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Kaden tactically sipped his tea, trying to keep a straight face.
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He knew, even if he wanted to, he could never be as shameless as Joshua, calling him “bro” all buddy–buddy before even putting a ring on Xylia’s finger.
Kaden thought, ‘Guys like that–even if I ever have to marry into someone’s family, you better believe I’d think twice before jumping in.’
Rosalind caught the look on Kaden’s face and rolled her eyes at him.
Rosalind grinned. “Xylia really knows how to pick ‘em. Mr. Garcia isn’t just handsome–he’s head over heels for you. You managed to bag the best guy on earth.”
Joshua couldn’t help but smile at that.
Xylia nced at Kaden. The moment Rosalind dropped the ‘best guy on earth‘ line, Kaden looked like he’d just swallowed a lemon–his face was practically green.
Xylia cleared her throat. As his little sister, she figured she ought to help him out.
“So, Rosalind, where does my brother stack up in your world rankings?”
Kaden could only stare, at aplete loss for words.
Joshua burst outughing.
His eyes curved like crescent moons, white teeth shing. The face that was once cold and carried a hint of gloom suddenly lit up, as if sunlight cut through thick clouds–so bright you couldn’t look away.
Even Xylia had rarely seen himugh so openly and with such genuine emotion–it caught her off guard.
Without even realizing it, she just stared, unable to tear her eyes away.
Joshua reached out, his warm fingertips brushing softly against Xylia’s cheek.
“Do you think I look good when Iugh?” he teased.
Xylia nodded honestly, not hiding her feelings for a second.
Even though Joshua was alwaysid–back with her, his smile was usually a little mischievous. But now, without any of his usual teasing–just pure, heartfeltughter–Xylia thought he was
even more attractive.
<b>13:11 </b>Mon, <b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>
:
Joshua was very satisfied with how lost Xylia looked in his smile.
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Kaden couldn’t help but feel a bit disgusted seeing his sister get all look–thirsty over Joshua.
He always thought Xylia was the calm, reserved type.
Why did she let Joshua lead her around by the nose every single time?
Joshua leaned in closer, propping his chin on one elbow, that cheeky smile disappearing from his lips–but his eyes stayed soft as he gazed at Xylia.
“If you wanna stare, go ahead—your man’s all yours,” he said, full of yful affection.
Xylia swatted his face, nudging him forward to face the right way.
“Behave, will you? We’re outside.”
“Oh, fine…” Joshua muttered, pretending to give in.
Joshua dropped the smile and put on his best wounded–puppy look, acting all aggrieved.
Rosalind couldn’t hold back and broke into a fit ofughter at his dramatics.
Kaden took a tactical sip of water, keeping his poker face locked in, but the little smirk at the corner of his eyes totally gave him away.
“Xylia! I finally found you!” Be called out, her voice bubbly with excitement.
Be seemed to appear out of thin air,tching onto Xylia’s hand and refusing to let go.
She was totally rocking her princess look–hair swept back, a glittering crown set with diamonds that shed and sparkled on her head.
Xylia blinked in surprise.
“Be, when did you get here?”
Linda walked over with Howard, following right behind Be. She greeted Xylia warmly, “Ms. Sadler, it’s been ages–so good to see you again.”
Howard chimed in, “Be’s been going on about wanting to see you since this afternoon. She nearly started crying when she couldn’t find you in the banquet hall just now.”
Linda carried herself with the same grace and quiet confidence as she had back at the police
station.
Be grabbed Xylia’s hand and gave it a little shake.
<b>13:11 </b>Mon<b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>22 </b>
“Xylia, you look so pretty today!”
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Xylia leaned down and yfully booped Be’s nose. “You’re looking gorgeous too, Be. Our little princess is stealing the spotlight tonight.”
Be blushed, ducking her head, then stepped forward to snuggle right up against Xylia.
Her sudden clinginess made Linda and Howard pause in surprise, not quite expecting Be to be <b>so </b>attached.
Linda and Howard were both taken aback–Be never clung to them like this at home.
Howard greeted Joshua and the others at the table.
