Chapter 148
William sat in his hospital room, his aged face showing rare animation as he conversed with Mark.
“Today is Billy’s birthday,” William said, his voice filled with affection. “Go to my safe and get the property deed I prepared. Have it notarized and transferred to the boy’s name as Billy’s birthday gift.”
Mark nodded respectfully. ‘I’ll take care of it right away, sir. Anything else?”
Call Richard. Tell him to reserve two tables at the Imperial Palace restaurant tonight. The entire family should be there to celebrate Billy’s birthday. His voice grew slightly firmer. “Have the restaurant cleared of all other guests–I only want Harding family members present.
As Mark turned to leave, William added, “One more thing. Call Sophia, but don’t mention the birthday celebration. Just tell her I need her to keep this old man company at the hospital. I want it to be a surprise.”
Across town, Richard was personally overseeing the birthday preparations at the Imperial Palace restaurant. He’d been spending less time at home lately, deliberately avoiding Catherine. The friction between them had become unbearable.
Catherine entered the restaurant, her critical gaze sweeping over the elaborate decorations. Her lips curved into a sneer.
“Isn’t this excessive for a child’s birthday?” she said coldly. “He’s just a kid. A simple celebration would be sufficient.”
Richard turned to face his wife, his patience nearly exhausted. “Have you ever behaved like a proper grandmother? Even once?”
Catherine’s face hardened. “Don’t lecture me about proper behavior. I’m protecting this family from an impostor.”
She had been methodically gathering evidence–Billy’s birth certificate, Sophia’s prenatal records. The dates didn’t align with when Henry and Sophia first
met.
If she could discover who Sophia had been dating during that period and obtain a DNA sample to compare with Billy’s, she could prove the child wasn’t Henry’s son.
“You dislike Sophia, and now you’re extending that hatred to an innocent child, Richard said, his voice low and dangerous. “Is there anything in this family you actually care about?”
Catherine’s eyes flashed with anger. “I’m the only one seeing clearly! That woman has you all wrapped around her finger!”
‘Let me make this absolutely clear,” Richard stepped closer, his voice dropping to a warning whisper. “Today is Billy’s birthday. I don’t care if you have to fake it–I need you to act like you’re happy to be here. You will smile, you will be pleasant, and you will not ruin this event. Can you do that?”
They had been in this cold war for weeks. Catherine’s insistence that Billy wasn’t a Harding by blood had pushed Richard to his limit. She had even demanded he arrange a DNA test between Henry and Billy.
Richard, like his father William, didn’t care about blood tests or birth certificates. Anyone with eyes could see Billy was the spitting image of Henry as a child. Catherine was simply creating problems where none existed.
“You understand nothing!” Catherine suddenly shouted, losing her carefully maintained composure. “I’ve checked Sophia’s prenatal records and Billy’s birth date. They don’t match up! Sophia was already pregnant before she even met Henry!”
Richard’s expression darkened. “I’m telling you one last time: stop investigating this matter! Whatever you think you’ve found, keep it to yourself!”
Catherine huffed angrily and stormed out of the restaurant.
Alone, Richard steadied himself against a table, feeling mentally exhausted. He pulled out his phone and called his father.
“Dad,” he said wearily, “the situation regarding Billy’s parentage might be coming to light. Catherine won’t stop digging. What should we do?”
After a moment of silence, William sighed heavily. Let her dig. I destroyed all the evidence back then. She won’t find any concrete proof.”
His voice carried firm resolve. “Also, speak with that stubborn son of yours again. No matter what happens, Sophia must remain part of the Harding family
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If necessary, Henry can be the one to leave.
After hanging up with his father, Richard immediately called Henry. The phone rang multiple times before finally connecting
“What is it? Henry answered groggily.
‘You’re sleeping? Richard’s voice rose in disbelief. “On your son’s birthday? What kind of father are you?
Henry instantly became alert in bed. Today is Billy’s birthday?”
“Unbelievable!” Richard exploded. “I raised a completely heartless son! Have you forgotten how Sophia cared for you during your heart attack? She never fel your side! Now you’ve completely forgotten Billy’s birthday.”
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. “Just answer one question: Will you attend Billy’s birthday celebration or not?”
“Of course I’ll be there, Henry replied, his mind racing. So that’s why Sophia had insisted on discharging Billy from the hospital today.
In Betty’s apartment, I was putting the finishing touches on Billy’s birthday cake when the doorbell rang.
“My gift has arrived!” Betty called from the living room.
Billy sat at the kitchen table, carefully coloring in his new sketchbook with his good hand, his injured arm still in its cast. Despite everything we’d been through, my son’s joy on his special day warmed my heart.
I’d bought him a complete set of fairy tale books, and Betty had splurged on an expensive children’s smartwatch. Though modest by Harding standards. these gifts had delighted Billy.
Just as I was about to light the candles, my phone rang. The caller ID made my heart sink: Mom.
Scarlett White never called unless she wanted something–usually money. Since I’d married into the Harding family, her thinly veiled requests for financial help had become more frequent.
“Hello, Mom,” I answered, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“Sophia! Finally answering your mother’s calls,” she said with feigned cheerfulness. “I’ve been so worried about you and my grandson. How are you both doing?”
“We’re fine, Mom. Billy is celebrating his birthday today.”
“Oh! His birthday! I can’t believe I forgot.” Her voice took on that familiar exaggerated tone. “I should get him a present. Maybe one of those game controllers all the children want now? But they’re so expensive…”
When I didn’t take the bait, she changed tactics.
“You know, raising you wasn’t easy,” she said, her voice hardening. “Don’t you think you should repay me somehow?”
This statement completely ignited my anger. “Difficult? You threw me away to my grandmother in the countryside! When I got my first period at thirteen, 1 didn’t even know what was happening. It was Mrs. Davis next door who taught me how to use sanitary pads, not you!”
I took a deep breath, aware that Billy had stopped coloring to listen. “Mrs. White, please don’t talk to me about how hard it was raising me. You gave birth to me–but you didn’t raise me. If you’re calling to ask for money again, I don’t have any to give you.”
Her response was immediate and vicious. “Sophia Do you realize who you’re talking to? I’m your mother! If you don’t take care of me, I’T Harding mansion and make a scene! How would that look for you?”
I hung up without responding, my hands shaking with anger.
No matter how many years passed, that woman still knew exactly how to hurt me.
‘Mom? Billy’s small voice pulled me back to reality. “Are you okay?”
to the
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Looking at my son’s concerned face, I forced myself to smile. I’m fine, sweetheart. Let’s light your candles, shall we?”
As I watched Billy excitedly blow out his candles, I pushed thoughts of my mother from my mind. Today was about Billy’s happiness nothing else mattered,
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