LOGINNoelle knew exactly what she was doing. By playing innocent, she could push Edric to the front and have him fight the battle for her.Edric clearly hadn't expected to see a photo like this. "Does your friend know who that woman is to Mr. Lowe?""No," Noelle replied. "She just happened to run into them, but she said Mr. Lowe and that beautiful woman were laughing together and seemed awfully close. Edric, isn't he Ivy's husband? You don't think he's cheating on her, do you?"Edric's expression shifted. "Cheating?""It's your father's birthday today, but Mr. Lowe didn't even bother to show up. Instead, he's out with another woman," Noelle said. "How could anyone not be suspicious?"Edric frowned. "I see."Noelle pressed him at once. "So what are you going to do?""I'm going to tell my father."Noelle's face darkened at once. She should've known Edric wouldn't know what to do without running to his father. He had always relied on Roger to make every decision for him.Edric had spe
The crowd quickly chimed in. "We don't mind waiting. Mr. Lowe must just be tied up with work.""Getting to see Mr. Lowe at all would be an honor."Tabitha leaned closer to Ivy and lowered her voice. "Is he here yet?"Ivy looked at Roger. "Grandpa, Nathan isn't coming today."What?Roger stiffened. "What did you just say? Nathan isn't coming?"Tabitha frowned. "Why isn't he here? It's your grandfather's birthday. Didn't you say he'd come with you?"Ivy stayed calm. "There's a problem with one of Lowe Group's overseas projects, so Nathan had to fly out overnight. He feels terrible about missing your birthday, but he asked me to pass along his wishes and hopes you have many more years ahead."So Nathan had gone on a business trip.Roger wasn't pleased. Of all times, it had to be today. Still, he kept it off his face. "I see. Work comes first."Tabitha quickly smoothed things over. "Men have responsibilities. The Lowe family runs a massive operation. Nathan's the heir, so it's on
Kate's eyes lit up as she blurted out, "Oh my god! Mr. Lowe's actually out on a date with another woman!"Noelle was thrilled. Nathan skipping the party had already been a pleasant surprise, but this photo was even better!Then, her phone rang.She picked up. "Hello."The same familiar male voice came through. "Are you happy with the photo?""More than happy," Noelle said, her voice sharp with excitement. "Tonight is Roger's birthday party. Not only did Nathan not show up, but he's also out on a date with some woman. If this gets out to Roger and everyone here, Ivy's done for! She won't be able to recover from it.""My people already checked," the man said. "Nathan's overseas on a business trip. Right now, he's having dinner at a steakhouse with a woman. From what I hear, they're pretty close. Definitely not just business.""I got it. Thanks for this," Noelle replied.He chuckled. "No need. Kate's my daughter, after all."Noelle replied, "Don't worry. I'll make it worth your w
Jealousy churned under Noelle's calm expression.She nodded to Kate. "Yes, Ivy's here. Where's Mr. Lowe?"Kate glanced over, then her face lit up. "He didn't come!""What?" Noelle snapped.She looked again. Ivy had stepped out of the car and gone in alone. There was no sign of Nathan anywhere.A sharp smile spread across Noelle's face. "I can't believe this. Nathan actually didn't show up. This couldn't be better!"Kate's eyes gleamed. "Tonight's party was supposed to revolve around him. Grandpa's been waiting for him this whole time. Now that he's not here, this is going to get interesting!"Noelle pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Hello."A man's voice came through almost immediately. "Noelle? Well, that's a surprise. You're calling me first? I thought you didn't want me reaching out, in case Edric found out.""I'm calling about something important. Cut it out," she said flatly."Alright, what is it?""I need you to find out where Mr. Lowe is right now."There wa
Noelle nodded obediently. "Alright. Go on in."Edric glanced at Noelle and Kate, then said, "You two should head home early. I'll have the driver take you back first. Once the birthday party wraps up, I'll come home and spend time with you."He made the arrangements with careful thought.Noelle shook her head. "We don't want to go home. Even if your dad won't acknowledge Kate, she's always respected him in her heart. If he won't let her in, then we'll just stay out here. It still counts as celebrating his birthday. When it's over, we'll all go home together."Edric froze for a second, clearly moved. He looked at her with softened eyes. "Don't worry. I'll never let you down.""I know. I'd give anything for you, even die for you.""Hey, don't say things like that," Edric cut her off. "We're going to stay together for the rest of our lives.""Yes. Go on, don't keep them waiting," Noelle said with a soft smile."Alright. I'll go in now."Edric hesitated before finally turning and
"Dad, Kate is already outside," Edric said quickly. "She's a good girl, very polite and well behaved. She said she'll only come in if you allow it. If not, she'll just stay outside and celebrate your birthday from there. You should meet her. You'd definitely love her!"Tabitha let out a cold snort. In her eyes, that illegitimate girl had clearly inherited her mother's talent for sweet talk.Roger looked straight at Edric."Tell her to go home."The refusal came without hesitation."Dad!" Edric exclaimed, aghast. Roger's expression hardened. "Tabitha said one thing that was absolutely right. Ivy is the only daughter of the Quinn family. I won't acknowledge anyone else."Edric's face fell instantly. Without another word, he turned and walked away.Outside the estate gates, Kate and Noelle were waiting in a luxury sedan. They had been sitting there the entire time, waiting for Edric to fight their way in and bring back an answer.Kate looked increasingly anxious. "Mom, do you th
Halsey's lashes trembled. What was that supposed to mean? Whether he came back tonight or not wasn't something she had any control over.Raindrops slid from Shaun's sharp jawline, dripping down one after another. Halsey, worried he might catch a cold, quickly said, "You're soaked. I'll grab you a
Halsey's pupils constricted in shock. Shaun had actually forced a kiss on her!She raised both hands against his broad, muscular chest and pushed him away. "What the hell do you think you're doing? You spend your mornings with Chelsea and your nights with Geneva—am I supposed to be next on your l
Gilbert let out a low chuckle. "This is gonna be one hell of a show!"-Back home, Halsey ran a hot bath to wash away the day's exhaustion. Just as she was finishing up, Patricia walked in holding a steaming bowl of lobster bisque."Here—drink this," she said.Halsey took the bowl and tasted a s
Halsey quickly lifted both hands and pressed them against Shaun's chest, trying to push him away. "Don't do this…""Don't do what?"Shaun turned slightly and backed her up against the counter, his body closing in on hers.His firm, lean figure pressed tightly against her, the air between them sud







