Adam had been planning Sofia's surprise birthday for weeks.
Secret calls late at night with Elise and Anne. Whispered hallway meetings with Gwen. Strategic emails with Laila about cakes, lighting, her favorite flower arrangements. He even asked for Sofia's favorite childhood songs to be added to the playlist. He wanted every detail to feel like her.
This year, it had to be perfect.
Bigger. Sweeter. Not for show. But for her.
He wanted to remind her that she was loved—not just as his wife, but as the woman who saved him. The woman who made him believe in second chances.
So when Beatrice overheard Gwen finalizing the guest list and offered with that bright smile of hers, "Let me help. I know her style—so well, remember? I can handle the décor. Please, Adam. I want this to be special for her too," he paused.
A long pause.
He didn't trust her. Not fully. Not yet.
But Raymond had just stepped into the room, his tone gentle as he placed a hand on Adam's shoulder.
