I set my bag down and replied calmly. "No particular reason. I'm just thinking about reworking my life plan."

Sabrina stayed silent for a moment, then let out a strange laugh. "Reworking your life plan? Adrian, we both know you don't have any real goals. I understand it's just a talk."

I glanced at the stains left on the table from her meal and tightened my fists in silence.

"Your mom's birthday is in a few days. It's her 50th, so we should really make it a big deal. Since I've quit my job, let me handle it."

A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, and she sounded genuinely moved. "Really? You never wanted to do that before."

"That was before. Mom will be happy," I said.

She had always been frustrated by my relationship with Julia, so seeing me finally give in filled her with an unusual level of joy. "That's good to hear. You're so thoughtful, Adrian."

She rarely cooked, but to show her appreciation, she made me a late-night snack.

In the past, I would have been touched, but as I looked at the bland pasta, my appetite vanished in an instant. "Thanks, honey, but I'm not hungry. You eat."

From that day on, I started picking restaurants, booking a private room, and buying gifts. I made sure everything was grand, so Julia would be in a good mood that day.

…

"Adrian, I told you, you should have quit your job and stayed home. Look how nice this is."

Julia looked around the luxurious private room that could fit 50 people, and at the gold bracelet I handed her. She couldn't stop smiling.

I gave a small smile in return but said nothing.

Before long, Sabrina brought Zane into the room. "Mom, this is Zane, the one I told you about."

Julia rushed over, and her face lit up with joy. "Oh, Zane, I've been wanting to meet you!"

She instinctively reached for his hand but quickly withdrew it when she remembered I was still there.

I feigned curiosity and asked, "Mom, how come you're so familiar with Zane?"

With the other relatives watching, Julia's smile dimmed slightly. "I-I've just heard Sabrina talk about him. He's a good student, so I thought I should meet him."

I squinted as I watched them. Their hidden agendas were practically written all over their faces.

"Just you wait," I thought.

Once we sat down, Sabrina frowned. "Why book such a big room just for a few relatives? It's such a waste of money."

She sat beside Zane and had the waiter bring over a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Then, she carefully fed him.

It wasn't until she finished that she realized I was watching, and her expression became slightly awkward. "Z-Zane's been feeling sick these past few days—"

"It's fine. I don't mind."

I waved it off and glanced at the time. It was almost time.

The party was about to begin. Sabrina stood up to give a speech when suddenly a few people walked through the door.

Her face paled with shock as she saw who they were. "Dad, what are you doing here?"

My dad and a few relatives from my family walked in with their heads held high. Their expressions were indifferent.

"Why? Am I not welcome?" Dad asked.

Sabrina stammered, "No. It's just… I didn't expect you to come. You usually don't attend these kinds of events."

Dad didn't even look at her. "I must attend this one today."

After saying that, he found a chair and sat down.

Sabrina's expression grew darker. Just as she was about to say something, the door opened again, and another person entered.

Seeing who it was, Sabrina was taken aback. "Mr. Livingston?"

The dean of her school, Hector Livingston, nodded at her, then looked at me with a warmer smile. "Adrian, it's been so long."

I smiled back. "Mr. Livingston, it's been a while indeed."

As Sabrina's confusion deepened, I escorted Hector to his seat and smiled widely. "Now that everyone's here, the show can begin."