The Phantom Heiress Rising From The Shadows

Chapter 1280:

Still, Brenna found herself distracted all day, glancing at her phone again and again. By noon, she’d checked it dozens of times. Not a single birthday message or gift had come from Ethan. It was as if he’d forgotten that today was her birthday.

Her eyes lingered on their chat thread. “Should I give him a little nudge?” she murmured under her breath.

The thought left her torn.

By the time the workday wrapped up, there was still nothing from Ethan, no message, no gifts. And even after work, she didn’t see Ethan coming out of the building.

With no other option, she made her way home by herself.

A faint heaviness settled over her during the drive.

When she arrived home, her eyes widened at the scene before her; strings of lights glimmered across the yard, balloons swayed gently in the breeze, and fresh flowers brightened the garden.

were already in place, set with fruit, juice, and beer, ready

the kitchen came the sound of clattering pans as the chef worked

had even left work early just to celebrate

“Happy birthday, Brenna!”

as they said

father and brother, her smile genuine as warmth filled her chest. “Thank

holding a small red jewelry box. She opened it to reveal a delicate necklace and fastened it around Brenna’s neck. “It’s gorgeous,

Explore fresh updates gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․com

in her hands. With a warm smile, Tessa passed it to Brenna and said, “Since you’re not one for parties, we’ll have our own little celebration. Happy birthday.” Even though Brenna didn’t feel particularly close to Tessa, she still stepped forward to hug her

a larger box, the shape hinting

at it briefly but didn’t open it.

glanced toward the gate, and still, no sign of Ethan. “Doesn’t Ethan know it’s your birthday today? I thought he’d be here early. It’s past seven already;

Brenna said, a faint trace of disappointment in her