It was already past ten in the evening.

Thea Gonzales sat on the couch in Xavier Ford's office, her laptop perched on her knees as she organized the financial statements. The expansive floor-to-ceiling windows behind her reflected the city lights, casting shimmering glimmers across the glass facades of the skyscrapers—like countless eyes silently observing the bustling world below.

Xavier sat quietly at his desk, his eyes occasionally darting over to Thea. Eventually, unable to hold back, he said, "That guy isn't the right fit for you."

Thea paused her typing. "Why do you think that?"

"He's too young," Xavier replied, his gaze unwavering.

"Addilyn is younger," Thea countered.

"Men and women aren't the same," Xavier shot back.

"What do you mean? Isn't it all just about compatibility?" Thea smirked. "Younger folks have more energy, and sometimes even more experience—who wouldn't appreciate that?"

Xavier's grip on the stack of papers tightened, creasing them. His eyes grew sharper and more intense. "Have you been with him?"

Thea closed her laptop with a click. "I've sent the report to your email, Mr. Ford. Take a look at your convenience. If there's nothing else, I'll be heading out."

As she left the office, Thea caught sight of a figure in a pink coat disappearing around the corner of the hallway.

It was Addilyn Freeman.

Thea recognized that pink coat from photos on Addilyn's Instagram, which meant...

Their entire conversation had been overheard from the doorway.

Celine's birthday arrived swiftly. She had been persistently asking Xavier during video calls to get her a fairytale-themed cake. So, early that morning, he showed up with a cake adorned with whimsical decorations, along with bags full of gifts and treats.

While Thea was busy in the kitchen prepping lunch, father and daughter were happily playing with Lego sets in the living room. Celine hadn't been this joyful in a long time, and her laughter filled the air.

When it was time to eat, she clasped her little hands together, closed her eyes earnestly, and made a wish before blowing out the candles.

"Mom, can you guess what I wished for?" Celine asked, tugging at Thea's hand.

Thea pretended to ponder, "Did Celine wish for a pair of Cinderella slippers?"

Celine shook her head with a cheeky grin, then grabbed her parents' hands, pressing them together. "I wish for Mommy and Daddy to always stay by my side."

Looking at Celine's innocent smile, Thea felt a lump in her throat. The smile on Xavier's face wavered a bit, too.

Celine carefully cut the cake into three slices, taking one for herself and giving the others to Thea and Xavier. She savored her piece with enthusiasm, getting frosting all over her face.

But suddenly, her expression turned pained, and she began to cough violently.

"Celine!" Thea cried out in alarm, quickly pulling Celine into her arms.

Celine was scratching at her face, neck, and arms. "Mommy, I'm so itchy... Mommy..." she whimpered, her breathing becoming increasingly labored.

These symptoms had appeared once before when Celine first ate peanuts!

Thea's eyes darted to the cake. She shouted at Xavier, "You knew Celine was allergic to peanuts, yet you brought a cake that contains them!"

Xavier looked visibly flustered. "The cake was ordered by Addilyn. I had no idea this would happen."

Addilyn Freeman! Once again, it was Addilyn!

In that moment, Thea was consumed by fury at the troublesome duo.