Shermaine didn’t give a damn about apologies from Sarah or Kylie. She didn’t take them seriously in the slightest.

Now that the troublemakers had been shown the door, everyone could finally relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

Owen was intrigued by Ruth’s drastic change. “Sheary, your mother…”

Since they were among family, Shermaine explained, “Owen, the ‘mom’ before was a fake. My real mom just came back recently.” She paused. “It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in later.”

Joshua had never told Owen about the cloned Ruth, so he was completely in the dark.

Owen nodded. That made sense. No wonder the previous Ruth seemed so off.

Ruth smiled gently, “Long time no see, Mr. Owen York.”

Owen smiled back.

The mood at York residence turned cozy, with laughter drifting from the living room.

Half an hour later, everyone gathered for dinner.

The spread was impressive.

Shermaine carefully placed a shrimp on Joshua’s plate. “Here, eat up.”

Joshua blinked, thinking, ‘Birthdays have their benefits.’ His girl was being extra sweet today. His eyes lit up like starlight as he leaned in. “Thanks, honey.”

She smiled, “Anytime.”

After dinner came the cake, an elegant three-tiered one Owen had ordered, topped with candles spelling “31“.

Joshua rarely celebrated his birthday, but this year was an exception.

“Make a wish,” Owen urged.

“Nah.” Joshua thought he was too old for that.

“Pride doesn’t put food on the table,” Owen said.

Skipping the wish altogether, Joshua just started cutting the cake.

Shermaine held back at dinner, saving stomach space for extra cake.

It was delicious, cherry flavored, her favorite, sweet and rich.

But Joshua, probably the least sweet-loving guy there, wasn’t interested in the cake. He stayed on the sofa playing cards with the others.

Shermaine carried over a small slice. “Want some?”

Joshua caught the sugary aroma. “Will you feed me, Sheary?”

She speared a bite and held it up.

The others watched, amused.

She fed him the whole slice without a second thought.

He really disliked sweets. The richness to his taste was cloying, and he sipped red wine before returning to his game.

At 10 PM, the guests finally departed York residence.

Ray, clearly tipsy, whispered to Joshua before leaving. “Don’t forget to open my gift tonight.”

“Got it,” Joshua replied.

“Promise you will.”

“Alright, go already.”

Roy climbed into Henry’s car with Lily, who was getting a ride home.

As for Warren, the creep, he was in the police station. Solid evidence and witnesses meant Lily planned to press charges for attempted rape. No way he was escaping jail time.

Joshua had received tons of gifts like wine, cars, and even property.

The same stuff every year. He didn’t need any of it, but the presents kept coming.

Shermaine was staying the night. After seeing Ruth and Janice off, she headed up to Joshua’s room.

It was huge, smelling faintly of cedar. He wasn’t in the main room, but his voice came from the walk-in closet.

Joshua held the phone, scowling at Roy on the other end. “What the hell did you give me?”

Roy didn’t mince words. “Sex toys, dude. Don’t knock them. They’re custom-made and cost a bomb.”

Joshua rubbed his forehead in exasperation. “You think I’d use this crap?”

Roy clicked his tongue. “They’re pretty spicy. You should give them a try.”

“Stop giving me this garbage.”

Roy figured Joshua wasn’t into it or maybe Shermaine wouldn’t play along.

He scratched his nose. “Fine, but that bunny costume is cute. Get Shermaine to wear it for you.”

Joshua hung up mid-sentence.

Roy shrugged, thinking, ‘Am I wrong? Doesn’t every guy want to see his girl in a bunny costume?’

He’d bet those toys would collect dust, but the bunny costume, Joshua had to be tempted.

Men did know men, after all.

After hanging up, Joshua stared at the skimpy bunny costume in the box. His Adam’s apple bobbed, suddenly feeling antsy.

He hadn’t thought about it before, but now,

‘The problem is, could I convince Shermaine to wear it?’ he wondered.

Chapter 305

Just then, a delicate hand lifted the bunny costume. “Roy gave you this for your birthday?”

Joshua had been too lost in thought to hear her come in. When he saw her hold the lingerie, his breath was caught. “Mhm.”

Shermaine poked at the other toys in the box, not blushing or flustered, just curious. She even studied their functions.

‘Does this stuff actually feel good?’ she wondered.

Before she could look for too long, Joshua shut the box. “Sheary, we don’t need these.”

Shermaine smiled, pointing to the bunny costume. “What about this? Do you want it?”

Joshua’s gaze heated. “Would you wear it if I said yes?”

Shermaine didn’t answer immediately. The outfit was sexy-cute, not her usual style, but if Joshua wanted to see it, she’d wear it for his birthday. She wanted him happy.

When she paused, Joshua thought she was reluctant. He pulled her waist close, kissing her cheek. “It’s no big deal.”

He tossed the outfit back in the box, forcing himself to look away.

“Total lie,” Shermaine thought and bit back a laugh.

The moon was full tonight.

Joshua said, “Gonna shower.”

“Okay,” Shermaine said. Joshua grabbed his pajamas and headed to the bathroom, still itchy from the bunny costume’s image.

Another call came; he checked the ID and stepped out.

It was a Basterel University professor, first wishing him happy birthday, then saying, “Mr. York, your wife is one in a million.

“All those projects you invested in? Shermaine wrapped them up. Returns will hit at least three billion dollars, maybe over 30 billion dollars.”

And the profits keep rolling in—pure gain, really.

Who else could be as incredible as Shermaine, churning out results in just over a week?

Joshua’s eyes softened. “My Sheary’s always been a badass.”

“Sent the project reports to your email. Take a look.”

“Got it.”

After hanging up, Joshua hit his study and called Bradley. With results in, time to file patents and put Shermaine’s gift to work—no wasting her efforts.

Meanwhile, Shermaine stepped out of the shower, still steamy. She went to the walk-in closet, opened the box, and without hesitation, dropped her towel.