?Chapter 1686:


    Giselle snapped, “You’d better keep her in line. I’m warning you, Shepard, my patience is wearing thin. Push me one more time, and I’ll divorce you!”


    Out in the hallway, Sandra stood frozen, her heart pounding as the words sliced through her.


    Unable to hear anything more, she turned away and stormed to her room. Once the door shut behind her, she sank onto the couch and broke down in tears.


    The next morning, her eyes were swollen and rimmed with red. She took a long breath, gathered herself, and reached for her makeup. Layer byyer, she painted over her face to hide the dark circles under her eyes.


    At breakfast, Giselle sat at the head of the table, holding her phone as she spoke animatedly. “Happy birthday, Dalton! I meant to tell you yesterday, but you’re all the way in Ubrax, where it’s still May 4th. These time zones are wild. Here, we’ve already moved past May 5th, but you’re still living in it.”


    “Thanks, Mom!” Dalton replied on the other end of the line. “So, what are you eating today? Please tell me you’ve had a proper meal.”


    Dalton shrugged. “What else? Set catering, of course. Out here in Ubrax, you’re lucky to even get anything decent. The boxed meals aren’t bad, though. At least we don’t have pirates or thugs causing trouble this time, so I’ll take that as a win.”


    Sandra sat quietly at the table, having heard the entire conversation. It was only then that it dawned on her. She and Dalton shared the same birthday.


    Giselle had gone out of her way to call him because of it, but she had forgotten Sandra’s.


    Her bias was evident.


    Dalton didn’t even hold a party, but he was surrounded by genuine love.


    Momentster, Brenna came down the stairs, followed by Ernst and Lilith. One by one, they gathered around Giselle’s phone to talk to Dalton and wish him a happy birthday.


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    Sandra bit back the bitterness rising in her chest and forced a “Happy birthday” to Dalton.


    In the evening, Brenna and Ethan stayed at the office longer than usual. After finally leaving thepany at seven, they drove to a high-end restaurant.


    As they stepped inside, Brenna’s eyes drifted toward a nearby corridor. Jalen was there, walking beside a middle-aged man. The two soon disappeared into a private dining room.


    Brenna leaned closer to Ethan and muttered, “Didn’t Jalen say he was broke? How could he afford to dine in a ce like this?”


    Ethan shrugged nonchntly. “Maybe hispanion is paying.”


    Brenna shook her head, unconvinced. “Nah. I’d bet he’s the one treating people to a meal. His dad’s in jail, and he’s been tangled up in his own messtely. He’s probably here trying to pull some strings or ask for a favor. But dining in a ce like this won’t be cheap. There’s no way he can really afford it.”


    Ethan nodded. “Whatever it is, it’s his problem. You don’t have to care. Want a drink?”


    “Alright,” Brenna said, skimming the menu while chatting with Ethan. “By the way, how’s your mom these days?”


    Ethan leaned in, looking at the menu with her. “She’s having the time of her life up in the mountains. Loves being around the kids, but the altitude’s been a pain to get used to. Her teaching stint’s almost over; she’ll be back in maybe another week or so. She’s been teaching the children songs—says it brightens her days.”


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