Chapter 181: Chapter 181

Evan Quinn obediently perched by the window, watching the sky outside gradually darken. Although the birthday party was said to start at six o’clock, it was merely to give these prominent families ample time to arrive.

It was called a birthday party, but in truth, it was just an occasion for these groups to network and discuss business.

"Mommy, it’s so lively outside today."

Evan’s small fingers gently tapped the glass, observing the vehicles and bustling crowds outside—everything seemed so lively. Yet, the room they were in was enveloped in silence.

Clearly, it was Sienna Quinn’s birthday party, but no one came to wish her a happy birthday or brought gifts. These people were merely there for the Quinn Family and her identity as Landon Lawson’s ex-wife. At this birthday party, they could strike new deals and forge new connections. In contrast, Sienna felt like the insignificant one.

"Indeed, it’s quite lively today."

Sienna walked over, gently holding Evan in her arms, her indifferent gaze resting upon the lively scene below, where the headlights illuminated the Quinn Villa with brilliance.

All sorts of people in formal attire were engaged in polite conversations, while she was the one forgotten in a corner.

Evan lifted his head, gazing into Sienna’s emotionless eyes, his innocent demeanor lost in thought.

"Mommy, don’t you never celebrate birthdays?"

Every year, on this day, Sienna would not celebrate her birthday. After all, for her, birthdays were a time that evoked painful memories.

Since the death of her parents, Sienna had never celebrated a birthday. Every year, friends would quietly leave gifts at her doorstep or place them inside while Evan was at home, but there was never a celebration for her.

This matter among her friends was understood without needing to be spoken.

Evan’s big, watery eyes made Sienna’s heart quiver slightly. She chuckled softly, "This time... let’s celebrate it." She reached out and gently touched the brooch on her chest, a gift just received from Old Mrs. Orwell, the only item her mother had left for her.

Her eyes were filled with joy, as if her mother were right beside her.

Evan didn’t understand why they were celebrating this time, but seeing the smile on his mother’s lips, he obediently nodded. Some things were better left unasked.

Sienna held him in her embrace. Though outside was bright and bustling, it had nothing to do with them. It was as if their world was only within this room, supporting each other.

A series of knocks broke the silence.

Evan looked up at Sienna, suddenly a bit confused. Who was coming over? Sienna also seemed puzzled, watching Evan wiggle his chubby little body off her lap.

He opened the door, seeing the three people standing outside, he ran enthusiastically towards the man in front.

"Uncle Yates, Uncle Carter, Mrs. Carter, you’re all here." His childish voice rang out, and Sienna stepped out of the room, looking at the three standing before her, her lips finally curved upward, revealing a particularly beautiful smile.

"What brings you here?"

"You’re having a birthday—how could I, as your boss, not show up?" Axel Yates chuckled softly, a hint of warmth between his brows.

Seeing the friends before her, she finally showed a glimmer of a smile.

Sienna smiled, her eyes bending, as she accepted the gifts from the three with a joyful heart.

Axel led the three into the room, glancing around, surprised to find the place cold and cheerless, with no lively or festive atmosphere. He couldn’t help but pause, evidently a bit taken aback: "Today is your birthday, why is it so desolate?"

Axel couldn’t help but feel curious; everything seemed so unusual. Sienna hadn’t even put on any elaborate makeup, her simply elegant face having a different vibe.

Though he had stopped hosting birthday parties in recent years, when he did, they were lively affairs with people constantly coming with gifts and blessings. In contrast, today, Sienna seemed more like an outsider while everyone else enthusiastically joined in this theatrical play.

"Honestly, I’m not used to this kind of occasion." Sienna smiled gently, her serene gaze having long come to terms with everything.

Evan spoke softly: "They aren’t really here to celebrate Mommy’s birthday; who knows what ulterior motives they have."

Seeing Evan’s dissatisfied little face, Sienna chuckled and rubbed his small head, "Why worry so much? We should just live our lives well."

Sienna never really considered this birthday party important; if she did, she’d be at a disadvantage.

Evan pouted unhappily, his face looking displeased, "But they’re just going to bully Mommy." Thinking of last night’s dinner made Evan angry. He couldn’t bear anyone belittling his treasured Mommy, but this family had no one who treated her well.

It’s either yelling or making nasty faces, or speaking in a cutting tone.

"They’re treating you poorly?" Axel Yates furrowed his brows.

With those words, he recalled Sienna’s situation: after her parents passed away, the Quinn Group had been managed by Tom Quinn.

If Sienna truly had somewhere to go, she wouldn’t have come to the Yates Group.

Someone of Sienna’s capabilities would be valued anywhere she went, yet such talent couldn’t find a place in her own family’s enterprise.

If it weren’t for having a home that she couldn’t return to, how could things be this way? Official source is novel-fire.ɴet

Sienna laughed softly, her eyes a bit cold, "This home has long ceased to be a home for me. They merely want me to come back and help put on a show, happiness? That doesn’t exist."

Sean Carter, looking at Sienna’s slightly pale face, felt a pang of sympathy.

Before coming back, Sean only knew bits and pieces about Sienna’s situation, but never expected it to be .

The Quinn Family didn’t treat her as one of their own, and the matron was fearsome to behold.

As he thought about it, he touched the scratch on his face from Clara Quinn last night; the thread in the camera was still visible.

Danielle Carter and Sean Carter handed their gifts to Sienna, though their gifts weren’t as lavish as Axel Yates’s.

Sienna looked at the dress placed beside the bed, specially prepared by Old Mrs. Quinn, meant for this grand occasion.

Its gold sparkle was clear evidence of its hefty price.

Her hand reached out softly, tenderly caressing the diamonds on it, "This dress is really expensive."

Axel Yates gazed at Sienna’s profile, feeling a wave of sympathy. This woman who was once formidable in front of him now appeared so gentle he wanted to protect her.

Since Sienna needed to change her attire, Axel led Sean and Danielle outside for the time being.