Seeing this scene right now, he finally understood.


    It was all for this very moment-so that his family could be safe, happy, and carefree.


    "Ian, what are you spacing out for? You''re the birthday boy, hurry up and get over here!"


    "Ian, we''re just waiting on you," Magdalen waved him over.


    "Dad!" Evelyn hopped out of her seat and flew toward him like a happy little bird. He caught her, carrying her over to the dining table and setting her down right next to Eleanor.


    He took the seat opposite them, his gaze naturally falling on Eleanor.


    Eleanor looked up at him. This time, she didn''t look away. "Happy birthday," she said softly.


    Those simple words sent a surge of emotion throughn''s chest. He smiled. "Thank you foring."


    The birthday dinner began in a rxed and cheerful atmosphere. Magdalen led a toast, and everyone raised their sses to celebraten''s thirtieth birthday.


    There was no business talk tonight—just theughter and warmth of family. After enjoying a meal prepared by a five-star chef, the three-tier cake Serena had ordered was brought out.


    Sitting across from them, Eleanor suddenly felt a wave of realization wash over her. It was only his thirtieth birthday.


    She couldn''t help but recall the first time they met. He had only been neen, yet theposure and maturity he carried, along with that aloofness, made him seem so much older than his peers.


    Her gaze rested on the man across the table. Despite the few silver threads in his hair, he exuded an undeniably mature and handsome charm. The flickering candlelight illuminated his loweredshes and his focused expression as he made his wish.


    The daughter in his arms sped her little hands together, perfectly mimicking his posture.


    "Can we eat the cake now?" Evelyn asked eagerly. Eleanor snapped out of her thoughts and looked up, catchingn staring right at her.


    Eleanor looked back at him. With the surrounding lights turned off, the flickering glow of the candles made


    it feel as if the boy and girl from the past had seamlessly transformed into mature, grounded adults.


    Eleanor felt a faint pang in her chest, apanied by an emotion she hadn''t even fully recognized yet-understanding.


    "Ellie, your cake," Serena said, handing her a slice.


    Eleanor watched as her daughter happily dug into hers.


    Just then,n raised a ss of wine from across the table, gesturing slightly toward Eleanor.


    Eleanor picked up her ss of juice and returned the subtle toast.


    Magdalen and Gina Quinn exchanged a secret nce, both of them failing to hide their delight.


    Once they finished the cake,


    everyone moved back to the living room to hand out their presents


    Eleanor handed him the pen she had


    bought. Contént belongs to


    meaning behind giving me a pen?"


    Eleanor immediately thought of what Joy had said earlier. "No special meaning," she said quickly, justel walked past a boutique and picked one out."


    Eleanor felt her cheeks warm up. "I''m not nervous."


    "I love the gift, and I''ll be sure to put it to good use,"n said in a low voice, looking


    at her with a profound gaze.