Chapter 193: Chapter 193

Chapter 193 Unexpected Interactions Charlotte paused and pulled her hand free from Joe’s hand, her expression cold and distant, “Is there anything else, Mr. Smith?”

Joe looked at his empty hand and felt a sudden void in his heart.

Things shouldn’t be this way.

He looked into Charlotte’s eyes and found no ripple in them.

She didn’t care about his birthday gift, or even if he was there to celebrate with her.

He swallowed the words he was about to say and calmly said, “I want to see the kids.”

At that moment, Ben and Anna were still excited about the perfect birthday gift they had given Charlotte. Seeing Joe behind Charlotte, their faces crumpled.

Joe, with a slight frown, took out two toys, “These are gifts for you.”

Although Ben and Anna didn’t want to deal with him, Charlotte always emphasized being polite. After hesitating, they took the toys and said, “Thank you.”

Seeing the kids’ unfamiliarity, Joe frowned even more.

Charlotte thought Joe would leave after giving the gifts, but he surprisingly asked the kids, “Do you want me to play with you?”

Charlotte was taken aback, “What is Joe trying to do?”

Ben and Anna looked at each other and shook their heads vigorously, “No need! We can play by ourselves.”

They then ran upstairs.

But before that, they bowed politely to Joc.

Joe didn’t know what to say.

After the kids left, Joe had no reason to stay. He said as he reached the door, “Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you,” Charlotte replied politely and closed the door.

Joe was speechless.

Jack watched from a distance as Joe was shut out. After a long struggle, he approached hesitantly, “Boss, should we…”

“Let’s go.”

Joe replied with a cold voice.

The brief encounter at the door didn’t affect Charlotte; she enjoyed cake with her children before putting them to bed.

Soon after, she received a call from Donny.

“I’m sorry, I was too busy today and almost forgot it was your birthday.” Donny apologized.

To outsiders, he sounded like a gentle and good man, but little did they know the hidden malice in his voice.

Charlotte on the other end replied coldly, yet gently, “It’s just a birthday; it’s not a big deal.”

Donny laughed, “I remember when you were little, Dad and Mom would throw a big party for you every birthday. Now that you’re grown up, you don’t seem to care.”

Thinking of the past, Charlotte smiled coldly in silence.

Donny had no idea what was on Charlotte’s mind and kept reminiscing about the old days.

“Donny,” Charlotte called out deliberately, “That’s all in the past.”

Donny’s voice stopped abruptly, feeling awkward.

After a light cough, he said to Charlotte, “Sorry, I forgot…”

“It’s okay,” Charlotte interrupted him.

Before Donny could express his feelings, he quickly changed the subject, “I forgot your birthday. It’s my bad. How about I treat Charlotte was about to refuse when she received a message on her phone.