“Mr. Robin, what are you saying? If I had known earlier that it was fake, I never would’ve given it to you.” Geraldine lowered her head, guilt written all over her face. “Alright, don’t feel so awkward; sit down and eat with us.” Once Geraldine sat, Aiden suddenly broke in coldly, “Dad, are you losing your mind?” Robin glared at him. “What nonsense. I’m perfectly clear-headed; how could I be senile?” “If you’re not losing it, would you really be doing something like this?” He had his reasons. These past few days, Robin had been avoiding me; now, all of a sudden, he was being overly warm with Geraldine. It was hard not to question his motives. “Aiden!” Robin snapped in a low voice. “It’s my birthday. Keep your mouth shut.” Aiden’s jaw tightened. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me to my feet. “Fine, then you all enjoy dinner. We’ve got other things to do—we’re leaving.” I froze for a second, then quickly slipped my hand free. “Come on, Aiden, it’s Mr. Robin’s birthday. Don’t be rash.” He said nothing. I pressed down on his wrist, soothing him until he reluctantly sat back down. He drank in silence, his face set and unyielding. Across the table, Robin kept chatting casually with Geraldine, as if they were perfectly at ease with one another. And me? I felt more like an outsider than a future daughter-in-law. “Geraldine, what kind of work are you doing overseas?” Her eyes curved with a demure smile. “Mainly film. I’ve been in a few productions you must’ve seen, Mr. Robin.” “Of course I’ve seen them. Our Geraldine is an international star now; every project you’ve taken on has made waves. Your latest work was truly outstanding.” “Mr. Robin, you flatter me. I’m just a small actress; nowhere near as accomplished as Raelyn. No wonder Aiden likes her.” Robin gave a stiff smile. “You’re both remarkable… both remarkable. By the way, Geraldine, when are your parents coming back? Weren’t they doing business abroad?”Her expression softened. “Yes, they’ve been working overseas and haven’t returned yet. But if you’d like to see them, I can call and ask them to come back.” Robin waved it off. “No need. I was just reminded of the old days. Your father and I—we used to be drinking buddies when we were young!” The two of them laughed heartily; Andrix chimed in now and then, and the whole exchange flowed as though they’d known each other forever. Aiden, head down, suddenly leaned close and whispered in my ear. “You’re really not upset?” “I’m fine.” I forced a smile. Maybe sensing my mood, as soon as the gathering ended, Aiden took me out of the hotel. The moment we stepped outside, I let out a long breath. “I can tell my dad’s attitude toward you has shifted,” Aiden said. I smiled faintly. “If it’s obvious to you, it’s definitely obvious to me.” He stopped and looked at me seriously. “But don’t worry. My dad wouldn’t suddenly dislike you. He must be dealing with something else.” I nodded. “I know. That’s why I’m planning to ask him directly when we get back tonight.” As we strolled onto the bridge, snow began to fall from the night sky. I froze, then looked up with a spark of surprise. It had been so long since I’d paid attention to the weather; I hadn’t even noticed winter had arrived. A sudden sneeze escaped me. “Cold?” Aiden asked. Grinning, I shook my head. “Not cold; just an itchy nose.” “Then why are you shivering?” His brows drew together; he took off his coat and draped it over my shoulders. “Let me take you home.” I flashed him a teasing smile. “Thank you, Mr. Aiden, for your kindness; but my legs have gone numb.” Without another word, Aiden scooped me into his arms.I held on tight, comforted by the steady heat of him. “Aiden, I heard that when two people walk through the snow together, it means they’ll grow old side by side.” “Two people in the snow… grow old together, I can’t say. End up in the hospital? That I can guarantee.” Trust him to ruin the moment—no sense of romance at all.