Chapter 16

“Adam,” Carly said, “you don’t like Celine anyway. The two of you are going to divorce sooner or later.”

“Celine has already found another man, and better yet, it’s Nathan—the man who rejected countless women of high status. We should give them our blessing, shouldn’t we, Adam?”

Adam paused. The others brought out a cake and lit the candles. “Let’s invite the birthday star to blow out the candles now.”

Nathan blew out the candles and began cutting the cake. Traditionally, the birthday person takes the first bite. However, Nathan cut a piece and offered it to Celine.

Celine glanced at him and opened her mouth, but Nathan playfully withdrew the spoon.

Seeing his teasing smile, Celine decided to embrace her new role. She playfully glared at him and lightly punched his chest.

They laughed. Nathan put an arm around Celine’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Mr. Lynch and Ms. Angel are being very lovey-dovey,” he chuckled.

“We don’t need to eat the cake anymore; watching the two of you is enough,” someone said, their interaction causing laughter among the guests.

Nathan offered Celine the cake again, and she took a small bite. He then lowered his head and ate the remaining cake from the same spot, their lips almost touching.

Their affection was overwhelming. Everyone cheered.

Celine felt a gaze on her and looked up to meet Adam’s frigid stare. His displeasure was palpable. Was he in a bad mood? She hadn’t done anything to provoke him.

Adam and Carly, however, were the masterminds behind Nathan and Celine becoming a couple.

Celine leaned into Nathan’s embrace and offered Adam her brightest smile, which he met with cold indifference.

Carly laughed. “Adam, look how loving Nathan and Celine are.”

Adam didn’t respond. He raised his head and drained his wine glass in one gulp.

The party ended. Adam, Carly, Nathan, and Celine left together.

Carly, in high spirits, said, “Celine, now that you’re Mr. Lynch’s girlfriend, we should have a double date.”

Celine nodded. “Alright.”

Nathan turned to Adam. “Adam, I should thank you for my new girlfriend.”

Adam was expressionless. “Why?”

“Did you forget? I asked you if you liked Celine, and you said no. You even helped me win her affections, giving me several ideas. Even though the handbag gifts didn’t work, I still feel I should thank you.”

Adam looked at Celine, who was also looking at him. She remembered his advice about the handbags.

Carly linked arms with Adam. “Celine took care of Adam for three years. He’d been wondering how to repay her, so it’s natural he’d want her to find a good partner.”

Celine linked arms with Nathan and looked at Adam with a joyful spark in her eyes. “Then I should congratulate Mr. Alvarez on getting his wish.”

Adam looked at Celine but remained silent.

“Celine, I’ll take you home.”

“Alright.”

Nathan opened the passenger door of his sports car for Celine, a true gentleman. The car quickly disappeared.

Carly smiled. “Adam, take me home too.”

Adam pulled his arm away from Carly’s grasp. “I’ve been drinking, so I shouldn’t drive. I’m going back to the company. You can get home yourself.” Leo arrived in the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Adam entered and left.