Chapter 6

Over the next few days, Yvonne barely left her room except to eat.

All she wanted was for the divorce to be finalized as quickly as possible. She ignored Justin and the boys’ endless attempts to please Sophia as though she could not see them at all.

Soon, Sophia’s birthday arrived.

Justin had originally planned to throw a lavish party, but Sophia gently refused. “Let’s just celebrate at home. I don’t like big crowds.”

Milton immediately chimed in, “Perfect. I don’t like outsiders trying to suck up to us anyway. It’s better when it’s just our family.”

…

On the day of Sophia's birthday, the villa was decorated in a warm, extravagant style. The maids bustled about, and Justin personally placed a birthday hat on Sophia’s head.

“Make a wish.” Justin’s gaze was full of tenderness.

Sophia clasped her hands and closed her eyes in the candlelight. After she blew out the candles, Justin and the two boys presented their gifts.

Justin gave her a set of antique jewelry. Milton handed her the key to a limited-edition sports car. Travis proudly presented the deed to a private island.

Sophia’s eyes turned red with emotion. “Thank you… all of you.”

She suddenly looked toward Yvonne, who had remained silent until now. She put on a sweet smile. “Yvonne, what gift did you prepare for me?”

Every pair of eyes turned toward her.

Yvonne met Sophia’s expectant gaze and answered calmly, “I didn’t prepare one.”

She had no desire to and no intention of doing so.

Milton’s expression instantly darkened. “Mom! How could you do that? You knew today was Ms. Shaw’s birthday!”

Travis pouted. “You don’t even have basic manners!”

The two boys exchanged a glance. Suddenly, Milton’s eyes lit up. “Wait! Mom has tons of nice things Dad bought her. Let’s pick one from her room and give it to Ms. Shaw!”

Travis nodded immediately. “Good idea!”

Before Yvonne could react, the boys had already dashed upstairs toward her bedroom.

“Wait!” Yvonne’s expression changed drastically. Ignoring the fact that her leg had not fully healed, she staggered after them.

When she pushed the door open, the boys were already rummaging through her room. Jewelry boxes had been overturned and drawers pulled open, their contents scattered everywhere.

“Found it!” Milton suddenly shouted, holding up a silver necklace with a small crescent moon pendant. “This one’s pretty!”

Yvonne’s pupils shrank. It was the last gift Henry had given her before he died.

“No!” She rushed forward to grab it back. “You can’t take that! Your Uncle Henry gave it to me!”

Milton nimbly dodged aside. “It’s just a necklace. You can ask Uncle Henry to buy you another one later.”

Her voice trembled. “He’s already dead!”

Travis rolled his eyes impatiently. “You’re lying again. It was just a dummy last time! Uncle Henry’s obviously traveling. He even said he’d bring me back a gift!”

Then, he leaned over the railing and shouted downstairs, “Ms. Shaw! We found Mom’s gift for you! You’re going to love it!”

Yvonne reached out desperately for the necklace, but Milton shoved her hard. “Why are you being so stingy?!”

Yvonne's foot slipped, and she tumbled down the stairs. The back of her head slammed against the steps. Blood instantly spilled from her temple. She lay in a pool of blood. Her vision blurred as a loud ringing filled her ears.

“Mom!” Milton and Travis panicked and ran downstairs.

Milton’s voice trembled. “I-I didn’t mean to… It’s your fault for trying to grab it…”

Travis burst into tears. “Mom, you’re bleeding…”

Justin strode over when he heard the noises. His expression changed instantly when he saw the scene. “What happened?”