I'd treat it as the last time I celebrated with him. One final repayment.
That afternoon, I went out specifically to pick a gift for Richard's banquet.
I remembered he'd always loved collecting famous paintings. The rare pieces in his study were all things he'd gone to great lengths to acquire.
With that in mind, I drove to a private gallery on the west side of the city, where works by a renowned traditional painting master were being sold.
Once the owner learned why I was there, he enthusiastically brought out a new piece by the master—pines and cranes symbolizing longevity. The meaning was perfect for a birthday gift.
I studied it carefully. It really would suit Richard's taste. Just as I was about to pay, the gallery door swung open.
Two familiar figures walked in—Ethan and Victoria Donaldson.
Among Ethan's many lovers, Victoria wasn't the most stunning, but she was the most persistent.
She was the only woman who'd had three abortions for him and still stayed by his side.
Right now, she was leaning against him, her lower belly slightly rounded—clearly pregnant again.