I looked at the memo-Peter’s birthday was just three days away.


    It wouldn’t be appropriate to bring up such matters on his birthday, so I decided to visit him beforehand, bring a gift, and spare him the need to entertain me on his special day.


    But before I could take any action, Philip showed up.


    I hadn’t seen him since the amusement park, and when I firstid eyes on him, I almost didn’t recognize him.


    “Have I gotten so tan that you don’t recognize me anymore?” Philip joked, breaking the silence with a self-deprecating smile.


    Looking at him like this, I couldn’t help but think of Josh. I smiled faintly. “If Michelle saw you now, she’d definitely feel sorry for you.”


    “No, my mom actually says I look manlier this way,” Philip responded, trying to get augh out of me.


    I pressed my lips together, stifling a smile. “I’d say you’ve definitely got more of that ‘manly’ vibe now.”


    Philip ran a hand over his face, grinning. “I thought so too.”


    Though he was clearly trying to lighten the mood, his words left me unsure of how to reply. I shifted the topic. “So, how’s Michelle? And Peter? Are they doing well?”


    Yeah… they miss you,” Philip said, and I felt a pang in my chest.


    I used to go back to the Dolton family every day after work; they’d see me every day. But ever since I moved out, I hadn’t been back once.


    ‘I was thinking of visiting them today,” I said, hesitating for a moment before adding, “and speaking to Peter about something.”


    Philip looked at me, and I could see the curiosity in his eyes. He wanted to know what was going on. There was no point in hiding it from him, so I told him, “Alvin’s been aggressively trying to sabotage thepany I’m working for, even going so far as to poach our clients.”


    Philip’s face didn’t show surprise, which confirmed he already knew.


    He nodded and said, “I’ve already told my dad about it. As for your resignation… he doesn’t agree with it at all.”


    He paused, and then with a serious expression, said, “I’m here today as my dad’s emissary, Zoe… you should go back to thepany.”


    His solemn look caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help butugh. “If you don’t seed today, do you think Peter will punish you?”


    I said it jokingly, but I could see the memory sh in Philip’s eyes. It reminded me of the time when Peter had sent him on a task, and Philip had failed.


    When he returned, Peter had kicked him twice, hard. It was the first time I’d ever seen Peter lose his temper like that.


    Philip hadn’t reacted at the time-no tears, no exnations-but when he saw me, he’d looked embarrassed, his face red. I’d realized then that I should’ve hidden away to spare him the difort.


    “Are you teasing me?” Philip smiled, though I wasn’t sure if he was recalling that moment when he’d been scolded by Peter..


    “No, I…” I started, but before I could finish, Philip interrupted me.


    “Look, I’m not here to convince you. Even if he does go back and hit me, I’m not going to try and change your mind.”


    I blinked at him, confused. Philip pressed his lips together, his tone soft but firm. “I know why you left. You gave up even the amusement park you loved so much. How could I possibly force you to go back?”


    He smiled, a bright and sunny grin, “And anyway, I know you wouldn’t go back, so there’s no point in making things


    awkward.”


    He knew me too well.


    Before Philip left, I had actually gotten along with him better than with Alvin in the Dolton family.


    Alvin could be kind, but he had a tendency to tease me, sometimes pulling pranks or scaring me. Philip, on the other hand, had always protected me, even scolding Alvin when he went too far. To me, he was like a big brother.


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