Chapter 24

Silas nodded upon Shane’s orders. Suddenly remembering something, he piped up, “Mr. Shane, there’s
still one more thing.”

“What is it?”

“When you were in the meeting earlier, Mr. Baker called and asked you out for dinner. He probably wants
to ask you about the paternity test.”

“Okay,” replied Shane curtly.

At night, Joyce had just arrived at the Moonlight Restaurant, carrying two huge gift bags. “Sorry, Nat.
I’m late.”

“It’s fine. We’ve just arrived too! Take a seat.” Natalie pulled a chair out for her.

Joyce sat down and passed a bag each to Connor and Sharon. “Happy birthday, darlings!”

“Thank you, Aunt Joyce!” The children received the gifts happily and kissed both of her cheeks.

Joyce laughed jovially, her eyes crinkling into tiny crescents. “Have you ordered anything yet?”

“Nope. We can’t possibly order when Aunt Joyce hasn’t reached yet. Here you go.” Natalie passed the
menu to Joyce.



Taking it over, Joyce flipped the menu open and ordered two dishes that Connor and Sharon liked. Then,
she passed the menu back to the waiter.

Soon, the waiter pushed a trolley over and served the dishes.




He then carried a cake over with a candle in the shape of the number four on it.

“Mommy, the cake is so pretty! I’m sure it’s delicious.” Staring at the cake, Sharon’s eyes gleamed as
she swallowed her saliva.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Connor snorted in disdain. “Don’t all cakes taste the same? How
delicious can it be?”

Although that was what he said, his eyes had never left the cake right from the beginning.

Looking at the adorable pair of siblings, Natalie and Joyce shared an amused smile.

Joyce could not help but squeeze Connor’s cheeks. “Connor, can’t you be more honest?”

“Mmph… Let go of me!” mumbled Connor, his words muffled because Joyce was squishing his cheeks
together.

Taking pity on him, Natalie quickly interrupted, “Alright, Joyce. Let them make their wishes.”

“Okay.” Joyce released Connor reluctantly.

After regaining his freedom, he quickly got off the chair and chose a seat further away from her.

Aunt Joyce is awesome, except when she’s squishing my cheeks… and Sharon’s!

Hmph! I won’t sit next to her anymore.

“Happy birthday to Connor and Sharon. Aunt Joyce and I wish the both of you a very merry birthday and
will have all the joy a day can bring.” After singing the birthday song, Natalie pushed the cake toward the
two kids.

They puffed up their cheeks and blew out the candle. Then, they closed their eyes and made their wish.



Gazing at them affectionately, Natalie’s heart melted into a puddle.

It was their fourth birthday today. Soon, they would turn five years old.

Time passed by so quickly.

Two years ago, they were still little toddlers who could barely walk. Within the blink of an eye, they had
grown so much.

Natalie could not help but feel emotional at that moment.

“Mommy, I want to use the washroom.” At that moment, Sharon, who had finished making her wish,
suddenly said.

Returning to her senses, Natalie was about to say something when Connor placed down his fork and
offered, “I’ll bring you there.”

Hand in hand, the siblings went to the washroom.

Just then, Joyce suddenly gave a hearty chuckle. “That kid’s probably afraid that I’ll squish his cheeks
again after you’re gone.”

“Well, I don’t blame him.” Natalie cut up a slice of cake and passed it to her.

“I can’t help it! His cheeks are so soft, so it’s fun to squish them. If you don’t believe me, you can try…”

Before she could finish her sentence, her phone suddenly rang.

She placed the cake down and took out the phone. When she glanced at it, there was worry written all
over her face.

“What’s wrong?” Natalie gazed at her, confused.



Joyce kept her phone and replied, “My mom sent me a message, saying that something has happened
at home. I might have to leave now, Nat.”

“If that’s the case, you should go quickly. Be careful on your way back!” Natalie nodded empathetically.

After that, Joyce grabbed her bag and left in a hurry.

When the children returned and saw that she had disappeared, they asked, “Mommy, where’s Aunt
Joyce?”

“She left because she has something to do,” replied Natalie as she carried them to their chairs.






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