Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 113

Meredith had just spoken to Julian on the phone that afternoon, repeatedly warning him to soothe Vivian and make sure she didn't feel slighted.

Julian had agreed readily and mentioned his own plans, making it clear he was coming back to play the role of a good father.

So why wasn't he here?

Had something happened to Vivian?

Meredith couldn't help but study Elara as well.

Under their scrutiny, Elara didn't bat an eye, delivering her prepared excuse smoothly. "Something came up at the last minute. He'll be back a bit later."

This excuse might fool a child or someone out of the loop, but to family—even an old patriarch who had long stepped back from the business—the lie was obvious.

"What could possibly be more important than his daughter's birthday?"

Maddox's dissatisfaction was written all over his face. He frowned at Meredith beside him. "Did Julian say anything to you?"

Meredith shook her head uncomfortably. "No."

When Maddox first approached, all eyes had naturally gravitated toward them. Now, aside from the irrepressible, hushed chatter of the kids, there was no other noise. Everyone could hear their conversation.

No matter how displeased he was, this was family business. Maddox didn't want to turn a perfectly good birthday party into a public display of dirty laundry.

"Unbelievable."

He shot Meredith a meaningful look, then let Sebastian guide him to a seat without pressing the issue further.

It was almost six o'clock. Elara checked her phone; there was still no word from Julian.

She put her phone away, leaned down, and asked for Maddox's opinion. "Maddox, it's getting late, and the kids can't stay out too long. Should we take some photos and cut the cake first?"

Phrasing it this way made it clear Julian wouldn't be back anytime soon.

There were over a dozen kids here who needed to eat cake and head home for early bedtimes. They truly couldn't afford to wait.

He seemed to be in high spirits today. After the joint family portrait, he motioned for Sebastian to join them.

He intended for Sebastian to stand beside him, with his granddaughter on his left and grandson on his right.

Sebastian, however, used the excuse that it would be awkward to position himself there. He declined Maddox's suggestion and walked over to stand next to Elara, behind Maddox.

As if to avoid any misunderstandings, Sebastian kept a respectful distance from Elara, standing behind Maddox's right shoulder with a half-person gap between him and Elara.

The photographer found the positioning a bit strange, as it ruined the symmetrical aesthetic, and directed Sebastian. "Could you step a bit closer to the center?"

Elara also felt that standing like that made him look isolated, so she shifted a couple of steps to the left. "Sebastian, come a little closer."

Sebastian obediently moved in, standing on either side of Elara, acting as dual guardians right behind Melody.

Satisfied, the photographer quickly snapped the picture.