Chapter 444 An Unexpected Kiss
"Dean, that's why I'm calling you. I figured you'd have a solution."
On the other end of the line, Dean scratched his blond hair with one hand while holding the phone with the other.
"You always give me the tough ones. How about this: just have him call Elizabeth directly. Maybe she's waiting for his call."
Daniel sighed and relayed the message to Michael.
Michael stared at him coldly.
Daniel, feeling wronged, said, "Mr. Thomas, why don't you just call Elizabeth? Maybe she'll agree to let you come."
Michael exhaled deeply, put his left hand on his hip, and pulled out his phone with his right hand, dialing Elizabeth's number.
He waved Daniel away. "You can go now."
Daniel quickly made his exit.
Elizabeth's voice came through the phone. "Where do you want me to go?"
Michael quickly clarified, "I wasn't talking to you."
Elizabeth's voice was emotionless. "Why are you calling?"
Michael hesitated for a moment. "Isn't today Pearl and Nolan's birthday?"
Elizabeth scoffed. "Surprised you remembered."
Michael didn't dare argue. "I set a countdown. I check it every day. I wouldn't forget."
Elizabeth's voice remained indifferent. "Then why aren't you here yet?"
Michael's mood instantly lifted. "Elizabeth, you want me to come? Where to? The banquet hall or your place? You didn't send me an invitation. I didn't want to just show up at the banquet hall."
Elizabeth sounded exasperated. "Michael, are you or are you not the kids' father?"
Michael was taken aback. "I... I am."
Elizabeth seemed a bit impatient. "Invitations are for guests. You're their father. Why would I send you an invitation? What are you thinking?"
Hearing this, the gloom that had been hanging over Michael for days suddenly lifted.
He felt a surge of clarity and a smile spread across his face. "Alright, Elizabeth, I'll head to Whispering Pines Estates right now. Wait for me."
The driver pulled up in front of Elizabeth's house, and Michael rang the doorbell immediately.
Daniel came to open the door. He whispered, "Mr. Thomas, did Elizabeth agree to let you come to the party?"
Michael ignored him and walked straight in.
Elizabeth and the kids were ready. Nolan looked dapper in a custom suit.
Pearl wore the beautiful dress Michael had given her, a diamond tiara on her head, and held her magic wand.
The wand's handle was topped with the large pink diamond Michael had given her, now set in place.
Michael looked at his children with fatherly affection. "Pearl, Nolan, happy birthday!"
Pearl ran up to him. "Thank you, Daddy! And thank you for the gifts, I love them!"
Nolan passed by without a glance, muttering a low "Thanks."
Michael was content with even this small acknowledgment from Nolan.
He stood up and took Pearl's hand. "Let's go, Pearl. Daddy will take you to the hotel."
Pearl shyly pulled her hand back, looking apologetic. "Sorry, Daddy, I already promised Mr. McGinnis I'd ride with him."
It was then that Michael noticed Carter sitting on the couch.
Seeing his rival in love, Michael's mood darkened immediately.
Carter stood up, put on his hat, and as he passed Michael, he smirked slightly.
"Mr. Thomas, I'll be heading out first."
As Carter reached the door, Michael gave him a gentle nudge, catching him off guard and pushing him aside.
Michael stepped out first, giving Carter a glare. "Mr. McGinnis, I'll be going first."
Carter snorted. "Childish."
He deliberately walked slowly to the car.
Pearl called out, "Mr. McGinnis, why are you so slow?"
Carter approached Elizabeth. "Mr. Thomas seems to have an issue with me. He doesn't want me to come along."
Elizabeth pushed him into the car. "Who cares what he thinks?"
Carter held the car door. "Elizabeth, are you sure I can come? Mr. Thomas is the kids' father, after all."
Elizabeth signaled his assistant to close the door. "I'm the host. He doesn't get a say."
Inside the car, Carter's lips curled into a smile.
At the door, Michael stood with his hands on his hips, fuming. 'That damn singer, using underhanded tactics!'
Dean had seen it all and clicked his tongue, patting Michael on the shoulder. "I have to say, your rival's got the upper hand."
Michael ignored him, still seething.
Dean leaned in. "Michael, are you sure you don't need my help?"
Michael raised an eyebrow. "You'd help me?"
Dean winked. "Just watch."
Everyone arrived at the hotel banquet hall. Elizabeth looked around but didn't see Sarah.
"Dean, have you seen Sarah?"
Dean glanced around and shook his head. "Nope. She's usually the life of the party. Why isn't she here?"
Elizabeth pulled out her phone. "I'll call her."
Michael also took out his phone. "I'll call David."
Elizabeth was genuinely worried. She feared something might have happened to Sarah.
Sarah wasn't answering her phone, and Elizabeth's anxiety grew.
Michael walked over. "Don't worry. Sarah's fine. She got drunk last night and hasn't woken up yet. David's taking care of her."
Elizabeth was incredulous. "Sarah got drunk? How much did she drink last night? She still hasn't woken up?"
Michael leaned in close, his lips near her ear. "David said it's not just the drinking. It's also because..."
He didn't finish.
Elizabeth waited for him to continue, but he remained silent.
She turned to him, staring. "Michael, say it! If it's not the drinking, then what is it? Tell me!"
Michael gave her a mischievous smile, lowering his voice further. "Are you sure you want to know? It's their private business."
Elizabeth's next move seemed almost instinctive. She pinched the soft flesh at Michael's waist with two fingers.
Her face took on a mock menacing look. "Are you going to tell me or not?"
Michael seemed to enjoy her assertiveness. He gently held her hand at his waist and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "David said Sarah got drunk and pushed him onto the bed. They had a romantic night. They were exhausted, so they didn't wake up in time. They'll be here later."
Elizabeth was shocked that Sarah had overcome her issues so quickly. She turned her head, only to find Michael still close.
Their lips met unexpectedly.
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