Because I Was an and He Threw Away 164

Posted by ADMINMMADMIN, ? Views, Released on January 10, 2026

Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Telegram

Chapter 164 The Birthday Dinner

Ryan’s words held obvious frostiness–even Linda, who didn’t know the backstory, picked up on the chill.

But Alexander merely shrugged it off with an easy grin. “Ryan, don’t be so modest! If you don’t mind, I’ll think of you as my brother.”

Without waiting for an invitation, he poured himself a drink, raised his glass, and clinked it against Ryan’s. “To you, bro.”

Then he knocked it back in one smooth swallow.

Alexander had toasted him, so Ryan–no matter how much he disliked the guy–had to swallow his irritation for the moment.

Emily sat sandwiched between her brother and Alexander, nerves twisting in her stomach.

She knew Ryan’s temperament: he never bothered sugarcoating things for people he couldn’t stand. But Alexander was clever. He seized the initiative and forced a

tpast that boxed Ryan in.

15:04

+34 Bonus

< Chapter 164 The Birthday Dinner

Now, Ryan had no graceful way to kick him out.

Alexander might come off as reckless and irreverent, but years navigating cutthroat business circles had honed his social instincts. He knew exactly which approach worked on whom.

Once seated, he went around the table with his glass, starting with Henry, toasting each person in turn–even little Molly got a gentle clink with her juice cup.

Only after the full round did he finally dig in.

Normally, no high society heir would show up for a barbecue.

Alexander was the rare exception. He dove into the spread without a hint of disdain, tearing into the grilled meat like he’d been craving it forever.

Whenever he hit on something especially delicious, he’d slide a piece onto Emily’s or Molly’s plate.

His easy charm worked its magic. Molly was utterly smitten, peppering him with questions. “Sir, are you Aunt

2/7

15:04

+34 Bonus

< Chapter 164 The Birthday Dinner

Emily’s friend?”

“Yeah, friends for now,” he replied with a playful wink, “but maybe not forever.”

Molly scrunched her nose, puzzled. “Why can’t you be

friends forever?”

Alexander ruffled her hair affectionately. “You’ll understand when you’re older, sweetie.”

Ryan overheard and felt a spark of anger flare–he didn’t like this stranger talking about his sister that way. But under the table, Chloe laid a calming hand on his and gave a subtle shake of her head.

Just like that, the fire in him ebbed away.

Emily didn’t know Alexander all that well, but tonight, at this family table, she glimpsed a different side of him.

In front of her loved ones, he dropped the flirtatious “babe” routine, kept his hands to himself, and instead looked after her with quiet thoughtfulness.

Herefilled her water, added choice bites to her plate, and

< Chapter 164 The Birthday Dinner

() +34 Bonus

even dabbed a napkin at the corner of her mouth when sauce lingered there.

With him steering the conversation and keeping things light, the mood never dipped into awkward territory despite the unexpected guest.

All in all, the dinner unfolded more pleasantly than anyone could have predicted.

Ethan had just pulled up to Joy Gardens after his business trip. Before he could even step out of the car, his phone buzzed with a WhatsApp notification.

He glanced down and found Andrew had sent him a photo.

In it, Emily and Alexander sat side by side, Alexander serving food onto her plate. The whole Carter family surrounded them, everyone seemingly relaxed and warm, like they’d welcomed him right in.

Ethan stared at the image for a long moment, a strange unease settling in his gut. It felt off—almost as if Emily.04

< Chapter 164 The Birthday Dinner

had brought Alexander home to meet the family.

+34 Bonus

He didn’t reply to Andrew, just slipped the phone back into his pocket.

Inside Joy Gardens, Sophia spotted him and launched herself at his legs with a joyful squeal. “Daddy! You’re finally home!”

He scooped her up, scanning the room. “Where are Nancy and Granny Gloria?” he asked.

Sophia wrapped her arms around his neck. “Nancy took Granny Gloria upstairs to get ready for bed. She told me to play down here and said she’d give me a bath soon.”

Ethan pressed a kiss to her forehead, then set her on the

sofa.

The photo still nagged at him. On impulse, he said, “Sophie, why don’t you call Mommy for me?”

Sophia pouted, “Daddy, I don’t wanna.”

He paused, then softened his voice. “I need to ask her something important. Could you help me out, just this:04

< Chapter 164 The Birthday Dinner

once?”

She sighed dramatically, “Fine.”

Using her kids‘ smartwatch, she called Emily.

The call went through–but no one answered.

www

She tried again–still nothing.

+34 +34 Bonus

Ethan’s brow furrowed. He pulled out his own phone and texted: [I’m back from the trip.]

Several minutes passed, and there was no reply.

He knew she was out dining with Alexander and her family. He told himself not to overthink it, but a sour irritation coiled in his chest all the same.