Hildegarde's expression remained icy. "Wilfred, take that cake away. Patrick already ordered a proper one. It'll be here soon."
Wilfred didn't move.
Instead, he picked up a knife and cut the cake in half. He held out one piece to Hilary.
"Hilary, listen to Daddy. Your sister's right—you can't have chocolate cake. It'll make you sick."
"No! No! No!" Hilary wailed. "Your cake is ugly! It's ugly just like you! I'm not eating your stupid cake! I'm waiting for Daddy Patrick's big chocolate cream cake!"
"Wilfred, do you not understand plain English?!"
Hildegarde shot to her feet. "Take your pathetic cake and get it out of here. My daughter doesn't want it!"
"If she doesn't want it, then she doesn't have to eat it."
Wilfred looked at Hilary, and a calm smile settled on his face. "Hilary, you just said you want Daddy Patrick to be your real daddy, right? If that's your birthday wish, then Daddy will make it come true."
"From now on, Daddy Patrick is your daddy."
He lifted his head and met Hildegarde's eyes. His gaze was steady, more peaceful than it had ever been.
"Hildegarde, let's get a divorce. Starting today, Hilary stays with you. Penelope comes with me."
The room fell silent.