NovelEnglish
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,
the combination of flavors 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
relatively 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 explanation as she was familiar with Patrick’s way. She playfully teased, “Just
dropping in, huh?”
“Ms. Chloe, you’re quite sharp. Nothing gets past you,” Patrick said, pulling out an invitation card and
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇthanding 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 his comrades. 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 playful arch and said, “I’m that important, huh?”
“Yes, that’s why you must come,” 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 glanced at the painting and replied nonchalantly, “He won’t like it.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
“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 playing chess,” Joseph
replied.
Embarrassment flashed 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 flattened, 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.
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