Ava and Tom looked at each other. Ava seemed to understand that he was trying to get her a way out of this situation.

She nodded and wanted to reject Neil, but she heard Neil say regretfully, “Really? You have an appointment with a friend, Ava? That's a pity. Today is your mother's birthday. Our family has finally reunited. I think your mother also hopes that we can sit down and have dinner together again.”

Upon hearing these words, Ava’s words of rejection were stuck in her throat. She was unable to speak for a while.

“Ava, if you can…” Neil sounded to be pleading with her, but in the middle of the sentence, he suddenly smiled with ease. “Since you have a prior appointment, it's better not to miss it. It’s fine for your mother and me to spend it together.”

“You can bring me along too if you don't mind.” Tom smiled. It seemed as if he was joking.

Neil warmly invited, “If you don’t mind, we can add an extra seat for you, Mr. Lowe.”

Tom smiled when he heard that. “Let's go, then. M