Chapter 1525


    Philip recollected the memory of long ago, when Enid had gifted his spouse a set of checkers. Arabe


    had immediately spotted them as knock-offs. Enid was relentless, refusing to believe her gift was not


    genuine. Arabe, without missing a beat, had presented a real set and graciously passed it on to


    Shirley.


    That set had been a gift from Eugene to Arabe, who then re-gifted them to Shirley.


    The whole affair had tugged at Eugene''s heartstrings for quite some time.


    It never crossed his mind that she was Jamie Noelle.


    Howe she was Jamie Noelle.


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    "My girl, you''ve really impressed me!" Philip said with admiration, pping Arabe on the shoulder.


    "You should join me for a game or two sometimes and keep mepany."


    Lindsay, overhearing this, saw an opportunity for Arabe and quickly chimed in, "Besides checkers, I


    also enjoy ying the piano andposing lyrics. If Grandpa Philip would like some music or to


    dabble in some creative writing, I''d be more than happy to share."


    "When ites to the arts, Mabel''s no slouch either," Amanda interjected, emerging from the crowd


    with a kindly smile. "Don''t let her young age fool you. She''s already passed grade eight piano exam,


    and she spends her time painting."


    "My Sylvia is just as talented," Mr. Gardner piped up, stepping forward, ready to boast about his own


    granddaughter''s prowess. But before he could continue, a murmur spread through the crowd.


    Romeo had arrived!!


    Dressed in a sharp suit, he exuded a remarkable presence, with his lean figure cutting a dashing


    silhouette,


    His entrance alone captivated the attention of many.


    "Is that Romeo??"


    The cluster around Philip dispersed as everyone made a beeline for the neer.


    Philip exined to Eugene, "I thought I''d have my grandson give the other parents a once-over, that''s


    all right with you, isn''t it?"


    Eugene''s invitation had been for Philip alone.


    But Philip had brought Romeo along.


    Eugene, seeing through the ruse, said with a grin, "I suspect you''re just trying to y matchmaker,


    giving the young couple a chance to spend time together."


    Philip''s scheme had been spotted sooner than he expected, and he beamed with delight.


    Meanwhile, Arabe watched her fiancé surrounded by a crowd, a sly smile ying on her lips.


    Phyllis had always dreamed of marrying Romeo, and as she spotted him, she dashed forward to take


    the lead. Just as she neared him, she stumbled, poised to fall right into his arms.


    Whether Romeo caught her or not, she was destined to end up in his embrace.


    But in the next second, Romeo smoothly sidestepped, avoiding her fall perfectly.


    Phyllis crashed onto thewn, in so much pain she couldn''t get up.


    She hadn''t anticipated that Romeo wouldn''t even pretend to catch her!


    Roxanne, delighted at Phyllis''s embarrassment, quickly picked up a piece of cake from nearby and


    trotted over to Romeo.


    "Hi Romeo, I''m Roxanne. Grandpa Philip used to carry me when I was little." She handed him the cake


    with a smile. "You just got here and I guess you haven''t tried the birthday cake yet. It''s quite delicious


    tonight. Give it a taste."