Chapter 546 stand.” After pausing for a few seconds, she couldn’t help but add. “If you trust my judgment, it’s best to drop this bid sooner rat


    Summer met Colton’s gaze and could tell he was displeased. Instantly everting her eyes, she fell silent, offering no furtherment. They were no shortsighted. No wonder the Gilbert family had never made it big in theirst life.


    Mandy nced at Summer with a hint of reproach but tried to keep her temper in check. In a heartfelt tone, she advised, “Summer, in business, we bank on good fortune. Let’s not have any more of that defeatist talk, okay?”


    Colton was always a bit superstitious, which exined his imitation upon hearing Summer’s suggestion to back out.


    Summer’s expirds drooped slightly as she murmured a subdued, “I underher thanter”


    At her words, Colton’s <b>expression </b>turned to thunder.


    “Goodness, child, you’re bing more clueless by the day…” Mandy shot Sun


    ook, then turned to soothe Colton.


    Summer’s lips twisted into a wry smile as she <b>stood</b>, clutching her cup. “I’m <b>going </b>to my room to study. With that, she left the living. room and hardly nced at Aiden as she bumped into him on the stairs before ascending.


    Aiden, mouth quirked, was still engrossed in his mobile game. He sauntered into the living room and flopped onto the couch with the nonchnce of a privileged youth. “Mom, don’t you think Summer’s been acting strangetely?” She used to strut around like she owned the ce, and now she acted like they <b>had </b>all mistreated her somehow.


    Mandy turned to her younger son, exasperation clear in her <b>voice</b>. “You shouldn’t call her ‘Summer like that. She’s your sister.”


    Aiden’s eyes remained glued to his phone<b>. </b>“I’m not too keen on acknowledging a sister with such a calcting mind.”


    Shaking her head, Mandy’s thoughts drifted, and then she said, “Your 16th birthday ising up in a few days. Your father and I are nning to throw a big party for you. You can invite some of your close school friends.”


    Aiden looked up from his game, which had just ended. “Ah, it’s just a small birthday. Do we really need to <b>make </b>a <b>big </b>deal out of it?”


    “Of course we do. <b>You’re </b>the hope of the Gilbert family. Having a good show is a must, Mandy insisted.


    Aiden pondered for a moment, then asked, “Can I invite anyone?”


    Mandy eyed him, countering, “Who do you want to invite?”


    “That crazy girl,” Aiden blurted out.


    Mandy looked puzzled.


    Clearing his throat, Aiden pocketed his phone before rifying, “I mean that one… Mirabe.”


    Realization dawned on Mandy. In the past, she would have scolded her son for even considering inviting someone like Mirabe. But remembering the Davis family… she showed no displeasure and nodded in agreement. “Sure, that’s fine.”


    Aiden was surprised to find his mother so amenable today and gave her a curious look. He said, “Just not sure if she’lle.”


    He remembered waiting outside Parkside High School for that fierce girl who had been more arrogant than him, which made him grumble his teeth in frustration


    He’d overheard his parents long ago say that the Davis family was dirt poor, so he figured he could use his birthday bash to make Mirabe green with envy. She’d see just how well the Gilbert family lived and realize the poverty she came from!