Chapter 773

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It was Janice’s birthday today. Since they had to deal with work first, they could only plan her birthday celebration later in the day.
Janice subconsciously nodded, and then her eyes lit up as a thought crossed her mind.
Ariel caught on immediately and raised a brow. “That’s right–your fiance is back. Have you two made any plans?”
Janice shook her head, her expression dimming. “I haven’t heard from him. I’m not even sure if he remembers my birthday.”
Before Wade went abroad, he used to celebrate Janice’s birthday with her every year.
Ariel patted her lightly on the head. “He will. Anyway, he’s back in Croinia now. Even if he did forget, just remind him and tell him you want to celebrate together.”
Janice’s face brightened. “You’re right! It’s Sunday anyway—he must be free.” Newest update provided by.net
Ariel smiled, amused by how quickly Janice’s mood turned cheerful again.
“Have all the guests arrived?” Ariel asked.
Janice shook her head. “Nope, but Chad is already talking to some of them in the room.”
Ariel had been told that a few people from the base would also be attending to assist with coordination, as they would be working closely together in the future.
When they reached the third floor, Ariel noticed several men who stood out from the crowd–handsome, well- built, and disciplined.
She recognized two of them–special operations pilots sent by the base. One was Bradley Bell, and the other,
Roland Navarro.
Elsie was also there. The moment Ariel entered, Elsie stood up. Her brows furrowed slightly as she glanced at Janice, who was still glued to Ariel’s side, then pursed her lips.
Chad immediately observed Ariel’s condition. Seeing that she seemed well, he looked relieved, then began introducing her to the other guests.
When Ariel had greeted almost everyone, a voice came from the doorway. “Sorry, I’m late. There was a traffic jam.”
The moment she heard that voice, Ariel sensed Janice tense beside her. She glanced over. Janice was holding her breath, her nerves showing.
Normally, Janice was outgoing, cheerful, and playful, but there was one person who could make her flustered in
an instant.
Janice took a deep breath and fixed the most dazzling smile she could manage before turning toward the door. But her smile froze the moment she saw who was standing there.
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Wade was at the entrance, and beside him was a slim, tall woman.
She wasn’t strikingly beautiful, but her figure was graceful, her manners refined. She carried herself with quiet confidence and didn’t seem the least bit uneasy in a room full of strangers.
Janice recognized her immediately. The woman was none other than Wade’s beloved stepsister, Alicia Newman.
Wade didn’t notice Janice at first. He glanced around the room. “This is my younger sister, Alicia. I hope you don’t mind her joining us.”
This wasn’t a formal meeting, so there was no issue with outsiders attending.
Chad threw a quick glance at Janice from the corner of his eye before replying, “Please, have a seat.
Alicia soon spotted Janice and walked over with a friendly smile. “I guessed right. Jan is here today.”
Janice felt a little awkward at the greeting. She still carried some guilt for having once doubted Wade and Alicia’s relationship.
“It’s your birthday today, isn’t it?” Alicia asked gently.
Janice was caught slightly off guard. Then, she turned toward Wade. She was pleasantly surprised. He remembered! Wade must have told Alicia about her birthday. Otherwise, how would she know?
But Alicia wasn’t paying attention to Janice’s expression. She took two small gift boxes from her bag.
“I got you two presents,” she said lightly. “Wade’s been so forgetful that he nearly missed your birthday. I hope you don’t mind. These are from me. I hope you like them.”