“Mr. Garcia, Ms. Webb, Mr. Sadler, let me arrange a better table for you,” Howard offered, realizing their current spot was too far from the main action.
This location was right at the end of the banquet, and considering these were some of Norhill’s most well–known guests, it really wasn’t fitting for them to be seated here.
Joshua replied politely, “Mr. Jennings, this is George’s birthday celebration. We’re all here to pay our respects–honestly, there’s no need for special treatment. We’re happy to sit right
where we are.”
Rosalind waved off the suggestion. “But seriously, why isn’t George Jennings out here yet?”
“He should be out any moment now.”
Howard didn’t push the issue, ncing at his watch before turning to Linda.
“Grandpa’s almost here. Let’s get ready,” he said.
Linda nodded and crouched down to talk to Be. “Be, we need to go see your great- grandpa now. We’lle back to y with Xyliater, okay?”
Be pouted but reluctantly let go of Xylia’s hand.
She wasn’t thrilled about it, but today was George’s birthday, and she’d promised to help him blow out the candles.
Be looked up at Xylia, her eyes shining with excitement. “Xylia, you have to wait for me! I’lle find youter–I’ve got a present for you!”
“Wait, I get a present too?” Xylia blinked, surprised.
Be nodded fiercely. “Don’t go anywhere, okay? You have to stay right here!”
“Alright!” Xylia replied with a little smile.
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Only then did Be, reluctant as ever, follow her parents away, ncing back at Xylia the
whole time.
Once they left, Xylia nced over at Kaden.
“Hey, seems like no one’s treating us any differently,” Xylia remarked.
Kaden nodded. “Yeah, when Howard was talking just now, he didn’t act weird with us at all- guess we really are just here for the party.”
Rosalind jumped in, “You know, your families have had bad blood for years. Now that Howard took the initiative to invite you all to George’s birthday, maybe it was at George’s request–he probably hopes to settle the score while he’s still around.”
Rosalind jumped in, “You know, your families have had bad blood for years. Now that Howard took the initiative to invite you all to George’s birthday, maybe it was at George’s request–he probably hopes to settle the score while he’s still around.”
Joshua poured Xylia a ss of water.
“At the end of the day, the feud between your families is from way back. It’s just about run its course with you guys,” he said.
Xylia pushed the ss away. “I don’t feel like it.”
Joshua frowned. “Your lips look dry. Aren’t you even a little bit thirsty?”
Xylia pressed her lips together, feeling a slight sting.
She finally took the ss and took a small sip.
The water was perfectly warm–everything tonight was handled with such thoughtful care.
Rosalind couldn’t help but feel a little jealous, seeing how thoughtful Joshua was with Xylia.
Out of nowhere, a warm ss of water appeared in front of her. She looked up past the elegant hand and locked eyes with someone who lookedpletely unfazed.
“Your lips might look fine, but I think you’re actually thirsty,” Joshua remarked, his tone soft with just a hint of teasing.
Rosalind nearly wanted to toss the water right into his face.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and on the circr stage not far away, the Jennings family helped an elderly man with silver hair onto the tform.
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He wore a traditional–style suit that Xylia had personally designed and crafted for him, giving him a gentle yetmanding presence.
A six–tiered cake was slowly rolled onto the stage, and George took the microphone.
“Thanks so much for joining this old man’s birthday bash! Eat, drink, and be merry—there’s some fun stuff nned forter, so I hope you all enjoy yourselves,” George announced with a smile.
His slightly raspy, yet powerful voice radiated vitality–clearly, he’s still going strong.
He didn’t bother with any stiff formalities—just kept it chill and said what needed to be said, making sure everyone felt at ease instead of stuffy.
After that, it was time for the usual birthday routine: the Jennings family gave their birthday wishes to George, blew out the candles, and cut the cake.
George cut two slices of cake, and Howard grabbed them, tagging along as George strolled over to Xylia’s table.
When they got there, George nodded for Howard to set the tes down.
“You must be the Sadler siblings, yeah? These are for you,” George said, smiling warmly.
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