Chapter 2207 Ms. Cui’s Birthday
- Lacey noticed the little guy was oddly fixated on this today. Maybe what just happened got to him. That girl looked pretty young. She honestly hadn’t paid much attention before. All at once, she realized Bertram had plenty of women around him. The Yang sisters were the ones she remembered best. Now it seemed the general’s daughter had an even better shot with him. She bit down on her ice cream spoon, thought it over, and decided to tell her son what she really felt. She had always treated him like a man, so whatever came up, she talked it through with him. “Sterling, wasn’t it good when it was just Mommy and you? Did you feel unhappy?” Sterling thought for a moment. “It was good, and I was happy. But I’m happier when I’m with Daddy!” For a second, Lacey didn’t know how to go on. In her son’s heart, Bertram had always been there, no matter how she tried to keep him in the dark before. But he still found him. That alone made her respect him. She let out a long breath. “Sterling, Mommy doesn’t want to get married.” Sterling heard that, lowered his head, and kept eating his ice cream without another word. When they finished, he asked to go home. Seeing his small, unhappy face, Lacey’s heart pinched. But she couldn’t be with Bertram, so she could only let this cool off for now. After work, Bertram left the president’s office and was heading to his car when a girl ran up to him. A guard at the gate shoved a gun to her side. Lorey quickly stepped in. “It’s fine. This is Ms. Ailee Cui, General Cui’s daughter.” The guard stepped back. Ailee Cui gave Lorey a small smile. “Secretary Xerxes, long time no see!” The last dinner had been her first time meeting Bertram and his secretary. She’d been pretty nervous. Before that, she’d only seen him on TV and at banquets. She’d never gotten close to him. It turned out better than she’d imagined. Secretary Xerxes was gentle. And while Bertram was cold, that was exactly what she liked—how he stayed distant from everyone. Lorey smiled. “Ms. Cui, what can I do for you?” Bertram was already in the car—eager to get home. He used to work late. Now, once he wrapped up, he wanted to head out fast. With someone waiting at home, going back had become a joy. Ailee pointed at Bertram. “I tried calling him, but it wouldn’t go through, so I came over. I want to invite Mr. President to dinner tonight.” Bertram’s phone rang in the car. It was General Cui. The two states’ ties were solid, so Bertram had to give the general some face. “General Cui.” His voice was low and cool, a touch distant. The general chuckled. “Bertram, I’m calling because it’s my younger daughter’s birthday. I can’t be with her, so I’m hoping you’ll keep her company tonight.” Normally, someone like Ailee Cui would throw a big banquet for her birthday. But it looked like she hadn’t. She wanted to spend it alone with him. “Of course. I’ll celebrate Ms. Cui’s birthday for you.” He hung up, then called out, voice flat: “Xerxes.” Lorey walked over. “Sir!” “It’s Ms. Cui’s birthday. Have the national banquet hall set a table for her. Take a few friends and celebrate with her. I’ll drive myself home.” With that, he got out, headed to the first car, waved the driver out, slid behind the wheel, and pulled away. Ailee’s face fell. She pouted. “Did my daddy not call him? Why did he leave?” To see him, she’d even canceled her birthday banquet—just to share one quiet birthday with him. Lorey smiled. “Ms. Cui, the sir already told me—happy birthday! We’ve prepared a birthday banquet for you.”