“Dad, Kate is already outside,” Edric said quickly. “She’s a good girl—polite, well-behaved. She said she’ll only come in if you allow it. If not, she’ll stay outside and celebrate your birthday from there. You should meet her. You’d definitely like her.”
Tabitha let out a cold snort. In her eyes, that illegitimate girl had clearly inherited her mother’s talent for saying the right things.
Roger looked straight at Edric.
“Tell her to go home.”
The refusal came instantly—firm, unquestionable.
“Dad!” Edric blurted, stunned.
Roger’s expression hardened. “Tabitha said one thing that’s absolutely right. Ivy is the only daughter of the Quinn family. I won’t acknowledge anyone else.”
The words hit hard.
Edric’s face fell. He said nothing more—just turned and walked away.
—
Outside the estate gates, Kate and Noelle sat in a luxury sedan. They had been waiting the entire time, counting on Edric to come back with good news.
Kate shifted restlessly, anxiety written all over her face. “Mom, do you think Grandpa will let me go inside?”
Noelle sat composed in a fitted silk dress, her hair neatly pinned. Compared to the faint lines on Tabitha’s face, she still looked soft, elegant—the kind of woman who naturally drew attention.
“Don’t worry,” she said gently. “Your father will be back soon. Then we’ll know.”
“But he’s been in there forever!” Kate said, frustration creeping into her voice. “Why isn’t he back yet? Grandpa’s party is full of important people today. This is the perfect chance for me to show myself. I don’t want to keep living as an illegitimate daughter. I want to be the Quinn family’s heiress.”
Noelle’s tone stayed calm, reassuring. “You will be, one day. Ivy won’t be able to block your path forever.”
Just then—
Edric appeared.
“Noelle!”
Noelle’s face lit up instantly, her expression warm, almost admiring. “You’re back. What did your dad say?”
Kate leaned forward, eyes full of expectation. “Yeah—what did Grandpa say?”
Edric hesitated.
Then, quietly—
“I’m sorry. Dad won’t allow Kate to come in.”
The words landed like ice.
Kate felt her excitement drain away in an instant, like cold water dumped over her. She had spent hours getting ready, dressed in a luxurious gown, hoping to finally step into that world—
“Why won’t Grandpa accept me?” she said, her voice small, pained. “I’m part of the Quinn family too.”
“Don’t be upset,” Edric said quickly. “Your grandpa will acknowledge you eventually. Everything you’ve gone through… I’ll make it up to you.”
Noelle understood one thing better than anyone—keeping Edric close mattered more than anything else.
For years, she had played her role perfectly—gentle, patient, always understanding—slowly tightening her hold on him.
She stepped in smoothly. “Don’t make things harder for your dad. He loves you the most, doesn’t he?”
Edric reached out and gently rubbed Kate’s head.
“That’s right, Kate. I love you the most. You’re obedient, thoughtful… nothing like Ivy. That girl only knows how to make me angry.”
Noelle knew better.
Deep down, Edric still cared about Ivy.
But over the years, she and Kate had stayed close to him—while Ivy drifted further and further away.
That distance had only grown.
Noelle looked at him again, soft and considerate. “You don’t need to stay out here with us. It’s your dad’s birthday—you should go back inside and help. Your wife is there too.”
Edric raised an eyebrow. “Are you jealous?”
Noelle gave a small, playful shake of her head. “Of course not. As long as your heart belongs to me, that’s enough.”
Edric smiled, pinching her cheek affectionately.
“Tabitha and I lost our feelings a long time ago. If it weren’t for my dad, I would’ve divorced her already. We can’t stand each other.”
He turned toward the estate.
“Wait here. I’m going back inside.”
