Chapter 697
“Oh, I see…” Zoe murmured, her gaze distant. She gazed at the seat, her eyes clouded with sorrow. ‘If only Aria were here, she thought wistfully.
Caleb caught Silvia’s glance and opened his phone to see Aria’s Instagram. A smile tugged at his lips as he commented, [Nice cash origami work.]
Sitting next to him, Wilson also sensed something was off. He pulled out his phone and exclaimed, “Holy shit! Owen is such
an overachiever.”
Wilson thought, ‘What we gave was all store-bought, and compared to something handmade like this, ours just paled in comparison.’
Luke gave Wilson a light kick and scolded, “Watch your language! That’s no way to talk, always swearing like that.”
Wilson didn’t react, but Joseph’s face darkened. “You kicked me!”
Luke immediately apologized, “Sorry, Dad.”
Joseph glared at him. “Stop overreacting. ‘Holy shit’ is just a way to express shock. Since when is that considered swearing?”
Luke was stunned. He thought, ‘What’s gotten into Dad lately?’
Wilson turned his head, just as shocked. He thought, ‘Man, Grandpa’s like a whole different person after all these years. Did someone possess him or something?’
Joseph turned to his two grandsons, a kind glint in his eyes. “Once you’ve finished celebrating Silvia’s birthday, you can head over to Aria’s place and celebrate with her too. And bring along the gifts we’ve prepared for her.”
Abigail took out two gift bags and handed one to Caleb. “Bring this along for me when you go,” she said. Then she handed the other gift bag to Silvia.
Thanks, Aunt Abigail,” Silvia said.
Caleb took the gift. “We’ve already celebrated her birthday. Next time.”
You’ll make another trip,” Joseph cut off Caleb.
Caleb said, “Not going again.” He thought, ‘Owen is celebrating Aria’s birthday with her tonight, so we won’t intrude.
Joseph frowned, instinctively about to speak, but remembering his resolve to soften his stern image with his grandsons, he held back. “Caleb, you have always had your own mind. Just do as you see fit.”
Logan, his eyes shadowed with dark circles, asked gently, “Caleb, are you heading to the office tomorrow?”
Caleb nodded. “Yeah,”
Logan breathed a sigh of relief. If he had to keep this up any longer, he’d probably work himself into an early grave.
As they were about to unwrap the gifts, Owen noticed Aria had posted on Instagram. Messages started flooding the family group chat. Owen tapped it open.
Emma: [Sweetie, you did an amazing job, so much better than your brother ever could!]
Owen: [You bet I am.]
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Chapter 697
Kim: [Owen, get your butt back to the office and help out. Then I’d have time to do this kind of stuff too.]
When Aria went abroad, Owen followed without a second thought. Kim, tied down by corporate duties, was green with
envy.
Owen: [Even the busiest can make time for handmade gifts. Stop making excuses for yourself.]
Kim: [Speechless]
+28)
Owen pocketed his phone and joined Aria in unwrapping the presents, soon covering the entire sofa with opened gifts. Aria couldn’t even tell who gave what anymore.
Owen chuckled. “No need to figure out who gave what. They’re all yours anyway.”
Aria picked up a gold bangle intricately carved with patterns and asked, “Did you make this?”
Owen’s eyes lit up as he nodded. “Yeah, I made it.” There were other similar pieces, but Aria instantly recognized Owen’s handiwork.
“Help me put it on,” Aria said.
Owen took the bangle and gently slipped it onto her wrist.
Aria’s lips curved into a smile. “I love it.”
Owen said softly, “Glad you like it.”
Finally, Owen picked up the gift box from the sofa and asked Aria, “Should we open this one?”
“Might as well,” Aria said.
Owen opened the box and carefully pulled out a scroll. As he slowly unfurled it, the parchment revealed line after line of densely packed handwriting.
