Chapter 872Chapter 872
“Hey Daniel, can I come over to your place sometime?”
The cupcakes were delicious, and she craved another bite.
“Absolutely.”
Daniel’s attention was captured as he enthusiastically started to rave about Emily’s baking skills, listing
off all sorts of sweets that made the kids drool with anticipation.
Hana quietly slipped away.
Brittany arrived at the Dustin Group offices, wrapped up the morning meeting, and just as she was
about to leave, Landon stopped her.
“Ms. Dustin, I heard Charles was in the Imperial City, too?”
“He left a few days ago.” Brittany didn’t expect Landon to ask about Charles. “Something on your
mind?”
Landon’s expression was somber. “Back in Craneville, he promised to grab a beer with me, but we
never got around to it. I was just looking to find time for that drink.
Brittany didn’t think much of it.
Landon was a top talent she’d recruited at a high price, granting him considerable autonomy. His
personal life was not her business to pry into.
“Charles will be back in a few days. You can reach out to him then.”After Brittany left, Landon pulled out his phone to see a chat window.
Charles had already blocked him.
He had made it out of a small town at seventeen, attended the best university, and climbed his way to
his current position through sheer determination. He had always stayed within the lines, until that
moment in Craneville when he inexplicably found himself stealing a second glance at Charles in drag.
That one look seemed to ignite a spark that traveled through his entire body, shattering the prideful
composure he’d always held dear.
But…such a handsome face, and yet fundamentally, a man.
He felt a pang of regret.
But more than that, there was an inexplicable sentiment he couldn’t quite grasp. He could handle any
challenge with ease, except for Charles. With him, Landon was unsure.
Later, when Brittany called Charles in the evening, she mentioned Landon.
“You and Landon are close?”
Close enough to go out for drinks.
Charles laughed in an odd way. “I respect talent, and he’s got plenty.”
Brittany found it odd, but also thought it unlikely. Charles preferred the demure type, not someone like
Landon, who seemed stern and rigid.
Charles didn’t want to talk about it and changed the subject.Brittany didn’t push further. As a friend, she had no right to meddle in his life; she just needed to be
ready to listen.
After hanging up, Brittany received a call from Grace, who insisted her birthday dinner be a low-key
affair and requested no presents, emphasizing that a simple family meal would suffice.
Brittany verbally agreed to Grace’s wishes. However, she still gathered numerous items she knew
Grace would love, including a set of fine porcelain furniture worth a fortune.
Grace’s ninetieth birthday dinner was supposed to be understated, but the event was still grand.
The Salter family was prominent and wealthy, and Grace had recently recovered from a serious illness.
Many took the opportunity of the dinner to offer congratulations and show their concern.
The Salter Manor was ablaze with lights, bustling with guests and relatives.
Grace, buoyed by her recovery and the joyous occasion, was in exceptional spirits.
Brittany and Isaac, as the eldest grandchildren and in-law, stayed by Grace’s side, mingling with the
guests.
Toasts were made, and glasses were clinked.
Grace’s favoritism towards Brittany was evident, despite her not yet being officially back in the family.
Grace affectionately addressed her as her granddaughter-in-law, causing many guests to take a
second look at Brittany.
Leda and Manuel, sitting in a corner, were seething with envy.
Leda went out of her way to serve Grace, who barely acknowledged her, favoring Brittany instead!Manuel’s expression soured, pretending not to notice.
With the multitude of guests, even Brittany, seasoned in the business world, felt overwhelmed. Finally
finding an excuse to step away, she made her way to the restroom on the first floor.
As Isaac was occupied with the guests, Nathan approached him with a grave expression and
novelbinwhispered, “Mr. Salter, Ms. Joie is missing
”