The next day arrived quickly. It was Roger’s birthday.
The Quinn family estate was lit up from end to end with decorations. Outside the mansion, luxury cars lined the long driveway one after another. The whole place looked grand and lively.
Several young women from prominent families stood together, chatting excitedly.
“Mr. Quinn’s birthday party sure is huge!”
“Well, of course it is. The Quinn family went all out this time. Every big name in the business world showed up.”
“Look, look! Mr. Quinn’s coming out.”
The man of the hour finally appeared.
Roger walked out wearing a black suit, leaning lightly on a cane. His eyes looked cloudy with age, but there was still a sharp glint in them that made it clear that he had spent a lifetime in power.
People immediately gathered around him with smiles and congratulations.
“Mr. Quinn, wishing you a long life and continued success.”
Roger laughed happily. “Thank you, everyone. It means a lot that you all came to celebrate with me today. We’re honored to host you.”
“You’re too kind!”
Ivy’s mother, Tabitha, stayed close behind him.
“Ivy and Nathan should be arriving soon.”
Roger nodded. “Yes, I’m sure they’re on their way.”
Just then, Edric walked over.
“Hey, Dad.”
Although he and Tabitha were still technically married, the two of them had long since become enemies. They hadn’t even seen each other in quite some time.
Now that they were face–to–face, Tabitha gave him a cold glance.
These days, all she felt toward Edric was resentment and bitterness. The one thing she had always been proud of in her life was giving birth to Ivy, a daughter who was capable, thoughtful, and dependable.
Roger spoke calmly to Edric. “You’re back. Today’s my birthday, and the guests have already arrived. You and Tabitha go greet them together.”
That was how wealthy families worked. No matter how fierce the fights inside the family might be, none of it could show in front of outsiders. Even if it was all an act, they still had to look like a harmonious family.
But Edric didn’t move. He hesitated, clearly struggling to say something
“Dad, actually…”
Roger shot him a sharp look. “What is it?”
Edric took a breath. “Today’s your birthday. Kate is also your granddaughter. She wants to come and wish you a happy birthday,
too.”
1/2
+25 Bonus
“What did you say?” Tabitha exploded instantly, as if someone had lit a fuse. “You actually want to bring that illegitimate girl into this house?”
Edric’s face darkened. “Who are you calling illegitimate? Kate’s my daughter, too.”
“She may be your daughter, but that doesn’t change the fact that she was born out of an affair.”
Tabitha didn’t hold back at all.
“That woman outside must have you completely fooled. Look around! Do you even realize what kind of event this is today? All the most important people in the city are here. If that girl shows up, the Quinn family will become the laughingstock everyone talks about over coffee tomorrow morning. You abandoned your wife and daughter to keep another woman outside. And now, you think that’s something to be proud of?”
Edric’s face turned red with anger. “Can you talk like a reasonable person for once? Kate exists! That’s a fact. Are we supposed to keep her hidden forever?”
“That’s your problem, not mine,” Tabitha snapped. “All I know is that Ivy is the only daughter of the Quinn family.”
“You’re impossible!” Edric said through clenched teeth.
Roger watched the two of them arguing, their faces red with anger, and finally spoke up.
“That’s enough.”
His voice cut straight through the tension.
“You two have been fighting for 20 years. Haven’t you had enough yet? Because I’ve heard more than enough. You see people watching us? Are you trying to embarrass me on my birthday?”
Under Roger’s pressure, Edric looked a little uneasy.
Even so, he still wanted to speak up for Kate.
U
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
