?Chapter 1367:


    He turned slightly, ready to leave, but Jewell cut him off. “Come on. You haven’t made a wish in years. Maybe this time it’ll actuallye true.”


    Ste stayed quiet, watching the candlelight flicker across William’s face.


    William let out a slow breath, closed his eyes for barely a second, then opened them again.


    “That was fast,” Jewell said. “What did you even wish for?”


    Jewell was unusually talkative today, and William’s irritation showed in the slight pinch of his brows. He was about to respond, but Jewell didn’t give him the chance. “You made that wish way too fast. We haven’t even sung yet. Do it again.”


    William had been seconds away from walking off, but the mention of singing made him stay. Maybe he wanted to avoid that spectacle… or maybe curiosity held him in ce. Either way, he shut his eyes again.


    Jewell shot Ste a quick look, signaling her to start.


    Ste hadn’t prepared for this at all. She hesitated, lips parted, then began softly, “Happy birthday to you…”


    Her voice carried easily in the quiet room, gentle but clear. It felt strange hearing it echo in a space that usually felt so cold.


    William’sshes trembled. He kept his face neutral, but something flickered under the stillness.


    She made it through the whole song. When she looked up again, he was already watching her. His dark eyes caught hers, and her breath slipped for a moment before she looked away.


    A beatter, he leaned in and blew out the candles.


    Jewell reached for the knife to cut the cake, but William stopped him with a low, “That’s enough.”


    And that was it. He stood and walked straight to his study, shutting the heavy door behind him. The sound echoed down the hallway.


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    Ste flinched. “He really doesn’t like birthdays…”


    Which meant the gift she prepared might not even matter now.


    Jewell held out a slice of cake. “He’s not as indifferent as you think. Didn’t he wait for you to finish the entire song before blowing out the candles?”


    Ste blinked at that. She hadn’t noticed. But now that he mentioned it… it did feel a little intentional.


    “Go on, eat,” Jewell said. “Then head upstairs and give him the gift.”


    She eyed the slice. The dark frosting made her wonder if it would stain her mouth.


    She’d never seen a cake like this before.


    Jewell cut himself a piece too. It was a custom cake with premium cream—wasting it would be a shame.


    Ste, though, couldn’t bring herself to eat. After a few minutes of sitting quietly, she stood, picked up the telescope she’d bought, and headed upstairs.


    Jewell watched her go with a faint smile.


    Hopefully, after today, William’s heart—long frozen by whatever reasons—might open just a little.


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