The birthday party was set to begin at seven in the evening.


    By the time Joy Chaucer finished her makeup, it was already the afternoon. Her phone was abuzz with well-wishes from friends. Bianca had gifted her a pearl ne, yet there was an unsettling silence from Terrence Sterling. Joy pondered, convinced that Terrence was orchestrating a surprise, hence the secrecy.


    Eagerly, Joy Chaucer looked forward to the evening’s celebration.


    Bianca had cleared her schedule for the day to celebrate with her daughter. After Joy finished with her hair, she returned home, where Bianca inquired, “Joy, when will the party begin? Have your friends arrived? Any word from Terry?”


    “It’s at seven, Mom. It’s only three now; there’s plenty of time,” Joy replied, her heart fluttering with joy. “I saw Terrence buying a ne. The sales girl told me it was for his girlfriend’s birthday gift, and that’s today. My birthday. It has to be for me.”Content held by N?velDrama.Org.


    “Young people and their surprises,” Bianca chuckled. “I never took Terry for the romantic type.”


    “Neither did I. He’s usually so reserved, but he’s really putting his heart into this,” Joy said, blushing. “If he proposes tonight, Mom, should I ept right away, or y it cool?”


    “If Terry is serious about you, it would be wonderful, and I’d be delighted for you both,” Bianca said, taking Joy’s hand. “You’re not getting any younger. If you married Terry, I’d be at ease.”


    “We’re betrothed; he’s bound to marry me,” Joy said with conviction. “He wouldn’t ignore his grandmother’s wishes. I’ll send Terrence a message asking when he’ll arrive. I haven’t even given him the address yet-I’ll send it now.”


    Joy scrolled through her contacts to Terrence Sterling’s name and sent the address. To her shock, a message appeared indicating she was no longer on his friends list.


    Joy was stunned. How could she no longer be friends with Terrence Sterling?


    Had he deleted her?


    “Joy, what’s wrong?” Bianca noticed Joy’s change inplexion.


    “It’s nothing, Mom. A friend needs me; I’ll step out. You go to the party; I’ll meet you there.” Joy was too proud to admit that Terrence Sterling had deleted her.


    Joy convinced herself it was a mistake. Terrence was going to propose; he would definitely attend her birthday party.


    …


    At Ravenwood Hall.


    Ste was also ready for the evening’s party. She called Terrence Sterling, curious about when he would arrive.


    The phone rang for a long while before being answered.


    At that moment, Terrence Sterling was at the temple with Meredith. Meredith had gone to buy stuff, and Terrence stepped aside to answer the call. “What is it?” he asked tersely.


    “It’s Joy’s birthday party today. When will you be going?” Ste asked. “Have you prepared a gift? If you’re too busy, I can take care of it.”


    “I never said I would attend her party,” Terrence replied coldly. “I’m out and not avable.”


    “You’re not going?” Ste panicked. “How can you not attend Joy’s birthday? It would be improper, how will we exin to the Chaucer family?”


    As Meredith returned with her souvenir, Terrence said, “I’m tied up, Mom. Let’s not discuss this now.”


    He ended the call, but Ste dialed again, only to be cut off directly.


    Now Ste was truly worried. Julian descended the stairs and asked, “What’s going on?”


    “Terry won’t attend the birthday party, and he hung up on me,” Ste said, both anxious and puzzled. “He agreed to the marriage, so why skip the birthday party? It’s not like him.”


    “Maybe your son is too busy with thepany; it all rests on his shoulders now,” Julian suggested. “It’s not a big deal if he misses Joy’s birthday.”


    “It is a big deal, Julian. I’ve told Bianca we’d discuss the marriage tonight. If Terry doesn’t show, that won’t do,” Ste persisted. “I’ll call him again and make hime back.”


    But this time, the call went straight to voicemail.


    Frustrated, Ste dered, “I’ll call the office and find out where he is.”