No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 541

Just as Claudia finished speaking, Peter and Darleen walked in through the revolving glass doors.

Looking at Darleen’s crisp business suit, Claudia knew she must have come straight from the office.

Peter handed a gift to Darleen, motioning for her to give it to Claudia personally.

Darleen didn't hesitate this time, walking right up to Claudia. "Claudia, happy birthday."

Claudia’s eyes welled up with emotion as she pulled Darleen into a hug. "I knew you’d come."

Eddy came over. "Claudia, is everyone here?"

Claudia scanned the room and shook her head. "Everyone who's coming is here. Let's get started."

Darleen and Peter exchanged a glance.

Darleen lowered her head, a wave of sadness washing over her.

In Claudia's heart, her brother was already out of the picture.

Peter put a comforting arm around Darleen's shoulders.

Just before Claudia cut the cake, Hugh spoke up. "Dr. Watkins, it wouldn't hurt to say a few words before you cut the cake."

Claudia glanced at Hugh, surprised to see this side of the usually composed Lawyer Ferguson.

As the crowd cheered her on, Claudia cleared her throat and nodded with a smile.

Peter and Darleen stood at the outer edge of the crowd.

As Claudia prepared to speak, he hesitated for a moment before starting a video call to York.

York answered almost instantly.

Peter couldn’t see him on the screen. "York, where are you?" he asked.

York's birthday was October 28th, Claudia's was November 8th—less than two weeks apart. He had always postponed his own celebration to have it with Claudia.

On his birthday last month, she and her mother had prepared a huge dinner and ordered a cake in advance.

But that day, her brother had disappeared, hiding somewhere alone. He didn't show up again until the next day.

Seeing that York still hadn't shown his face or said a word, Peter sighed and ended the call.

Not wanting to spoil the mood, Peter left with Darleen without saying goodbye to Claudia.

Seeing Darleen’s eyes red with worry for her brother, Peter hugged her tightly. "Let’s go buy a cake right now. I’ll help you celebrate his birthday with him."

At the same time, in the home York and Claudia had last shared.

The pitch-black apartment was unnaturally silent, save for a single light glowing from the walk-in closet.

After sending one last message, York’s numb body slowly collapsed to the floor.