Chapter 599
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The girl said, “But if he didn’t like it, he could have just given it away.”
The woman said, “Maybe he’d rather just throw it away than give it to someone else.”
“Why?” the girl asked.
The woman said, “One more question and no snacks tonight.”
“Fine,” the girl mumbled.
Emma’s cake looked picture-perfect, while Aria’s was barely passable. Time was running out-no chance for a do-over.
Aria glanced over with a smile and said, “Emma, yours looks perfect. Maybe we should just use yours instead?”
Emma shook her head gently and said, “This one’s for James. You’ve done just fine, dear.” Then she looked at the staff and said, “Pack them up.”
The staff replied, “Right away, ma’am.”
Seeing Emma and Aria come out, James rose with a warm smile and walked over to Emma. Gently taking the cake from her hands, he said warmly, “Emma, my dear, you did such a wonderful job. Is this for me?”
The perceptive staff chose an opaque box for Aria’s cake-so no one could see inside-while Emma’s was packaged in a clear one for all to admire.
Emma nodded and said, “Yes.”
James beamed with joy. He said, “Then let’s head home.”
Aria blinked, puzzled. She asked, “James, aren’t we going to Owen’s birthday party?”
Emma replied, “Having you there is all Owen needs. There is no need for us old folks to tag along.”
Emma never planned to celebrate Owen’s birthday with the young couple; she didn’t want to intrude on their private time. She had invited Aria to bake a cake, simply as an excuse to spend time together and deepen their bond.
James said, “We’ve already sent the gift over. Aria, take care on your way back alone.”
Emma blew Aria a kiss. “Bye, Aria. See you soon,” she said.
Several staff members at the bakery could barely contain their excitement, squealing and jumping up and down.
One exclaimed, “That man waited a full hour and thirty-five minutes without a single trace of impatience on his face. He loves his wife so much.”
Another chimed in, “This is relationship goals. I’m so jealous-I need a boyfriend like that. He’s just so sweet and gentle.”
One said, “I gotta get myself a boyfriend whose world revolves around me.”
Aria had heard about the Shaws as soon as she returned to the country.
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James and Emma were the kind of legendary couple everyone envied-madly in love for decades and practically inseparable. Yet their sons kept their feelings well hidden and were far less demonstrative.
Kim was decisive and aggressive in business, making ruthless corporate moves without hesitation. Owen, by contrast, kept a low profile and remained aloof-except in the courtroom, where his razor-sharp edge was impossible to ignore.
Sometimes, Cloe would vent to Aria, saying Kim was such a nutcase-always glued to them like some annoying pest.
Though Aria’s first impression of Kim wasn’t great, she had to admit he turned out to be full of surprises.
Even when Cloe hurled mean remarks and kept trying to shoo him away, Kim would shamelessly show up at her door again and again.
Aria thought, ‘Both Shaw brothers have indeed inherited their parents’ unwavering devotion in love. Meeting Owen was worth it.’
Aria smiled faintly, cake in hand, as she headed to the parking lot. When she opened the trunk and carefully placed the cake inside, she heard the sound of approaching footsteps behind her.
Flynt called out, “Aria.”
Aria closed the trunk and turned around, only to find Flynt standing right in front of her.
A lit cigarette dangled between Flynt’s fingers, the swirling smoke obscuring his features. He said, “Not happy to see me, are you?”
Meeting his gaze with a blank expression, Aria said, “You’re not important enough to upset me. Move aside.”
Flynt stood rooted, his gaze locked on the trunk. He said, “So devoted to Owen-you baked him a cake yourself?”
Aria retorted, “That’s none of your business.”
Flynt said, “It’s none of my business.” Then he stubbed out his cigarette, grinding the ember out with his fingers. Stepping closer, he said, “Why not bake one for me as well? Or better yet, just hand over the one you made for Owen?”
Aria shot back, “Who do you think you are?”