Chapter 41 Making It Happen
Jean cleared her throat on
on purpose.
A housekeeper immediately rolled out a serving cart.
On the cart were two cakes of roughly the same size.
One had Dominic’s name on it, the other had Winston’s
The cakes were set on the table, and the candles were lit.
Neither of the brothers had expected this scene. Their normally cool expressions flickered with visible surprise.
“This cake. Dominic looked up at Jean. His deep–set eyes stared straight at her, dark and unreadable.
Winston didn’t say anything.
His gaze remained on the cake.
The boy instinctively pressed his lips together, lost in thought.
“You two being here at the same time is a rare thing, so I figured I’d get ahead of it and wish you both happy birthday,” Jean said, blinking her bright eyes and curling her lips into a soft smile.
Dominic and Winston’s birthdays were close–only a week or two apart. Celebrating early together wasn’t too much of a
stretch
But Winston quickly caught the flaw in her story. He frowned and asked, “You knew I was coming back?”
He hadn’t told a soul about returning this weekend–not even Rylan. As far as he knew, the only person who could’ve possibly known….
Was Wingflare, the player in League of Legends.
Jean had already expected that question. She smiled and answered sweetly, “I actually just made one for Dominic. When you showed up. I added one for you too. I had extra cake batter anyway–it didn’t take much effort.”
She moved on quickly, ushering the brothers toward the cakes. “Come on, don’t waste my good intentions. Make your wishes. I’ll sing you a birthday song.”
She started swaying her head back and forth as she sang.
Her voice was rare and beautiful. No matter what she sang, it always sounded lovely. Even this simple birthday song was mesmerizing.
Dominic and Winston gradually shook off their surprise, unconsciously drawn into the sound of her voice.
For the first time, it felt like a real birthday..
They weren’t the type to celebrate birthdays, or go out of their way to mark the day.
If someone remembered, fine. If not, that was fine too.
Birthdays weren’t worth fussing over.
And the idea of a heartfelt birthday celebration at home? That had never even crossed their minds.
Everyone knew–the Ginger family rarely celebrated holidays or birthdays together.
But now, the last person they’d expect–their youngest sibling, the so–called aloof and solitary Jean–had orchestrated all of
다.
Chapter 41 Making It Happen
What was the Jean he used to remember!
Honestly, he wasn’t sure anymore. But it definitely wasn’t this
His past impressions felt clouded, like they were wrapped in fog. Even if he tried to search his memory, it was all a bilar. But now, sitting here, this bright, animated girl before him-
Maybe this is who Jean was always meant to be
“Alright, that’s the end of the song”
Jean clapped for herself and pointed at the candles “Okay you two, make a with and blow them out
Winston didn’t make a wish.
He didn’t have anything he wanted badly enough
He leaned forward and blew out the candle in front of him with zero ceremony
Dominic, on the other hand, didn’t move
He stared at the glowing candlelight, his thoughts tangled.
Was it emotion? Was it reflection? A surge of unnamed feelings welled up in his chest, transforming into a quiet spread through him.
“Thank you, Jean
The usually stoic man suddenly spoke, his tone serious and measured.
Jean froze for a second.
Then she waved her hands like she’d been caught off guard. “Haha, don’t mention it.”
“Dominic, you almost scared me. That was way too sentimental Is that really you?)
Dominic’s lips curved upward, just barely.
He leaned in and gently blew out the candle.
But before that, he made a silent wish in his heart-
He wished for their family to become closer.
After dinner, Winston didn’t stay the night. He left the Ginger family home and headed straight back to school. Dominic didn’t try to stop him.
Just coming back for dinner was already a huge step for Winston–a big change.
Some things couldn’t be rushed. They had to happen slowly.
Dominic understood that
After Winston left, Jean skipped up to Dominic, beaming as she held out her hand, “Dominic, my reward”
“Reward Dominic glanced at her sideways, confused.
Jean cleared her throat and reminded him, “My five million.”
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Chapter 41 Making It Happen
Considering Winston’s personality, him suddenly “having a change of heart” would practically be a medical miracle.
So-
If someone had pushed this along, it would make a lot more sense.
“How’d you manage it?” Dominic’s interest was clearly piqued. He was genuinely curious how Jean had pulled it off.
Jean spread her hands playfully. “With skill, of course.”
“Plus a little… coercion and temptation.”
Coercion
Dominic was even more intrigued.
Finished
Winston wasn’t someone you could pressure into doing anything. Coercion and bribery would only make him rebel harder. So how had she made it work?
“What kind of skill?” Dominic raised an eyebrow
Jean dodged the question. “Let’s just say. undeniable talent.”
Dominic was speechless.
You’re not gonna back out, right? You did promise me five million,” Jean pouted. Her bright eyes dimmed as she feigned a pitiful expression.
“Of course not
Dominic replied firmly.
He could easily afford it. But honestly, he hadn’t expected Jean to actually take his casual joke seriously–or to pull it off.
It was…. surprising.
Jean’s eyes lit up again. “Big spender!
Jean bounced happily back to her room.
The moment she closed the door, her phone buzzed with a bank notification.
Five million had just landed in her account.
Naturally, it came from her “generous brother,” Dominic.
Her retirement fund had grown a little thicker.
“Ahhh”
Jean flopped onto her bed, grinning from ear to ear,
Life is good.
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