he guests invited by the J

tel drew numerous glances, leaving

ivorce itself, but the timing she c

on could spoil Bobby's birthday banquet and t

ee's fears did n

to retrieve the fragments of his broken poc

iriam James, Emalee's mother,

rom overseas to get back together with Emalee and his confidence

she abandoned her current task and hurried

you remember me?" she greet

sm, quickly softened his expression

've always treated me we

ds broadened M

mes family members around them, their faces

inguished lawyer back from overseas, full of talent and promise

er family members converged on Phil

presence markedly out of sync. He watched quietly, his e

e into his pocket, his lips twisted i

is demeanor, and her expression immedia

mentioned you've signed the divor

hton a sharp pang of pain, but

shed to celebrate Bobby's birthday just once more. He's treate

inding excuses to linger around our family! Enough with your p

ng to disrupt Bobby's celebration. Yet, M

tience, "Miriam, don't you th

ouse for Tristan or secure major business deals for Emalee like Phillip can? He does these effortlessly. We need a son

as overwhelmed with anger and disbelief at the

reaking point when a stern voic

drive Ashton away? Do you want to spoil my birthday?"

y, supporting himself with a cane, m

and his sharp gaze fixed

ervening, quickly bowed her hea

Ashton and understood that upsetting him

. His stern look melted into a gentle smile, and his eyes

thing bothering you, just let me know. I'm he