Chapter 271

Julian had just hung up when Lily came sprinting toward him, waving a glowing wand excitedly. "Uncle Julian! Can I video call Sophia?"

After a brief hesitation, he nodded. "Go ahead."

The call connected almost immediately, with Sophia answering on the first ring.

Lily's face lit up the moment the screen cleared. "Sophia! Look what I have!" She brandished the wand with pride.

Concerned Sophia couldn't see it properly, Lily handed the phone to Julian and backed up several paces, twirling to display the entire wand.

The garden's dim lighting made the wand's glow even more striking against the evening shadows.

Sophia was still processing the sight when Lily rushed back, grinning. "It's my Ember Festival present! Isn't it amazing?"

Many childhood memories from two years ago had faded for Sophia.

But seeing Lily with that wand sparked sudden, vivid recollections.

"Yeah, it's beautiful," she admitted. "I think I had one like that too."

"Really? You don't have one now?" Lily's nose scrunched in confusion.

Sophia shook her head. Watching Lily dance with the glowing wand looked incredibly fun.

An idea struck her. "I'm asking Dad to get me one right now! Don't hang up - I'll be back!"

Before Lily could respond, Sophia bolted upstairs with the phone still connected.

The night before Ember Festival always brought part of the Whitmore extended family to the manor for celebrations.

Alexander was currently circulating among guests when his daughter came barreling toward him.

Excusing himself, he scooped Sophia up and stepped aside. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Lily got a glowing wand for the festival. I want one too."

"A glowing wand?"

"Not like the ones in my room." Sophia thrust the phone forward. "Lily, show Daddy your wand!"

Understanding dawned as Lily demonstrated the sparkling toy from several feet away.

After examining it, Alexander smiled. "Got it. Thank you, Lily."

"You're welcome!"

Alexander then addressed Julian, who still held the phone. "Any plans tonight?" Julian hesitated. "Probably the countdown. You?"

"I'll be heading out," Alexander replied.

Julian wasn't surprised.

On this significant night, of course Alexander would go to Isabella.

Julian didn't pry, changing the subject instead. "Were you tied up earlier?"

"Still hosting," Alexander confirmed.

Julian understood completely.

As head of the Whitmore family, Ember Festival was never simple for Alexander.

"I'll let you get back to it then."

"Appreciate it."

Before returning the phone, Alexander smiled at his daughter. "Enjoy the festival."

"You too!"

Handing the phone back, he promised, "You two chat. I'll have someone get you that wand."

"Yay!" Sophia cheered as her father walked away.

Julian likewise passed the phone to Lily for the girls to continue their conversation.

When discussing plans earlier, Julian hadn't asked Alexander's destination, just as Alexander hadn't extended an invitation.

That unspoken understanding said everything - tonight, Alexander wanted no company.