Chapter 7

The first file was a diagnosis report detailing a surgical mistake that had left Nathan unable to have children after his vasectomy. The second file was a divorce agreement he'd signed without reading carefully, just so he could rush off to see Patricia. The third file was a set of intimate photos, showing Patricia fooling around with someone else, which Phyllis had spent over a million dollars to keep from getting out. Phyllis had wanted to leave with dignity and let these secrets stay buried forever. But Nathan had gone too far, and his favoritism was so extreme that she could no longer hold on to even the last shred of feeling for him. The next morning, she put the three files together, handed them to a delivery guy, and slid him a thick wad of cash. "I want you to deliver this to Nathan at exactly midnight tonight. Make sure he signs for it in person." The delivery guy eagerly agreed, greedily taking the cash. Meanwhile, Phyllis got a text from the airline. "Dear Ms. Cole, your flight to Bridley has been successfully booked. Flight CA981 is scheduled to depart at 2:20 pm, and your seat is 17A. Please arrive at the airport at least two hours early to avoid missing your flight." She turned off her phone, the corner of her lips curving into a faint, unreadable smile. With no one else around, she whispered, "Nathan, I hope you enjoy the birthday gift I'm giving you. And I'll become someone you'll never be able to reach again in this lifetime." She was not only saying goodbye to Nathan, but also to the person she used to be. … On the other side of town, Nathan was helping Patricia decorate for the birthday party at night. "Nathan, do you think we should put our photos in the slideshow?" Patricia leaned her head lightly toward him, shaking his arm playfully. Nathan was about to answer when two overlapping faces suddenly flashed in his mind. One moment, it was Patricia's, and Phyllis' the next. Somewhere deep in his heart, it felt like there was a missing piece that could never be mended. Feeling uneasy, he shook his head and brushed Patricia off. "Whatever you want. You can decorate however you like. I'm going to step out for some air." He walked alone onto the balcony, scrolling through his phone's contacts until his eyes landed on Phyllis' name. He stared at it for a long time. Back in the day, no matter how busy he was, he'd always keep her updated. When they were in love, they'd talk on the phone practically 24 hours a day. But gradually, they'd lost the intimacy and gained only cold distance. Lighting a cigarette, Nathan let out a slow exhale, and through the haze, he typed a text. "Lissy, it's my birthday today. Don't stay away just because of what happened before. Don't forget—I'm counting on you to dance the first waltz with me." The first dance at the ball was a promise just between him and Phyllis, and even if they were upset or in the middle of a quarrel, neither of them would miss it. He was certain she would show up in a full evening dress, and he could already picture her teary eyes when she was moved. Soon, the evening's birthday banquet began. Guests poured in, the lights glittered, and the luxury was on full display. Even Simon Frey, who usually stayed out of things, made an appearance. Looking around, he asked, "Where's my granddaughter-in-law? Why isn't she here for Nathan's birthday party?" At that, the crowd exchanged glances, the air turning heavy. Everyone knew that aside from his grandson, Nathan, Simon valued Phyllis the most. Because of that, no one dared to tell him what had happened lately. Patricia knew this well. In the past, she never would've dared cross this line. But now that she had a trump card, things were different. She smiled faintly, walking forward with the sleeping baby in her arms. "Simon, Phyllis couldn't make it last minute. Look, this is the son I gave birth to for Nathan, your great-grandson." As she spoke, she was already picturing the reward she'd get. After all, Simon had once promised to give Phyllis a hundred million for every child she bore, and company shares if she had two. Now, all of those rewards would be hers. After all, she was the mother of the Frey family's great-grandson. She was feeling smug, completely missing the way Simon's face was darkening. "Nonsense! You're my granddaughter-in-law's sister. How could you be involved with Nathan? This is outrageous!" Simon clutched at his chest, clearly angered. "Go get my granddaughter-in-law here right now!" He jabbed his cane into the floor. "Are you people keeping her away on purpose? What have you done to her?" He had wanted to take the chance while he was still alive to give the young couple some guidance. Instead, out of nowhere, he was being presented with a great-grandson. He was smart enough to tell that he was the only one here who didn't know what was going on. Nathan stayed silent for a long time, about to make up an excuse, when the banquet hall doors suddenly swung open. A delivery guy stepped in, handed Nathan a package, and said after getting his signature, "Ms. Cole told me this is her birthday gift to you. She hopes you'll like it." Nathan frowned, puzzled. The moment he opened the folder, a thick stack of glossy photos spilled out onto the floor. Before anyone could react, Patricia let out a panicked scream. "Don't look! Close your eyes, all of you! Don't look!"