Chapter 280: Skylar’s Birthday (8)

Kennedy and the others stood as well, and they began walking out of the library together.

Zachary followed alongside them, but unlike the others, his thoughts were already focused on what was waiting for him in the birthday hall.

He was looking forward to seeing Sienna and Skylar, but there was something else that made him particularly curious.

William and Riley had no idea that Kevin Richardson was one of his close friends.

Considering the tension between Sterling and Cresswell, Zachary couldn’t help wondering how they would react when they discovered the connection. William had just spent the last several minutes confidently assuring their father that Riley could handle the upcoming military tender, while Riley himself was currently sitting in the same hall with Kevin.

The situation was almost too convenient to be believable if he hadn’t witnessed it himself.

Zachary kept his expression calm and uninterested in any light chat, except when it was about Sienna and Skylar as they continued toward the birthday hall.

He had no intention of deliberately provoking anyone. Discreetly, he was certainly curious to see William and Riley’s expressions when they realized that Kevin Richardson, the CEO of their company’s rival, was not only attending Skylar’s birthday party but was also one of the very few people Zachary considered a best friend.

For now, however, he kept that thought to himself and simply continued walking with his family toward the celebration.

...

Skylar’s birthday party was vastly different from any birthday celebration at a wealthy family that Sienna had ever read about on the internet.

There was no excessive display of wealth or unnecessary formality. Instead, the celebration felt warm and relaxed, with everyone gathered simply to celebrate Skylar’s special day.

The lunch began with the whole family seated around the long dining table, singing the birthday song to cheer up the birthday boy. Skylar stood in front of his beautiful two-tier basketball-themed birthday cake, his face bright with happiness as everyone sang for him.

After making his wish, he leaned forward and blew out the candles while the guests applauded and congratulated him.

Once everyone had wished Skylar a happy birthday, they finally began enjoying the delicious lunch.

The conversation quickly spread around the table as everyone talked, laughed, and enjoyed the food together.

A comfortable atmosphere settled over the long dining table. Everyone seemed to have temporarily forgotten about business and their usual responsibilities.

Even Riley and William Sterling showed no hostility toward Kevin. Although the men were involved in competing companies and had reasons to be cautious around each other, neither of them brought up business during the celebration.

For that moment, they were simply guests at Skylar’s birthday party, gathered together to celebrate the child.

The peaceful atmosphere continued even after lunch.

Several guests and family members moved to different parts of the room, forming smaller groups as they continued chatting happily. Some remained near the dining area, while others sat together and talked about various things.

Zachary was chatting with Kevin and the others when Riley suddenly approached him.

"Uncle, my father wants to talk to you," Riley whispered, keeping his voice low enough that only Zachary could hear.

Zachary glanced at him and immediately understood what William wanted to discuss. He had already expected this conversation sooner or later. It was most likely about his friendship with Kevin and, given the earlier discussion in the library, the upcoming Norvayne military project.

He turned toward his friends and gave them an apologetic smile.

"Guys, I need to talk with my brother. Can you wait for me for a little while?"

"Sure, man. Go ahead. There’s no need to worry about us. Skylar will entertain us," Scott said with a laugh as he waved toward Skylar and gestured for him to join them. "Sky, come here..."

Skylar looked over when he heard his name, and Scott smiled at him. Zachary also smiled before standing.

However, the softer expression on his face gradually disappeared as he nonchalantly turned his attention back to Riley. His expression became calm and unreadable as he looked at his nephew.

"Lead the way."

Riley nodded and walked ahead of him.

They returned to the library, the same room where the family had discussed Sterling Group earlier. As soon as Zachary stepped inside, he saw his older brother already seated on the leather sofa, waiting for them.

William was staring directly at him.

Zachary immediately understood from his brother’s expression that this conversation was unlikely to end well. Still, he showed no sign of being bothered. He walked into the room calmly and looked toward Riley, who moved to the single sofa and sat down.

"Brother, why did you suddenly call me for this private meeting?" Zachary asked casually.

William studied him for a moment before finally speaking. His expression was serious, and there was little patience left in his voice.

"Kevin Richardson attended Skylar’s birthday party. That means you two aren’t just acquaintances. He must be a close friend of yours. Why didn’t you tell me?"

Zachary raised his eyebrows slightly, pretending not to understand why his brother was making such a big deal out of it.

"Why should I?"

The casual question, along with the indifferent way Zachary delivered it, immediately irritated William even more. His expression darkened, and he leaned forward slightly.

"Damn it, Zach! You know we’re fighting to win that military project. During the meeting earlier, instead of saying anything, you just sat there and stayed silent."

Zachary looked at him calmly. He found William’s reaction unreasonable, especially since he had never been involved in Sterling Tech’s management.

"Hold on. Why shouldn’t I have stayed silent? I’m not part of Sterling Tech in any way," Zachary said, keeping his tone casual. He briefly glanced at Riley before looking back at William with an incredulous expression. "Why are you blaming me for not mentioning I know Kevin and that he’s my friend?"

William fell silent.

For several seconds, he seemed to struggle to control the anger building inside him. He clearly knew Zachary had a point, and arguing against it would only make him look unreasonable. Eventually, he nodded in reluctant agreement.

"You’re right," William admitted. His tone became calmer, although his frustration had not completely disappeared. "But at least say something. Give us a tip to help us secure this project. I mean, if you know Kevin that well, you must know something about him or his company’s weaknesses."

Zachary stared at his brother in disbelief.