Reborn From Ashes novel Chapter 110

"Hayden, I know this arrangement might upset you, but I have no choice. After all, the guests at the banquet are prominent figures, and your presence might raise questions. We can't openly acknowledge your identity, so you must eat in some back corner.

"I know you don't want to attend, but I truly hope you will. It would feel incomplete without you at my birthday party."

Morgan's expression was serious, his words laced with helplessness.

The others glanced at Hayden, their expressions conflicted. This wasn't a request anyone would easily agree to. It was more akin to an insult.

Asking a former family member to eat in some hidden corner while refusing to acknowledge his identity? Who could accept such treatment?

Not to mention, Hayden's chance to attend university had been snatched away by them.

Now, he was supposed to watch Morgan revel in the spotlight at his birthday party—the sheer audacity of it all.

Still, no one wanted to object since it was Morgan's wish. Some even prepared to persuade Hayden to agree.

Just as Charlotte was about to speak, Hayden beat her to it. "Sure! As long as it makes you happy, I'll do anything!"

He smiled sweetly, exuding an air of utter compliance. His eyes seemed to radiate innocence.

He was good at feigning sincerity too. He would agree to everything they asked without hesitation. Whether he would do it or not was another matter entirely.

Messing with them was oddly satisfying.

"You're… really okay with it?" Morgan froze, staring at Hayden in disbelief. His eyes were filled with shock. He couldn't comprehend how Hayden had agreed so easily.

Had Hayden lost all self-respect? Was he ready to forgive and forget everything the Sterling family had done to him?

What kind of person could be so magnanimous?

Morgan gulped, his expression uneasy.

Something wasn't right. Unusual behavior would always signal trouble!

He thought, "Slighted? Even they think I should feel slighted, huh? How laughable."

"Hmph! At least you still have some sense of responsibility. I find you less annoying now, though only a bit!" Lily chimed in, pinching her fingers to emphasize how little her approval amounted to.

"Hayden, you've truly changed. It makes me so proud. You'll earn everyone's recognition one day, and we'll be a real family again. Being the older brother means making silent sacrifices without complaint. You've shown such maturity and responsibility!"

Charlotte beamed, her joy apparent.

The Sterlings each harbored their thoughts, eyes scanning Hayden as if trying to size him up.

But Hayden remained unfazed, indifferent to their reactions. He would let them squirm and misunderstand. That was the fun of it.

After all, hadn't they mistreated him? Hadn't Morgan deceived him?

Now, it was their turn to relish the taste of their own medicine.