“Hello, Dad.”
I smiled, but there was no warmth in it.
He studied me for a moment before clearing his throat.
“Have you found a stable job yet?”
I almost laughed.
Even now, he couldn’t acknowledge that I had succeeded.
“I didn’t need to find one. I built my own.”
“Oh.” He nodded, but there was skepticism in his eyes. “That’s fine, I suppose. But if you ever want a real career, I can help you.”
I looked at him, and for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel anger.
I just felt pity.
He would never admit that I had done well without him, because if he did, he would have to face the truth—that he had been wrong.
I placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a small smile.
“No need, Dad. But you can be proud of me or not. It makes no difference to me.”
Then I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there stunned.
I was no longer that 18-year-old girl desperate for his approval.
I didn’t need it anymore.
Now, standing at his birthday party, staring at the “family disappointment” name tag on the table, all I felt was amusement.
Did they think this would hurt me?
They had no idea that I had let go of this family a long time ago.
Phân cảnh 6: The party tension
I lifted my glass, taking a slow sip of wine.
If they thought I would stay silent, they were wrong.
I let my gaze sweep across the room, where everyone was dressed to impress, laughing and mingling as if they were part of some perfectly orchestrated performance.
But I wasn’t part of the show.
No one welcomed me. No one truly cared that I was here.
Their glances flickered toward me for only a moment before quickly moving on, as if I were a smudge on their flawless masterpiece.
That was fine.
I was used to it.
My father stood in the corner of the room, a glass of wine in hand, engaged in conversation with a group of powerful-looking businessmen.
When his eyes landed on me, I saw a brief flicker of surprise, but it lasted only a second.
Then his expression returned to its usual indifference, as if my presence here meant nothing at all.
I almost laughed.
How foolish I had been to ever expect more from him.
I slowly made my way toward the bar, where Hunter and Olivia were chatting with a group of relatives.
I had no intention of joining them, but Olivia’s sharp voice cut through the air, making me pause.
“Dad was so generous to pay for my wedding, but honestly, I think that’s only natural.”
She twirled the sparkling diamond ring on her finger, her voice dripping with smuggness.
“Of course,” Hunter nodded. “Dad always prioritizes the kids with potential.”
The kids with potential.
I pressed my lips together, taking another sip of wine to swallow the anger rising in my throat.
So, what did that make me in their eyes?
But I didn’t have time to be angry, because at that moment, I realized the most important thing of the night.
A small table was set near the entrance, where name tags were neatly arranged.