Chapter 508 The Birthday is Coming
The sharp comment instantly drew a lot of attention. Over the past few days, the online criticism had died down, and Aurelia thought it was all over.
Nathaniel reacted quickly, stepping in front of Aurelia.
"Ma'am, you better watch what you say. Spreading lies is illegal."
The woman glanced at Nathaniel, her eyes darting nervously as she took a step back, not daring to say more.
Nathaniel was usually a man of few words, and when he wore a stern expression, it gave off an intimidating vibe. It was clear he was already angry.
The schoolyard clock chimed, signaling the end of the school day.
Teachers led a line of children out the door, and one by one, the kids were picked up by their parents. Jacoba and Dorothy came running out, jumping into Nathaniel's arms and calling him "Daddy."
The woman, leading her child away, kept glancing back at them.
Aurelia shot her a sharp look, and she finally turned away.
Once in the car, Aurelia couldn't help but wonder aloud, "The kid that woman picked up seemed to be in the same class as ours."
Nathaniel looked up. "Want me to check it out?"
"Forget it, she didn't do anything too extreme."
Nathaniel didn't dwell on it and drove towards the hospital.
The hospital room was lively today; they could hear conversations from outside the door.
The family of four walked in, and Phoenix raised an eyebrow at Nathaniel in a challenging manner, but Nathaniel ignored him. Phoenix's father, Dominic, was talking to Reed.
"Uncle Dominic, you're here?"
Dominic nodded at the younger ones in greeting, "I'm in Coral Bay for business and heard your grandfather wasn't feeling well, so I came to check on him."
Dominic then turned to Reed and said, "You need to take good care of yourself so you can watch these little ones grow up."
Reed's eyes grew misty, "I'm old, can't keep going much longer."
He knew his own body best; there was no way he'd live long enough to see the little ones grow up. That would be a miracle.
"You're still strong. With good care, you'll be fine."
Nathaniel set up a small table and brought the kids over to coax Reed into eating.
Reed sighed as he looked at Nathaniel. Nathaniel used this tactic every day, and while Reed could refuse anyone else, he couldn't say no to his adorable great-grandchildren.
Dorothy and Jacoba had been coached by their parents on the way over to make sure great-grandpa ate well, including vegetables, main courses, and eggs.
The two kids eagerly grabbed forks and started helping.
On the floor, Phoenix sidled up to Aurelia as she entered.
"Aurelia, I'm thinking of quitting the industry. It won't affect your jewelry sales, will it?"
Aurelia glanced at him, "You want to quit? Why?"
This was their first face-to-face meeting since Phoenix's awkward confession. He had been avoiding her, afraid of causing trouble, and didn't dare call her, fearing her annoyance.
He was about to burst.
Phoenix looked down, kicking at the floor, and whispered through gritted teeth, "You don't know why I want to quit?"
Aurelia was blunt, "I don't know."
Phoenix was momentarily speechless, "I want a normal life and don't want my family harassed by paparazzi. Maybe next year, after I finish this show and get everything in order, I'll quit."
Dominic overheard and looked approving, "You finally get it. Why not quit now and help me run the company? Look at Nathaniel; he took over the family business in his early twenties. You're about the same age and don't even know what our company does.
How about this: you terminate your contract now, and I'll cover the costs. No more acting; come help me, so I can take it easy."
Phoenix frowned, feeling rebellious. How did a reasonable conversation turn so unpleasant?
"Dad, why are you eavesdropping? I'm just considering it, still planning. I can't quit just like that. Besides, I just signed an ad deal with Aurelia's company. She's just starting to sell big, and quitting now would affect her business. You know how tough business can be, so don't make it harder for her."
Mentioning Aurelia, Dominic glanced at her with an unreadable expression. After a moment, he said, "Ms. Semona, your jewelry designs are impressive and stylish. Unfortunately, our company is in the automotive industry, so we don't have a chance to collaborate. Phoenix caused you trouble recently, and I apologize on his behalf. If something like this happens again, come to me, and I'll handle the PR."
Aurelia, following Nathaniel's lead, called him Uncle Dominic. "Uncle Dominic, it's no big deal. It's already been resolved."
Nathaniel, ever straightforward, glared at Phoenix, "I think you should listen to Uncle Dominic and quit now to avoid dragging others down. Look at your fans' behavior; they're as uncouth as their idol."
Phoenix frowned, holding back his temper in the hospital room, "Nathaniel, what do you mean by uncouth? Who egged me on to poke a hornet's nest as a kid? Who taught me to cut a classmate's braid? Who pushed Caleb into a doghouse? Now you call me uncouth? Who taught me?"
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, unfazed by Phoenix's accusations, as if they had nothing to do with him.
"Are you in elementary school? Bringing up old stuff from years ago? Why not dig up stories from when you wore diapers?"
Dominic ignored his son's and Nathaniel's banter, secretly observing Aurelia. Her looks and demeanor were strikingly similar to her mother's, even her silent presence.
He stared, especially at the shape of her ears, which oddly resembled his son's. The thought startled him.
"Ms. Semona, may I ask when your birthday is?"
Aurelia snapped out of her thoughts, and Dominic realized his question was too forward. A woman's age is private, not something to ask casually.
"I apologize, Ms. Semona, please don't mind."
Nathaniel chimed in, "Aurelia's birthday is coming up. How about we celebrate in Imperick?"
Aurelia smiled, "We'll see."
"Alright, it's up to you."
Dominic fell into deep thought. Her birthday was soon, likely in the fall. Calculating the time...
Dominic broke into a cold sweat. Leaving the hospital, he was distracted, almost forgetting his son.
Phoenix noticed his father's odd behavior. "Dad, what's up? You've been out of it since we left the hospital. Are you forgetting your own son?"
Dominic ignored him, counting months on his fingers, muttering, "February, March, April, May..."
Phoenix called again, "Dad? What are you counting?"
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