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 ack 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, I went to Ryan’s office and saw him buried in his work. He didn’t stop working when I entered, so I waited. Without looking up, he said, “Give me ten minutes.”

I sat before his desk and watched him work tirelessly. I couldn’t help but wonder when I became an evil capitalist. Ten minutes later, he finally looked at me and said, “Go ahead.”

I was annoyed that men always sounded so indifferent and direct. I calmly said, “Let’s go for dinner together.”

Ryan smiled and stood up, saying, “Wait a moment.”

He continued discussing work–related matters with me until he received a call. After the call, he said, “All right, we can go now.”

As we headed downstairs together, he stopped at the front desk for something before coming outside with me. Soon after, I drove to Al Dente while Ivanna fetched my parents and daughter.

They were already in the private room when I arrived. I saw a massive two–tier cake on the table and my daughter staring at it with widened eyes. It was adorable.

Ryan didn’t seem surprised when we entered, appearing like he had anticipated this. However, my parents Ivanna told me she had already ordered the dishes and asked if I was satisfied. Thinking about the lobster from the company party, I ordered an extra one and added a soup of the day for everyone Before long, someone knocked on the private room door, and I rushed to open it. When Laura entered, she looked surprised and asked me, somewhat awkwardly, W–What’s going on here?

I replied. “I just wanted you to meet my parents and daughter She pointed at the table. “What about that?”

“Oh, today’s my birthday!” I smiled at her.

“Chloe, this isn’t right!” She looked at me disapprovingly “Oh, what’s wrong? I just wanted you to meet my parents. My birthday isn’t that important. I treat it as a family gathering–everyone here is dear to me. That’s why I invited you.”

I introduced everyone to Lauren, and she sat beside my mother. I told my mother. “Starting today, you have another daughter.”

Lauren’s eyes welled up with tears. I knew it had been long since she had experienced such a family.

gathering. It was a joyous meal, especially for Ava. After all, her loved ones surrounded her and treated her like a princess.

I discovered that Ryan had stopped at the front desk earlier to pick up the gift he had gotten me. It was a necklace he had ordered from Lexington. He said he had never forgotten my birthday.

Ivanna gave me a watch every year. All my watches were gifts from her. Finally, I realized Lauren had settled the bill, leaving everyone surprised.

Ava fell asleep in my arms before we reached home. She still had cream near her mouth, making her look.

adorable yet beautiful. I hugged her and kissed her cheek while silently apologizing to her.

I didn’t know how disappointed her little heart must have been for not seeing her dad on such an occasion. The car stopped, and I struggled slightly to carry Ava out, only to notice someone waiting there.