Chapter 232

Cassandra showed up at the Tate house early that morning with Michael and little Cody in tow. But something felt... off. For a “birthday party,” the atmosphere was oddly quiet, and the decorations were so minimal—there was no sign whatsoever that a real celebration was going on. George walked up to them with a beaming grin the second they stepped in. “Look at you guys! Really, just having you here is more than enough—no need for gifts, we’re all family.” Even though he said that, he still turned to a nearby maid and waved, “Go ahead, take what our son-in-law brought and put it away.” Then he motioned to someone else, “And you, fetch the tea I’ve been saving. I want to have a proper tea tasting with him.” His sudden warmth made Cassandra instinctively frown. She glanced at Michael, brows slightly furrowed, catching his eye. Maybe, just maybe, her father had really changed his tune? Maybe he finally remembered the good times between them? Monica’s demeanor was off too. Gone was her usual