
Chapter 173 Who Dares?
ATL Empire still seemed in trouble, and I wondered what was happening. The traffic light turned green, and I continued driving. "I'm almost home.”Stella's voice sounded a bit moody as she said, "Come on. I have no friends here, and I need someone to talk to.""Then wait for me at the coffeehouse across the office building." I glanced at the kindergarten, turned the car around, and headed back.At the coffeehouse, Stella was nowhere to be found. I was about to call her when she entered with a smile, looking pretty as ever. She set a small paper bag in front of me. "It's for you."I gave her and the bag a puzzled look. "What is it?" "It’s from the latest YSL collection. I just got it," she said. I knew the lipstick was quite expensive. "I rarely wear makeup. You should keep it for yourself.""I ordered it just for you." She glanced at me. "And you gave me a treat, didn't you? Consider it my way of saying thanks. Just take it.""Well, thank you then," I replied, not wanting to
Chapter 174 A Battle of Wits
Despite feeling completely helpless, I tried to appear unconcerned. It was clear what Stella was trying to tell me. However, I couldn't let on how I felt. I realized she had been probing me ever since we first met.She seemed surprised by my indifference. "You don't seriously think this is normal, do you?"I sipped my coffee, but it tasted bitter. "I wasn’t born rich, so I don’t understand your world. Though I’m a businesswoman, I’d never force anyone against their will, especially not my family."Stella was somewhat taken aback."Does your mom need to force you into it? You can just marry if you love each other. After all, you’re not related." I stared at her, my words tauntingShe wanted to tell me that Atlas was hers and find out if there was anything between us. I wanted to know why they weren’t married if he loved her. I doubted she could answer me!"Let's change the subject. We're getting off track," Stella chuckled. “Do you know why I've been so interested in you from th
Chapter 175 Waiting for Him to Speak
It seemed I had underestimated Stella, and she wasn't as innocent as I thought. Those from ATL Empire were never what they seemed. I once again realized the inexplicable force that had sucked me in.I pinched my thigh to wake myself up. My mom had picked up Ava from kindergarten, who ran over to me. "You're so early today, Mommy! Uncle Ryan bought me a new doll.""Uncle Ryan?" I was puzzled. Ryan came out of the kitchen wearing an apron. "I was at the bank earlier and bumped into your mom. So, I accompanied her to the kindergarten."My mom joined him from the kitchen and said, "He also took us to Parkside Plaza, and we went shopping at the supermarket."I could tell she liked Ryan from how happy she looked."I saw you leaving the office early. Why are you only back now?" Ryan asked. "Well, I was almost at the kindergarten, but Stella wanted to meet me," I said, tired. Ava showed me a new Barbie doll from the latest release. I had a soft spot for Barbies, too. When I was a