The waiter relayed my message to Brad.

Brad's face fell.

Others spoke up. "Mrs. Hamilton is probably just upset. Women can be a little sensitive. Just ignore it, Mr. Hamilton."

"You've got to go charm her, Mr. Hamilton."

Hearing that, Brad was moved.

He and Stella had known each other from childhood. Nobody understood Stella better than he did.

He'd let Stella down in front of Seraphina, then tried to comfort Seraphina.

He shouldn't have said that.

It was Stella's birthday. He should have stayed with her.

He'd made a mistake.

Realizing this, Brad looked at the waiter. "Did she cry?"

Stella had been a crybaby since she was little. She'd cry when she was sad or happy. She'd even cry during sad movies and not be able to sleep.

Sensitive and fragile,

He was a little ashamed.

Stella was his wife, and it was her birthday. He shouldn't have embarrassed her for Seraphina.

He should apologize.

But the waiter shook his head. "No."

"Mrs. Hamilton was smiling and looked beautiful."

Brad frowned. He was surprised, but after a moment, his face darkened. His voice was cold. "What is she doing then? She's acting like a child. If she's not coming back, then just leave her be."

The guests exchanged glances, not daring to speak.

They just waited quietly.

But an hour passed, then two, then three.

Stella didn't return.

Brad's expression was cold. He went to the garden.

The Lady of the House, the wife of a tycoon.

She had run off for a mistress's temper, and it was neither dignified nor generous. The guests would be laughing at her.

When he saw Stella, he would have to criticize her.

But when he got there, the garden was empty.

The rain fell.

Beside the trash, a half-smoked cigarette and a ring.

Brad's heart clenched.

It was the silver ring he'd given Stella when he proposed.

Over the years, he'd bought Stella countless pieces of jewelry, but she only cherished the silver ring.

But now, she'd tossed it in the trash.

She didn't want it.

The wind picked up, and the rain soaked through Brad's shirt. He was freezing but suddenly clearheaded.

Stella wasn't coming back.