Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Zack’s eyes brightened when he heard Sylvia had sent the treats through Ruby.
He
liked her even more.
Sure, she was his mom’s daughter with some other guy, and that should’ve bugged him, but one look at Ruby’s big, chubby–cheeked smile, and he
couldn’t feel a bit of anger.
“Ruby, tomorrow’s Saturday. Wanna hit the grand opening of a new amusement park? It’s got all kinds of fun stuff!” Zack asked, a playful spark in his eye.
“Totally!” Ruby nodded like crazy, her excitement spilling over.
Zack grinned, then added, “But you can’t go alone. You got to get your mom to come with you.”
Ruby blinked, catching on, and gave a serious little nod. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she comes!”
Zack carefully told her the time and place, then took Ruby’s hand, and they ran off to play on the sports field.
Sylvia spent the whole day on the phone with the FDA. Her medical patch had finally passed inspection and was approved for the market.
She wanted her hard work to give Ruby a better life, sparing her the struggles Sylvia had faced–growing up in a small rural town, then marrying into a family where she had to watch her every step.
That evening, Sylvia drove to the preschool to pick Ruby up.
“Mom, tomorrow’s Saturday. Can we go somewhere fun?” Ruby chirped from the backseat, practically bouncing.
“No, sweetie. Tomorrow, I’m taking you somewhere else,” Sylvia said firmly, shutting down the idea.
Ruby’s face fell, her excitement fading. She’d promised Zack, but Sylvia wasn’t budging. She wondered how she could convince Sylvia.
Seeing Ruby’s pout, Sylvia softened. “Remember Mr. Hayden Stone from the horse club? His amusement park is opening tomorrow. I’m taking you
there.”
Ruby’s eyes lit up, her smile wide and bright.
“Okay, I’ll go with you!” she chirped.
She realized Zack and her mom were talking about the same place.
Since it was the same event, she didn’t mention Zack’s plan to Sylvia.
The next day came fast.
The amusement park was a big deal, packed with rides, a fancy hotel, and great food.
As Silverton’s big shot, Hayden had pulled in a crowd of important people, including Byron, the heir to the powerful Blair family.
The banquet hall, on the fifth floor of the entertainment center’s dining wing, had staff checking invitations at the door.
Byron looked sharp in a tailored navy suit, radiating quiet confidence.
Joanna, stunning in a flowing white gown, matched his style.
Together, they turned heads, the perfect power couple drawing jealous looks,
Zack, only six, stood between them in a matching navy suit, with a white shirt, tie, and a neat side–parted haircut.
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Chapter 21
He was a mini–Byron, charming and polished.
Byron handed their invitation to the staff, leading Joanna and Zack down the hall toward the banquet hall.
“Dad, my stomach hurts–I got to use the bathroom,” Zack said suddenly, clutching his belly with a pained look before running off.
He was actually headed to the entrance to wait for Sylvia and Ruby. He knew they wouldn’t get in without him.
“Zack, what are you up to?” Joanna asked.
She had sensed something was off. Since they’d arrived, Zack’s eyes had been searching the crowd, like he was looking for someone.
Now, with his fake stomachache, she followed him.
Her gaze followed his, and her eyes narrowed. There, at the entrance, was Sylvia, holding Ruby’s hand.
“Invitations, please?” a staff member asked, stopping Sylvia at the door.
Sylvia gave a small smile. “I don’t have an invitation, but someone’s coming to get me soon.”
She and Ruby wore matching pink cartoon–themed outfits, holding hands, looking warm and adorable.
Ruby’s big eyes shone as she took in the amusement park’s bright colors, her cheeks pink with excitement.
Joanna’s heart sank when she saw Sylvia and Ruby. She realized why Zack had faked a stomachache to sneak away.
If Zack was really here to meet them, the one thing Joanna feared most might be happening.
Zack and Sylvia’s relationship seemed to be warming up.
“Little Knight, over here!” Ruby spotted Zack in the corridor and waved her chubby hand, bouncing with joy.
A big grin spread across Zack’s face, and he started toward her without thinking.
Joanna grabbed his arm. “Zack, get back inside–your dad’s waiting!”
Zack’s shoulders drooped, and he let her pull him toward the banquet hall.
His mind was a mess. He knew Joanna didn’t want him near his mom, and his dad felt the same.
He should listen to them, but then Ruby’s sweet, smiling face popped into his head. If she couldn’t get in, she’d be so disappointed.
Zack pulled his hand free and shouted, “Joanna, I have to go get them! They can’t get in without me!”
He ran toward the entrance, his steps full of determination.
Joanna’s face darkened, realizing he was really waiting for Sylvia and Ruby.
Zack puffed out his chest and pointed at Sylvia and Ruby.
“I know them. Let them in!” he told the staff.
Sylvia blinked, surprised to see Zack again.
“Sylvia, what are you doing here?” Joanna walked over, a mocking spark in her eyes,
She went on, “Didn’t you say you wanted nothing to do with Zack? So why’d you have him come out here to get you in?”
Sylvia frowned. “I never asked him to get us in.”
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Chapter 21
Joanna’s smile was overly sweet. “Zack, you hear that? She doesn’t even care. Come on, let’s go back to your dad.”
Zack’s little brows furrowed, annoyance flashing at Sylvia. “Why are you so stubborn? I promised Ruby I’d make sure you both got in if you came.”
Sylvia put it together. Her daughter had been plotting with Zack all along–that “fun place” Ruby had begged to visit was this event.
“What’s with all the noise?” someone asked.
A good–looking guy in a sharp purple suit, with an earring sparkling in one ear, walked over.
It was Hayden Stone, the owner of this place.
The staff straightened up, greeting him respectfully. “Sir!”
But Hayden’s eyes found Sylvia, lighting up. “You made it! Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve come down to meet you.”
