?Chapter 1291:


    Jerome pressed his lips into a tight line and stayed quiet.


    Yes, they were. But why should he have to share it with Jasper? She’d only just met Jasper today.


    “You two can go. I’m not interested.” Jasper’s voice was cool and distant,cking Jerome’s warmth or yfulness.


    “Come on, don’t be shy!” Nina giggled, her voice sweet as sugar. “My mom, dad, and brother are all super nice. Once we eat the birthday cake, I’ll even have my mommy teach Jerome hacking!”


    Nina’s wordsnded just right, instantly catching Jasper’s attention.


    His eyes drifted toward Freya, quietly weighing whether she truly possessed any real hacking skills or if it was just smoke and mirrors.<fn745e> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? fινdnοvel</fn745e>


    “Come on,” Nina urged sweetly, her eyes shimmering with hopeful mischief.


    Jerome fell quiet. His gaze dropped to her hand, which was wrapped around Jasper’s arm. A flicker of emotion stirred behind his calm demeanor—quiet but unmistakable.


    Nina didn’t see it. Nor did Jasper.


    After a pause that hung heavily in the air, Jasper gave a nod of agreement. With his permission in hand, Nina pped joyfully and hurried off to invite Donna, who agreed on the spot.


    Since one car wasn’t enough for all of them, Donna drove with her two kids, while Freya and her family led the way in another.


    Once inside, Nina could hardly contain herself. She was practically bouncing on the seat, joy bubbling out like soda shaken too hard.


    Jesse, however, was quick to put a pin in her joy. “Haven’t you noticed your friend doesn’t look too happy?”


    “You mean Jerome or Jasper?” Nina asked, her wide eyes brimming with innocent curiosity.


    Jesse was momentarily at a loss. He silently offered Jerome a prayer of sympathy.


    He didn’t expect Nina to shift her attention to another boy so quickly.


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    “Are you talking about Jasper?” Nina guessed when Jesse remained quiet. “I don’t think he’s upset. He just hasn’t warmed up to us yet. Once we y for a bit, he’lle around for sure.”


    “Actually, I meant Jerome,” Jesse corrected softly.


    Nina looked puzzled, brows slightly scrunched. “I think he’s fine.”


    “Are you sure?” Jesse pressed, gently but firmly.


    “Of course I’m sure,” she replied with cheerful certainty. “I know Jerome well.”


    Faced with her unwavering certainty, Jesse wisely let the matter drop.


    When they arrived home, Freya and Ellis had alreadyid out a warm spread—snacks and treats arranged like a wee mat. They had even brought out a birthday cake to make up for the celebration that had been missed.


    As soon as the cake appeared, Nina grabbed Jasper by the hand and marched toward it like it was treasure she had been waiting for all day. She nced back and shouted, “Jerome,e quick!”


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