Chapter 332
Recently, Devin has been feeling out of sorts. It wasn’t clear why, just a general sense of disillusionment with the world around him. Everyone seemed to irritate him, he was quick to anger, and even his favorite video games couldn’t distract him from his mood.
After Devin snapped at him for the third time for no apparent reason, Skyler Nelson, with a hint of sarcasm, asked, “What’s up, man? You on your period or something?”
Devin snapped back, “Kiss my ass.
Skyler just raised an eyebrow and sighed, “Don’t take it out on me, buddy. I’ve got my own problems to deal with.”
Devin scoffed, “Oh, please. It’s just Grace turning down your proposal. Is that all you got?” He hit a nerve, and Skyler retorted, “And what about you? Is it just because Joy started dating someone? You’re overreacting?”
“Screw you, man. Just you wait!”
Worried that Devin might actually come after him, Skyler tried to change the subject. “Curtis’ birthday is coming up. Shouldn’t we plan something for him?”
Curtis had been swamped with the IPO plans for SolidAxis Engineering and using his free time to slowly win over Leanne. When he saw the lavish banquet hall Devin had booked, he joked, “Planning a wedding or what?”
“It’s for your birthday, man,” Devin replied, always more concerned about Curtis’ affairs than anyone else. “It’s your first birthday back home. We’ve got to make it big.”
Sitting at his desk, Curtis was more interested in the stock market trends than his birthday plans. “Save the big celebrations for my 80th birthday,” he quipped.
Devin, perched on the desk, teased, “Don’t you want to know what your wife might gift you?”
“A gift?” Curtis smirked, “I’d be grateful if she just doesn’t leave me.”
Dejected, Devin slumped onto the couch, “This sucks.”
Curtis’ tone floated over from his desk, “I’ve got a short biz trip, might not be back that day. We could just grab dinner with some friends instead.”
“And should I invite Leanne?” Devin asked.
Curtis, of course, hoped Leanne would come, though she might not want to.
Leaning back in his leather chair, Curtis pondered for a moment before deciding, “Don’t bother.”
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09.2
Chapter 332
The business trip with SolidAxis Engineering’s top brass was tightly scheduled. During a brief lunch, while discussing the upcoming hearings and roadshows, President Brian’s phone rang. The usually stoic man’s demeanor changed as he happily chatted, revealing a soft side rarely seen.
“Yeah, I’m eating… No, I haven’t forgotten, it’s right in my pocket, I’ll take it after lunch… Sure, I’ll send a photo for you to check.”
After hanging up, he took out a neatly organized pillbox from his pocket. The lawyer, familiar with his routines, chuckled, “She’s reminding you to take your meds again?”
Brian nodded, “I tend to forget when I’m out. She calls to remind me. Sorry for the holdup,
let’s continue. Mr. Richardson, where were we?”
Later, while leaving the restaurant, Curtis texted Leanne.
“Tomorrow’s my birthday. Are you going to join the party?”
She replied after a while, “Got plans with colleagues.”
“How about the day after?”
“I have to work.”
Disappointed, Curtis typed, “No worries, it’s just another birthday. I can skip it.”
Leanne didn’t reply.
The next evening, as Devin picked him up from the airport and they headed to the restaurant, Curtis was met with a full house of close friends at the venue. Despite the absence of the one person he hoped to see, the group was lively.
Skyler, fetching wine, heard Grace ask Curtis, “It’s your birthday, where’s Leanne?”
Curtis, barely looking at her, picked up his wine glass silently. Devin, always blunt, cut in, “I already said she couldn’t make it, Grace. Why do you keep asking?”
At that moment, Curtis’ smartwatch chimed melodically amidst the chatter, intriguing.
everyone.
“What was that sound?” Devin leaned closer, curious.
“It’s because it sensed its other half’s soul,” Curtis replied absentmindedly, scanning the room, hoping against hope.
“What soul? Since when do watches have souls?” Devin, fascinated by the gadget, wanted a closer look.
Just then, Curtis stood and walked away.
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