Chad was fuming

When he went to pick up the cake earlier, the barbecue area was buzzing with laughter.

Jayson and Nancy were chatting and laughing with Matt and the others.

Chad had overheard Frank gossiping. Apparently, Nancy had caught sight of the fireworks being launched at the port and got excited, so Jayson had someone arrange a fireworks /

What a grand gesture.

But did Jayson remember today was Ariel’s birthday?

He was actually spending her birthday entertaining another woman!

for her.

Ariel quietly watched the brilliant display of fireworks outside. They looked dreamy and dazzling; their colors. reflected in her eyes through the window.

The memory surged up again.

The night she was diagnosed with cancer, there had been fireworks too.

Jayson lit fireworks for Nancy on her birthday. And now, on Ariel’s birthday, Jayson was still lighting fireworks for Nancy.

Ariel calmly looked away, then gave Chad a faint smile. “It’s fine. Don’t waste your emotions on things that don’t matter.”

But Chad couldn’t let it go. He gave a cold snort. “I just think it’s ridiculous. He’s not even pretending anymore.” Was wishing Ariel a simple “happy birthday” really that hard?

Ariel didn’t seem to care. She gathered her notes for a meeting with Carlos later.

“Birthdays aren’t a punch card. If he showed up, we’d have to give him a slice of cake. We’re better off eating it ourselves.”

Chad was rendered speechless.

That actually made sense.

Suddenly, he felt a little comforted. Since the birthday girl had such a clear and calm mind, things were easier to bear.

Ariel was about to head to Carlos‘ room with Chad when she received a WhatsApp message.

It was from Lucas. “Come downstairs.”

Ariel frowned.

Another message came. “I’m outside the hotel.”

Ariel wasn’t all that surprised. Several companies had come to this military base, so it wasn’t hard for Lucas to find the hotel.

She didn’t want to engage, but then Lucas called.

Frowning, she hesitated. Since he was already downstairs, it wasn’t something she could avoid.

“Who is it?” Chad asked.

Ariel’s expression didn’t change. She calmly said, “Chad, you go ahead first. I need to take this call.”

Chad didn’t think much of it. He took the cake and headed to Carlos

‘ room..

Ariel took the call, then turned back at the fireworks Jayson was setting off to please Nancy.

There was silence on the other end for a moment before Lucas asked, “Wanna meet up for a bit? I can celebrate your birthday with you.”

“I’m busy,” she replied coolly.

Lucas chuckled lightly, as if he didn’t understand what she meant. “Busy with what?”

Ariel frowned.

She heard the sound of a lighter. He was probably smoking I brought Wendy here today to shop. She’s meeting with a wedding dress designer.”

Ariel continued looking out at the fireworks. Her voice sounded sincere as she said, “Congratulations.”

Lucas went silent for a moment. Then his voice came again, low and brooding, “So I figured I’d drop by. Celebrate your birthday while I’m here.”

“No need for that. I already have plans.”

“What kind of plans? Setting off fireworks with your husband for his lover?” Lucas chuckled mysteriously. “Ari, you’re ignoring me now to keep your pride, but when you see your husband close with another woman, pride doesn’t matter anymore?”

Ariel wasn’t expecting that kind of bluntness. Her eyes lost any trace of warmth.

Lucas gave a scoff. His low voice carried a hint of anger as he asked, “Do you have no fight in you when it comes to Mr. Larkin? What, do you need to catch him in bed with Nancy before you finally walk away? Come on, Ari. Don’t you think you’re being pathetic?”

Even though Ariel had long cut ties with Lucas as family, his words still stunned her.

Her gaze turned icy, and she didn’t hold back with her words. “My marriage is my choice. Whether I leave or endure it is my decision and mine alone. Lucas, we don’t even share blood, and you have zero right to tell me how to live my life.”

Without another word, she ended the call.

She knew Lucas thought she was still compromising for Jayson, but she didn’t owe him an explanation.

She turned and headed to Carlos‘ room.

She no longer wasted emotion or energy on people who didn’t deserve it.

Lucas stared at the phone, which now displayed the ended call screen. He remained in the car, chain–smoking, and didn’t call again.

He glanced at the carefully wrapped gift on the passenger seat.

His gaze darkened as he stared at it for a long moment, then he let out a bitter laugh.

Ariel’s attitude caught him off guard. Even now, she was still loyal to her marriage.

How pathetic and ridiculous!

He rolled down the window and looked up at the fireworks overhead. His eyes were heavy with resentment.

Ariel didn’t let Lucas‘ call affect her mood.

Carlos, knowing it was her birthday, was merciful today. Their discussion lasted less than an hour, and even his critiques were much gentler than usual.

The three of them shared a small cake.

Ariel’s mood wasn’t affected by anyone or anything, except for the occasional fireworks outside the window. Chad eventually just closed the curtains.

Even though Ariel didn’t seem fazed, he still thought it was better not to see it.

After dinner, the three discussed the current international climate and future policy directions. They all agreed that the new energy sector was worth heavy investment.

By the time they wrapped up, it was nearly 10:00 pm.

Carlos finally let them go and asked Ariel to put together a more complete proposal for a deeper conversation tomorrow before they headed back.

Ariel and Chad returned to their rooms.

The hotel staff had already cleaned the suite. She noticed that a few items had been added near the entryway.

Ariel didn’t think much of it. She changed out of her shoes and walked inside.

Right away, she spotted a large bouquet of vintage red roses by the couch. The scent hit her the moment she stepped in. It was unmistakably beautiful.

She recognized the variety immediately. It should be top–grade Ecuarosa.

Her brows knit together. Who sent them in?

Before she could process it, there was a knock at the door.

She turned to open it and came face–to–face with Jayson’s deep eyes. Her expression remained calm as still water.