Carson wiped his tears, lifted the portrait with both hands, and stumbled toward the door.
At the threshold, he paused and looked back, his eyes red and wet with sorrow.
“Brother Bryce, I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin your lucky hour. Please, go ahead and continue your birthday banquet.”
Before I could utter a word, Jenna rushed over, grabbed his hand, and pulled him tightly into her arms.
“Carson, you and Aunt Symonne don’t need to leave.”
“I already promised you. I will give Aunt Symonne a dignified, grand third death anniversary. I’ll keep my word.”
The tenderness in her eyes pierced through me like a blade. That gaze, it used to belong only to me, back when her love was still pure.
I remembered how my friends warned me over and over.
“You better watch that new male assistant at your fiancée’s office. Total bastard type, definitely not simple. He’s getting way too close to Jenna.”
I had laughed. “No chance. Jenna and I have been together for eight years. She’s not interested in other men.”
But now, watching her shield Carson without hesitation, completely turning her back on me, it felt like a piece of my heart had been ripped clean out.
When Jenna finally looked at me, her eyes were nothing but ice.
She actually gave the order for the bodyguards to escort me out.
“Bryce, since you’re being so petty and won’t share your birthday with Aunt Symonne, I’ll have someone take you to a hotel and redecorate for your party.”
“Once I’m done helping Carson with the memorial, I’ll head over and celebrate your birthday there.”
I was so furious I almost laughed. The bodyguards blocked my way, and I struggled wildly.
“Jenna, have you lost your mind? This is my house! If anyone should leave, it’s you. Why should I be the one sent to a hotel?!”
My voice grew sharper with every word. I didn’t care that guests were arriving one after another; my image was already beyond saving.
I deeply regretted letting Jenna’s assistant take charge of the banquet. That’s why even my own bodyguards weren’t here.
Since childhood, every one of my birthday banquets had been arranged by my parents. Every public event had been tightly secured.
But now, I was being dragged out by outsiders.
I snapped, my voice cold and steady.
“Jenna, I want to call off the engagement.”
“You are no longer my fiancée. You have no right to be here. Take your guests and get out of my birthday party.”