Chloe paused for a moment before saying, "The day after tomorrow is Cassie's birthday, and I've already got plans."

She wasn't fibbing.

Cassie's birthday really was coming up, and she'd made sure to arrange a party with Chloe at the villa in Blue Eyes Hills well in advance.

On the other end, Leah sounded a bit tentative. "Alright then, let's find another day, okay?"

Chloe just nodded in agreement.

After Leah hung up, she sighed deeply.

Jacob, sitting next to her, quickly asked, "So, did she say yes?"

Leah shook her head.

Jacob's face clouded over instantly.

"What's going on? It's such a simple task, and you still couldn't manage it. If Chloe doesn't come, how are we going to find a reason to visit the Shaw family? Haven't you noticed how Belle Époque's stocks have tanked? Why aren't you more concerned?"

I'm not worried about the company? But what's worrying going to do? Was it my fault the stocks are in freefall? Jacob, you've made all the big decisions over the years. When Missy swiped Chloe's competition spot, you turned a blind eye. Now

than to push his wife's

was a well-educated guy and quite the catch when he

it was almost as if he became part

had always let Leah take the

his fortune using the Miller family's

so long, Jacob felt a wave of

of habit,

is our last shot now. I've spent a lot and pulled strings to sto set up a meeting with them. Neil's rare invitation to their family dinner is a golden opportunity. If Chloe doesn't attend, what's the point of us going? They specifically asked to see the child from back

Silence hung between them.

the time, and they

had it they were only in town for a couple

mean there wouldn't be

turned them

that it really was Cassie's

were practically inseparable, having grown

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