Felicia flinched, startled, and turned to look at the man beside her. Max’s handsome features softened as he spoke. “Anne just loves coming here on vacation. I bring her every year, let her stay for a bit.”
Felicia quietly shifted away, strolling along the flowerbeds. “As long as Anne’s happy, that’s all that matters.”
Max dropped his hand back to his side.
Anne came running over with a bunch of freshly picked flowers, holding them up to Felicia. “Mommy, these are for you.”
Felicia bent down, taking the flowers with gentle hands. She brought them to her nose, breathing in the scent, the hint of a smile curving her lips. “Thank you, Anne.”
Later that afternoon, two custom-made gowns were delivered to the house.
One was a dreamy blue that faded from light to dark, tiny crystals scattered across the skirt sparkling in the light. The other was a sleek, silver-white dress, simple and elegant, with clean lines and understated style.
Anne’s eyes went wide when she spotted the gowns. She turned to Max, glowing with excitement. “Daddy, are those for Mommy?”
Max nodded. “Do you like them?”
“They’re so pretty! Mommy will look beautiful in them.”
Max looked at Felicia, searching her face, but her expression didn’t change. There was no surprise, no delight. He asked, “You don’t like them?”
Anne stood next to her, her big eyes full of hope, waiting for Felicia to say yes.
Felicia glanced at Max. “There’s really no need to go all out.”
Max said, “Tomorrow’s party isn’t just for Anne’s friends. I’ve invited all kinds of important people from around here. It’s a big deal.”
Felicia had thought the birthday party would just be a small gathering, like the one they’d had for Mandy. She hadn’t expected anything like this. It was obvious Max had gone all in.
Heather slipped her arm through Felicia’s, lowering her voice in awe. “Max is seriously unbelievable. He treats Anne like a little princess.”
Heather came from old money herself and was worth a fortune after her divorce, but her upbringing never really let her get lost in luxury.
Stepping onto this property, she finally understood what true wealth and extravagance felt like.
As she talked, Heather couldn’t help but sneak glances at Felicia. Just now, watching Felicia and Max together, they really did look like the perfect hosts, completely made for each other.
Any other woman, standing beside such an accomplished man who absolutely adored their child, would have melted.
But Felicia’s face stayed calm, a little distant even, like she didn’t belong here at all.
Greg spoke up, “So, when are you heading back after the party?”

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