The launch continued smoothly as models walked confidently across the stage, showcasing the newly released designs. Cameras flashed from different corners while guests whispered in admiration.
From the high table, Canary watched quietly, occasionally forcing a smile whenever someone looked his way.
Joel slowly leaned closer to him.
"The designers really did great work," Joel said proudly. "Having all this done in just a week."
Canary kept his eyes on the stage.
"We had to make sure everything was done before your birthday," Joel added.
Canary finally looked at him and picked up his wine glass.
"I see," he replied calmly. "It was such a success."
He took a sip, hiding the frustration building inside him.
Joel smiled proudly.
"Nothing I work on doesn't succeed."
Canary slowly lowered his glass.
"What do you mean?"
Joel looked surprised for a second before laughing lightly.
"Oh? Seems my sister forgot to give me flowers." He leaned back in his chair comfortably. "Didn't she tell you having the launch today was my idea?"
Canary stared at him.
"What?"
Joel smiled wider.
"I suggested combining both events. Bigger audience, stronger business connections, memorable atmosphere. Everyone agreed."
Canary let out a quiet chuckle filled with disbelief.
"So this was your idea."
Joel shrugged casually.
"You should thank me later."
Before Canary could respond, the MC's voice interrupted.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the man of the hour, the birthday celebrant himself — Mr. Canary Anderson!"
Applause immediately filled the gardens.
Canary slowly stood up.
Joel smiled at him. "Go make us proud."
Canary looked at him for a few seconds before walking toward the platform.
As he climbed the stage stairs, his anger remained visible beneath the smile he forced onto his face.
He reached the microphone.
The applause slowly faded.
Canary looked around.
Important guests.
Business partners.
Family.
Workers.
Then his eyes found Lisa sitting beside Gladys. Unlike everyone else, she simply smiled at him softly.
He took a deep breath.
"Thank you everyone for being here today," he started.
More applause followed.
"To be honest…" he paused briefly. "This morning, I thought today would be simple."
A few guests laughed lightly.
"But standing here now, I realize something."
He looked toward Lucy, then Joel.
"Sometimes life gives us surprises we never planned for."
Joel smiled proudly from his seat.
Canary continued.
"This launch shows the hard work of many people. Designers, staff, workers, and everyone who sacrificed sleep to make today possible."
Applause filled the space again.
"But today also reminds me that success means little without the people who stay beside you during difficult times."
His eyes moved toward Lisa for a second.
"So thank you for celebrating with me."
Everyone clapped loudly.
Canary stepped away from the microphone, but the anger inside him had not disappeared.
Now he simply hid it better.
After Canary stepped down from the stage, applause followed him back to the high table. The launch continued for a while longer before the MC walked back onto the stage holding a microphone.
"And now ladies and gentlemen," he announced excitedly, "we have reached one of the most important moments of today — cake cutting time for our birthday celebrant!"
Cheers and applause filled the gardens.
Workers carefully rolled out a huge cake decorated in black and gold colors. Cameras immediately moved closer while guests stood up from their seats for a better view.
"Mr. Canary Anderson, please come forward!"
Canary slowly stood up and walked toward the center stage area. Lucy, Ketra, and Joel quickly joined him beside the large cake.
"Family closer please!" one photographer shouted.
Lucy proudly stood beside her son while Ketra adjusted her dress and smiled for the cameras. Joel stood slightly behind them, watching the crowd carefully.
The MC raised the microphone again.
"Before we cut the cake, does the birthday man have anyone special he would like beside him?"
The question made guests laugh softly.
Canary looked at the crowd.
Business partners.
Workers.
Family friends.
Then his eyes stopped.
Lisa.
She was seated beside Gladys, quietly holding the large gift box she had carried the whole evening.
Without hesitation, he spoke.
"Lisa."
The gardens suddenly felt quieter.
Lisa looked around first, unsure if she heard correctly.
"You. Come here," Canary repeated.
Whispers immediately spread through the crowd.
"Her?"
"Why her?"
"Isn't she just staff?"
Lisa froze for a moment.
Gladys lightly touched her arm. "Go."
Lisa slowly stood up with the gift box still in her hands.
As she started walking toward the stage area, she could feel eyes following her from every direction.
Regina's smile disappeared instantly.
"Again?" she muttered under her breath. "She still takes the show."
Not far away, Jenny crossed her arms tightly.
"Seriously?" she whispered angrily to Richie.
Richie looked irritated too.
"Out of all people…"
A few guests exchanged looks.
"I thought one of the important families would stand there."
"Maybe she is more important than we know."
Lisa heard some of it but kept walking.
Joel watched the scene unfold with raised eyebrows before a small smirk appeared on his face.
Interesting, he thought.
Even he had not expected this.
Lucy looked surprised while Ketra quietly smiled.
When Lisa finally reached the stage area, she stopped awkwardly.
"Me?" she asked quietly.
Canary moved slightly and created space beside him.
"Yes. Here."
Lisa stepped beside him while photographers immediately became more interested.
Regina looked away angrily.
Jenny rolled her eyes.
Richie took a long sip from his glass.
The MC laughed nervously.
"Well... looks like we have someone important here tonight."
Canary ignored the comment.
He looked at Lisa briefly.
"Thanks for staying."
Lisa smiled softly.
Lucy handed him the knife.
"Make a wish, my son."
Canary closed his eyes for a moment.
When he opened them, he placed one hand on the knife.
Lisa hesitated before placing hers beside his.
Together, they cut the cake.
Cheers, camera flashes, and applause exploded around them.
But what people noticed most was not the cake.
It was who Canary chose to stand beside him.