Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 653

"Wait a minute, if I'm not mistaken, the Sullivan clan and the Dixon clan share some distant blood. Technically speaking, Scales should be calling you 'cousin' or something, right?"

That was also why Corley, despite being a businessman, was always treated like a VIP in the Dixon household.

They were relatives, after all!

Owen Reynolds cracked a slight smile, "Well, if Scales's friends are calling him that, I guess 'cousin' isn't too far off."

At that, Corley's face went dark as a thundercloud.

Sure, the Sullivan and Dixon families were related, but it was such a distant connection that saying they were "strangers" wouldn't be far off. Yet, Owen Reynolds somehow made this obscure family tie a topic of conversation, even suggesting it should affect how they address each other.

Roseanne, seizing the moment, chirped, "Hey, cousin!"

She nearly burst out laughing at her own words.

Corley was fuming.

Who wanted to be her 'cousin'?!

Geez-

"Mr. Sullivan" sounded way better than some 'cousin' title!

Oh, Owen Reynolds-

He'd remember this!

...

came the

square-shaped cake was brought

on the back, smiling proudly, "Happy birthday, Scales. I hope you'll always be as sharp and distinct as this cake, not smoothing out your edges with age, not letting the years

"Thanks, Dad."

stood by Laird, waiting till he finished before adding, "Make a wish, my dear

Scales's birthday was

bunch of childhood buddies and two like- minded friends, he felt a

feel awkward, the wish-making, suddenly

a moment, not overly dramatic, but when he opened them, his gaze was

Mamie led the applause.

vibe was so contagious that everyone started clapping

cutting the cake, Scales passed the first piece

surprised, especially with elders around. Why

then Scales said, "I rarely admire anyone, but you're

tough times,

strong, cool-headed,

had many qualities

his glass, "To us, the Three Musketeers, may we always advance fearlessly and

a rush of warmth, "Let's brave the thorns and

in amusement, "Exactly! The Unbridled Three Musketeers, our swords point where our

trio exchanged looks, full

later, Scales, sitting in

would

and couldn't

AQUAS