Chapter 546 stand.” After pausing for a few seconds, she couldn’t help but add. “If you trust my judgment, it’s best to drop this bid sooner rat
Summer met Colton’s gaze and could tell he was displeased. Instantly everting her eyes, she fell silent, offering no further comment. They were no shortsighted. No wonder the Gilbert family had never made it big in their last life.
Mandy glanced at Summer with a hint of reproach but tried to keep her temper in check. In a heartfelt tone, she advised, “Summer, in business, we bank on good fortune. Let’s not have any more of that defeatist talk, okay?”
Colton was always a bit superstitious, which explained his imitation upon hearing Summer’s suggestion to back out.
Summer’s expirds drooped slightly as she murmured a subdued, “I underher than later”
At her words, Colton’s expression turned to thunder.
“Goodness, child, you’re becoming more clueless by the day…” Mandy shot Sun
ook, then turned to soothe Colton.
Summer’s lips twisted into a wry smile as she stood, clutching her cup. “I’m going to my room to study. With that, she left the living. room and hardly glanced at Aiden as she bumped into him on the stairs before ascending.
Aiden, mouth quirked, was still engrossed in his mobile game. He sauntered into the living room and flopped onto the couch with the nonchalance of a privileged youth. “Mom, don’t you think Summer’s been acting strange lately?” She used to strut around like she owned the place, and now she acted like they had all mistreated her somehow.
Mandy turned to her younger son, exasperation clear in her voice. “You shouldn’t call her ‘Summer like that. She’s your sister.”
Aiden’s eyes remained glued to his phone. “I’m not too keen on acknowledging a sister with such a calculating mind.”
Shaking her head, Mandy’s thoughts drifted, and then she said, “Your 16th birthday is coming up in a few days. Your father and I are planning to throw a big party for you. You can invite some of your close school friends.”
Aiden looked up from his game, which had just ended. “Ah, it’s just a small birthday. Do we really need to make a big deal out of it?”
“Of course we do. You’re the hope of the Gilbert family. Having a good show is a must, Mandy insisted.
Aiden pondered for a moment, then asked, “Can I invite anyone?”
Mandy eyed him, countering, “Who do you want to invite?”
“That crazy girl,” Aiden blurted out.
Mandy looked puzzled.
Clearing his throat, Aiden pocketed his phone before clarifying, “I mean that one… Mirabella.”
Realization dawned on Mandy. In the past, she would have scolded her son for even considering inviting someone like Mirabella. But remembering the Davis family… she showed no displeasure and nodded in agreement. “Sure, that’s fine.”
Aiden was surprised to find his mother so amenable today and gave her a curious look. He said, “Just not sure if she’ll come.”
He remembered waiting outside Parkside High School for that fierce girl who had been more arrogant than him, which made him grumble his teeth in frustration
He’d overheard his parents long ago say that the Davis family was dirt poor, so he figured he could use his birthday bash to make Mirabella green with envy. She’d see just how well the Gilbert family lived and realize the poverty she came from!
