But Sanford's recent conversation with Brian threw her into a mix of doubt and speculation.

Who had returned?

Could it...

Her thoughts were interrupted by a disturbance at the door, followed by a bodyguard announcing, "Sir, Miss Brooks is here."

Upon hearing the announcement, Sanford's demeanor turned cool.

He extinguished his cigarette, indicating permission with a curt, "Let her in."

Millie entered shortly after, clad in a crimson camisole dress paired with a white suit.

Noticing Sanford and Jaelyn together, a hint of redness tinged her eyes.

"It's my birthday today. Sanford, you said we'd celebrate," she reminded him, her voice tinged with hope.

Sanford, reclining on the sofa, discarded the cigarette butt into the ashtray and casually draped his arm around Jaelyn, projecting an air of indifference.

“Did I make such a promise?" he queried, feigning ignorance.

Frustration and hurt evident in her tone, Millie insisted, "You did!"

With a dismissive sneer, Sanford retorted, "Really? That seems to have slipped my mind."

“Sanford, seriously? I reached out, reminding you it's my birthday tonight, hoping we could celebrate together. And you agreed."

Millie's voice carried a pinch of hurt.

Sanford's smile didn't quite reach his eyes, a coldness lingering in its curve.

"Millie, are you hearing impaired? I said ‘um' instead of ‘uh-huh’. That grunt was more of a hesitation than an agreement," he stated, his tone sharp.

Millie stood there, lost for words after his rebuttal.

Sanford persisted, his voice unwavering. "You need to know who you are. Why should I join in on your birthday celebration?"

He slouched arrogantly, his blatant disregard causing an immediate shift in Millie's expression, her eyes reddening.