Chapter 360


    Chapter 360 Birthday Party


    The next morning, Chloe started her day by preparing a hearty breakfast. The kitchen was filled with


    the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon. As she sat down to enjoy her breakfast,


    thebination of vors and textures brought a sense of contentment to her taste buds.


    She enjoyed her meal while reviewing her study materials. The questions for the driving test were


    rtively straightforward, requiring a strong grasp of theory rather than practical application. By nine


    o’clock, she arrived at her office.


    In the lobby on the ground floor, a middle-aged man in his fifties looked around anxiously, clearly


    waiting for someone. As Chloe approached, she could not help but express her surprise. “Patrick?”


    Patrick turned around and smiled. “Ms. Chloe, I happened to be passing by and thought I’d drop in.”


    Chloe did not buy his exnation as she was familiar with Patrick’s way. She yfully teased, “Just


    dropping in, huh?”


    “Ms. Chloe, you’re quite sharp. Nothing gets past you,” Patrick said, pulling out an invitation card and


    handing it to her. “Mr. Harold’s birthday party is tonight. He’s been talking about you for several days.


    He hopes that you can attend the celebration.”


    Chloe did not reach out to take the invitation card. “I’ve already divorced Joseph. It wouldn’t be


    appropriate for me to attend such an event, especially since he might bring Xavia…”


    “Don’t worry, Mr. Joseph is away on a business trip today. He won’t be going, and the people invited by


    Mr. Harold are hisrades. They won’t pry into the affairs of the younger generation,” Patrick assured


    her.


    “But-”


    Patrick interrupted her and forcefully handed her the invitation. There was a tinge of sadness in his


    voice as he said, “Stop with the ‘buts.’ No one would dare to bully you, and if anyone does, Mr. Harold


    would surely not let them off. Besides, you know the state of his health. After this year’s birthday, who


    knows if he’ll be able to celebrate next year…”


    “Are you sure Joseph and Xavia won’t be going?” Chloe asked.


    Patrick chuckled, his smile warm. “I’m telling the truth, my dear. I’m getting old, but I wouldn’t lie to you.


    “All right,” Chloe said, “I’ll go tonight. Do you know what Grandpa likes, Patrick? I want to buy him a


    gift.”


    “As long as it’s from you, Mr. Harold will like anything,” Patrick replied.


    Chloe’s eyebrows went into a yful arch and said, “I’m that important, huh?”


    “Yes, that’s why you muste,” Patrick insisted.


    “Okay.”


    Patrick was not lying. Joseph was indeed away on a business trip today, and it would take an afternoon


    to travel from Aesper to Docwood. As long as the weather did not take a turn for the worse, he would


    make it back in time.


    In Joseph’s house, Xavia approached him and took the initiative to greet him. She distributed prepared


    pet treats to Toto and Oreo, then presented a beautifully crafted painting to Joseph.


    “Joe, I recall that today is your grandfather’s birthday. Can you help take this gift to him? He seems to


    be fond of this painter,” Xavia said.


    Joseph nced at the painting and replied nonchntly, “He won’t like it.”


    “Why?” Xavia asked, feeling a sense of grievance. She cautiously asked, “Do you think the gift I chose


    isn’t presentable? You don’t have to mention that it’s from me, just take it for me. I want to make


    Grandpa happy.”


    “He dislikes this painter because of his unpatriotic actions. He now enjoys ying chess,” Joseph


    replied.


    Embarrassment shed across Xavia’s face. “I’m sorry. I should’ve checked…”


    “After feeding the dogs, go to the hospital for your prenatal check-up. I need to go to the office,” he


    said. With that, he went upstairs to change his clothes, leaving her with a cold and distant back view.


    Xavia clenched her fists and kicked Oreo, causing it to yelp in pain. Its dark eyes filled with fear as it


    timidly approached her with its ears ttened, trying to appease her. But once again, she kicked the


    dog away with a swift kick.


    Oreo cowered and tucked its tail between its legs, losing all courage to enjoy the treats in its bowl. The


    dog curled up in a corner, resembling a remorseful chill and evoking a sense of pity.Exclusive ? material by N?(/v)elDrama.Org.