Chapter 540
Chapter 540:
As the final course was served, Alisha leaned in close to Ashton, her voice low but urgent. “I hope you’re ready for what comes next,” she said, her eyes flickering toward Luther. “I have a feeling he’s just getting started.”
Ashton met her gaze, his expression unreadable. “I’m always ready,” he replied with a calm confidence, though the undercurrent of challenge in his voice was unmistakable.
And with that, the night continued—seemingly peaceful, but beneath the surface, the storm was only beginning.
The moment Ashton mentioned Skyline Group, Luther’s expression turned stone cold. His self-assured smirk faltered, leaving nothing but awkward silence. Recently, Skyline Group’s branch had been making significant waves in Staville’s business scene, threatening to eclipse the Cruz family’s influence entirely.
And now, Luther realized he had just insulted the general manager of a rapidly growing enterprise, assuming Ashton was merely some odd man.
His face flushed red with embarrassment as muffled chuckles rippled through the table, making him wish the ground would swallow him whole. The irony was plain for everyone to see. Someone as esteemed as Rayden wouldn’t invite just anyone to his exclusive birthday celebration. Ashton’s place at the table had been earned, not gifted.
Just as Luther was silently cursing his miscalculation, Rayden reappeared, having finished greeting the other guests. The attention in the room naturally shifted to the birthday man himself, temporarily rescuing Luther from his mortification.
Rayden took his seat, accepting a microphone from a nearby waiter. His voice boomed across the room. “Thank you all for taking the time to celebrate with me tonight. I’m deeply grateful for your presence. I won’t make a long speech, but I hope tonight is a night you’ll all remember fondly. Please, enjoy yourselves!”
At his signal, a team of attendants entered the banquet hall, wheeling in a grand cake that towered over three feet tall. The cake, adorned with gold leaf and elaborate decorations, sparkled magnificently under the crystal chandeliers, filling the room with a sense of opulence.
However, as Rayden took a closer look at the cake, a flicker of doubt crossed his face. The design was different from what he had ordered. Was it a mistake, or had the staff upgraded the cake to impress him?
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Before he could ponder further, the guests erupted into applause, cheering loudly for the lavish birthday cake as it became the center of attention. Everyone began gathering around Rayden, eager to celebrate this special moment.
In the blink of an eye, Rayden found himself surrounded by guests, each offering their enthusiastic birthday greetings. Although the unexpected appearance of the birthday cake still puzzled him, the energy in the room left little room for questioning.
He shrugged it off, deciding it must have been a thoughtful gesture from the staff. With a polite nod and a gracious smile, he thanked the guests surrounding him.
Alisha, ever the supportive daughter, sidled up to her father, wrapping an affectionate arm around his shoulder. With a playful grin, she placed the paper birthday hat from the cake onto his head.
“Since we’re all gathered here,” Alisha chimed in with a bright smile, “why don’t we sing a birthday song for my dad?” Her suggestion was met with eager agreement, and without missing a beat, she started the song, her voice rising in joyful celebration of Rayden’s birthday.
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Message from Noa: Lovely readers, hope you liked today’s chapters, have a beautiful morning. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best.( ─‿‿─)
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