Chapter 360

Chapter 360 Birthday Party

The next morning, Chloe started her day by preparing a hearty breakfast. The kitchen was filled with

the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. As she sat down to enjoy her breakfast,

the combination of flavors and textures brought a sense of contentment to her taste buds.

She enjoyed her meal while reviewing her study materials. The questions for the driving test were

relatively straightforward, requiring a strong grasp of theory rather than practical application. By nine

o’clock, she arrived at her office.

In the lobby on the ground floor, a middle-aged man in his fifties looked around anxiously, clearly

waiting for someone. As Chloe approached, she could not help but express her surprise. “Patrick?”

Patrick turned around and smiled. “Ms. Chloe, I happened to be passing by and thought I’d drop in.”

Chloe did not buy his explanation as she was familiar with Patrick’s way. She playfully teased, “Just

dropping in, huh?”

“Ms. Chloe, you’re quite sharp. Nothing gets past you,” Patrick said, pulling out an invitation card and

handing it to her. “Mr. Harold’s birthday party is tonight. He’s been talking about you for several days.

He hopes that you can attend the celebration.”

Chloe did not reach out to take the invitation card. “I’ve already divorced Joseph. It wouldn’t be

appropriate for me to attend such an event, especially since he might bring Xavia…”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Joseph is away on a business trip today. He won’t be going, and the people invited by

Mr. Harold are his comrades. They won’t pry into the affairs of the younger generation,” Patrick assured

her.

“But-”

Patrick interrupted her and forcefully handed her the invitation. There was a tinge of sadness in his

voice as he said, “Stop with the ‘buts.’ No one would dare to bully you, and if anyone does, Mr. Harold

would surely not let them off. Besides, you know the state of his health. After this year’s birthday, who

knows if he’ll be able to celebrate next year…”

“Are you sure Joseph and Xavia won’t be going?” Chloe asked.

Patrick chuckled, his smile warm. “I’m telling the truth, my dear. I’m getting old, but I wouldn’t lie to you.

“All right,” Chloe said, “I’ll go tonight. Do you know what Grandpa likes, Patrick? I want to buy him a

gift.”

“As long as it’s from you, Mr. Harold will like anything,” Patrick replied.

Chloe’s eyebrows went into a playful arch and said, “I’m that important, huh?”

“Yes, that’s why you must come,” Patrick insisted.

“Okay.”

Patrick was not lying. Joseph was indeed away on a business trip today, and it would take an afternoon

to travel from Aesper to Docwood. As long as the weather did not take a turn for the worse, he would

make it back in time.

In Joseph’s house, Xavia approached him and took the initiative to greet him. She distributed prepared

pet treats to Toto and Oreo, then presented a beautifully crafted painting to Joseph.

“Joe, I recall that today is your grandfather’s birthday. Can you help take this gift to him? He seems to

be fond of this painter,” Xavia said.

Joseph glanced at the painting and replied nonchalantly, “He won’t like it.”

“Why?” Xavia asked, feeling a sense of grievance. She cautiously asked, “Do you think the gift I chose

isn’t presentable? You don’t have to mention that it’s from me, just take it for me. I want to make

Grandpa happy.”

“He dislikes this painter because of his unpatriotic actions. He now enjoys playing chess,” Joseph

replied.

Embarrassment flashed across Xavia’s face. “I’m sorry. I should’ve checked…”

“After feeding the dogs, go to the hospital for your prenatal check-up. I need to go to the office,” he

said. With that, he went upstairs to change his clothes, leaving her with a cold and distant back view.

Xavia clenched her fists and kicked Oreo, causing it to yelp in pain. Its dark eyes filled with fear as it

timidly approached her with its ears flattened, trying to appease her. But once again, she kicked the

dog away with a swift kick.

Oreo cowered and tucked its tail between its legs, losing all courage to enjoy the treats in its bowl. The

dog curled up in a corner, resembling a remorseful chill and evoking a sense of pity.