When Charlie returned, Stefanie stood up with a bright smile, took a few quick steps towards him, and eximed, “Charlie, why are you back so early? I thought you wouldn’t return untilter this evening!”


    As Charlie felt her hands gripping his arm tightly, a flicker of disappointment crossed his mind, but he quickly brushed it aside. “It was just a birthday celebration, and I left as soon as it wrapped up,” he replied.


    Curious, Charlie then asked, “Are your parents around?”


    “No,” Stefanie replied softly. “My dad is at the group, and my mom is attending a charity dinner. They have charity auctions and wine parties tonight, so I’ll be dining alone.”


    Charlie nodded in understanding. He was aware that Angie, Stefanie’s mother, was a prominent celebrity in Eastcliff. With her husband’s recent high-profile return, she too had to make her mark to support him.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    After a moment, Stefanie hesitantly asked, “Brother Charlie, are you really leaving tomorrow?”


    “Yes, I will be leaving tomorrow,” Charlie confirmed.


    Stefanie’s expression turned a bit wistful. After a brief pause, she remembered something and said, “Charlie, would youe out with me for a little adventure?”


    “But you’re a big star. If we go out, won’t the paparazzi follow you?” Charlie inquired.<fn0a3d> ?????? ???? FιndＮovel</fn0a3d>


    With a yful grin, Stefanie replied, “Just like when I picked you up at the airport; we can disguise ourselves!”


    She continued, “I want to take you to Millenia Square, the ce we used to visit as kids. Do you remember it?”


    “Millenia Square?” Charlie frowned, the name feeling both strange and familiar.


    Stefanie exined, “It’s where we often begged our parents to take us when we were little. There were lots of small vendors, shops, and so much delicious food. Millenia Square is right next to Heathbrook. Remember those winter days when we went ice skating at Heathbrook?”


    Suddenly, Charlie’s mind was flooded with memories from childhood.


    He could picture himself and Stefanie, led by their parents to Paddock Alley to enjoy candied haws and gliding over the ice at Heathbrook.


    Eastcliff winters were chilly, and theke at Heathbrook would freeze over, inviting children to skate and ride makeshift ice carts. Back then, with no electronic devices, Charlie eagerly anticipated those winter skating adventures.


    He recalled that Stefanie’s parents had a lovely courtyard house at Heathbrook. Whenever his parents took him there, they would first visit Stefanie’s family and then enjoy a meal in their cozy courtyard.


    Reflecting on those memories, which had been dormant for over a decade, brought a rush of nostalgia over Charlie.


    He asked Stefanie, “Daisy, is your courtyard at the back beach still standing?”


    “Yes!” Stefanie beamed. “It’s a protected building, so it can’t be torn down. My dad even spent a lot of money renovating it two years ago. If traffic in the city center wasn’t so bad, we’d consider moving there permanently.”


    Her excitement was contagious as she added, “Charlie, do you want to go there now?”


    Charlie felt a wave of enthusiasm wash over him, and without hesitation, he eximed, “Yes!”