Chapter 292: Chapter 292

"I didn’t let him come. It’s been so long since we sisters had a chat alone. Now that the high school exams are over, I feel relieved. If I get accepted, I’ll study here and won’t have to be apart from you for so long."

Skylar Vance smiled, and Iris pursued, "But, sister, you’re doing well over there. Why did you suddenly come over here?"

"Because I know your dream university is over here. I came to pave the way in advance, so you won’t be without a place to settle later."

"My sister is really considerate."

Skylar Vance looked at herself with doubt, unable to hold back her curiosity, "What’s the occasion for suddenly treating me to dinner?"

"Sis, your memory is really poor. You’ve forgotten your own birthday!" Iris said, taking out a gift box from her bag. She opened it and took out a bracelet, saying, "This is your birthday gift. One for each of us. Let me help you wear it."

Skylar Vance was stunned. She had indeed completely forgotten about her birthday because she rarely celebrated it. To her, this day never held any particular significance. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ NoveI★Fire.net

This move from her younger sister made her heart feel warm as an older sister.

"Spending so much money just to celebrate my birthday?"

"Didn’t spend much. Besides, it’s Ms. Yardley’s money. Don’t worry," Iris said. "When I graduate from university and can earn money, you’ll be relaxed. I’ll take care of you then."

Skylar Vance chuckled, picking up the other bracelet from the box and putting it on Iris. "Just taking care of yourself will be enough, let alone taking care of me."

"Sis, you should find yourself a reliable brother-in-law again. You’ve been separated for so long; it’s time to reconsider your personal matters, isn’t it?"

"Hey, you little girl, getting involved in my affairs now," Skylar said just as the phone in her bag rang.

She took out the phone and stared at the caller ID for two seconds before answering.

She was still hesitating whether to call him "Uncle" or "Mr. Rhodes" when Simon Rhodes spoke first, asking her, "Finished work? Free to have dinner together tonight?"

"Is there something you need?"

"Well, nothing urgent."

"How about tomorrow? I’m dining with my sister now."

Simon Rhodes stayed silent for a moment, guessing she might have someone celebrating her birthday, and nodded, saying, "Okay."

Replacing the words "Happy Birthday" with "Enjoy your meal" seemed better suited for a face-to-face greeting, he thought.

Once the call ended, Iris curiously asked, "I heard a man’s voice? Have you already found a boyfriend?"

Skylar Vance gave her a look, but inside, she realized that now Iris had finished her exams, her marriage wouldn’t remain a secret for long. It was better to tell her than let her find out.

The server brought the dishes, and Iris snapped photos to post on her social media. Skylar, taking a moment’s pause, said, "Actually, I’m married—I got married three months ago."

Iris froze in the middle of taking a picture. "Sis, your joking skills are getting better. You look so serious. I’m almost believing it."

"Not joking—married in a flash. Didn’t tell you because I didn’t want it to affect your exams."

"Really?! Love at first sight and an elopement? Iris asked curiously after sitting down, "Where’s the brother-in-law? Call him over! It’s your birthday. He should be here."

Skylar chuckled and said, "He went on a business trip."

"What does he look like? Any photos? Let me see!"

"He doesn’t like photos, and I don’t have any on my phone. Next time, when there’s a chance, I’ll bring you together for dinner."

"Is he good to you? Well, you two getting married in a flash, means he must be a decent guy."

Skylar just smiled without saying much, while Iris kept asking various questions. Skylar tried her best to portray her husband as a good brother-in-law in Iris’s imagination.

After dinner, Julian Yardley came to pick them up. Originally planning to drop Skylar home, she declined using an excuse not wanting them to know her current residence and took a cab back herself.

Shawn Rhodes was indeed on a business trip and had Rowan Alder with him.

In fact, the so-called business trip was more like taking Rowan Alder on a honeymoon since she’d been cooped up at home for long with an injured leg. That night, Skylar heard them talking about this, leading Shawn to squeeze out time and take Rowan out.

Compared to Rowan Alder, Shawn Rhodes was considered quite a good man.

After entering the room, Skylar took off her shirt, found some home clothes from the wardrobe to change into, and opened the balcony door to ventilate.

The scent of roses wafted into the room with the night breeze, making her feel much more relaxed.

Sitting on a deck chair by the door, feeling the breeze and listening to music, seemed like the best birthday gift for herself.

With the balcony door open, the outside sounds were noticeably clear.

The wind rustled the leaves, and the sound of insects wasn’t too annoying.

As she was about to drift off to sleep, she suddenly heard a sound. When she opened her eyes to look outside, she saw a shadow had climbed over the railing onto her balcony.

Seeing who it was, Skylar rushed from the chair and, standing by the door, asked Simon Rhodes, "Why are you here?"

Simon Rhodes gave a small laugh, "Did I scare you? I saw you asleep outside, called you a few times, but you didn’t hear. So, I just came in."

Even though Shawn wasn’t home, Skylar still felt a little guilty. "Is there something you need?"

Simon Rhodes lifted the cylindrical box in his hand, saying, "Happy Birthday."

Skylar Vance stood there in surprise, looking at the cake box he offered, not sure if she should take it.

Few people ever remembered her birthday. Even when she dated Owen Bellamy, he rarely celebrated her birthday unless reminded.

She couldn’t recall ever mentioning anything about her birthday to Simon Rhodes, never expecting someone who seemed to have little connection to her would wish her "Happy Birthday."

"When crossing the wall earlier, I accidentally bumped it. Not sure if the cake got damaged, have a look—hope it’s still edible."

It was then that Skylar reached out and took the box he offered, saying, "Thank you."

Simon Rhodes chuckled and was about to say more when Skylar looked up at him, saying, "Um... I’d appreciate it if you don’t come over again in the future. I fear it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings, which wouldn’t be good for anyone."

The smile on Simon Rhodes’ face froze momentarily. He then apologized, saying, "Sorry, I didn’t think it through."

"Regardless, thank you. But really, don’t do such things anymore. If my husband saw, it might be hard to explain."

Simon Rhodes nodded, "Okay, take care and get some rest."