Chapter 22
Joanna’s eyes widened, hardly believing what she was seeing.
Hayden knew Sylvia. And they seemed tight!.
“Hayden, this place is incredible–some party,” Sylvia said, flashing him a warm smile.
The usually cool–headed guy blushed a bit, a shy grin showing. “Coming from you, Sylvia, that’s a big deal.”
“Hi, Mr. Stone!” Ruby chirped, waving her chubby little hand.
Hayden picked Ruby up with a fond smile, holding her on his arm. “Ruby, I’ve got a whole playroom set up just for you tons of fun stuff. You’re gonna love it!”
He paused, then turned to his staff. “Hey, get this done… Sylvia’s my closest friend and our VIP. She and Ruby get full access anytime.”
Zack bit his lip hard, disappointment hitting him like a wave. So this awful woman didn’t need him at all–she could’ve walked in with Ruby without his help.
Sylvia followed Hayden inside, not giving Joanna or Zack a second glance.
Zack’s chest tightened with a bitter sting, and he started to run after her without thinking.
Joanna grabbed his hand, shaking her head with a frown. “Zack, she clearly wants nothing to do with you. Why keep chasing her? If your dad finds out, he won’t be happy. Let’s just leave her alone, okay?”
Zack’s head dropped, tears falling from his nose and hitting the floor.
Joanna watched him cry, but instead of feeling bad, a small smirk crept onto her lips.
She wanted Zack to hate Sylvia, to make sure they’d never patch things up.
Zack looked up, watching Sylvia and Ruby vanish into the crowd, a stubborn spark in his eyes. He took off after them, his short legs moving fast.
He knew his mom couldn’t be that cold. Deep down, she still cared about him–she’d even sent Ruby with treats yesterday.
“I caught a cold last night, coughing like crazy. Did you know?” Zack called out, catching up to Sylvia.
He tilted his head, faking a few coughs, hoping for a hint of worry.
Sylvia’s heart tugged, but then she recalled a night when Zack was sick, coughing hard.
She’d stayed up making medicine, only for him to knock it over, yelling that she was a terrible mom for giving him something so bitter.
Her face hardened.
“I’m not your doctor. You don’t need to tell me,” she said coldly.
Zack wiped his tears, his voice shaking with hurt and defiance. “You didn’t used to be like this! You’d panic if I even coughed. You know what? You’re
awful now!”
Sylvia shot back, her voice icy, no warmth in it, ‘You’ve always thought I was awful, haven’t you? You said you wanted Joanna as your mom.
“Well, I’m not your mom anymore—you should be happy.”
Every time she thought of the past, that old wound in her heart ached.
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Chapter 22
She’d given him all her love, but this ungrateful kid had looked down on her, his heart set on Joanna.
He’d even begged Byron to marry Joanna, to make her his new mom.
She could never forgive a kid like that.
Sylvia turned and walked into the playroom.
Inside, Ruby was running around, squealing with joy at the shiny pile of toys–hugging one, then darting to another.
“Ruby, careful, don’t fall!” she yelled.
She hurried over, steadying her wobbly daughter, then joined her in the fun.
Zack stood at the doorway, his eyes red, angrily wiping away tears.
He remembered when Sylvia used to play with him like that.
Back then, he’d thought it was lame compared to the arcade games Joanna took him to.
Joanna gently took Zack’s hand. “Come on, Zack. Let’s go find your dad.”
“No, Joanna, you go. I want to stay here a little longer,” Zack said, his eyes locked on the playroom, a mix of jealousy and longing in them.
Sylvia and Ruby, in their matching outfits, filled the room with happy laughter.
Joanna’s brow furrowed, annoyance flaring when Zack wouldn’t move. She turned and headed toward the banquet hall alone.
The banquet hall hummed with Silverton’s high rollers, glasses clinking and chatter filling the air.
Byron stood in the middle of it all. He was surrounded like royalty, his strong presence impossible to miss.
Joanna, eager to show off their connection, slid to his side and hooked her arm through his with smooth confidence.
Sure enough, jealous looks followed, and a smug feeling settled in her chest.
“Where’s Zack?” Byron asked quietly, scanning the room.
“He’s out playing. The staff’s watching him–he’s fine,” Joanna said with a calm smile.
Byron nodded and headed toward the front–row seats.
A song–and–dance show was set to start on stage soon, followed by a ribbon–cutting ceremony and a charity auction.
The hall’s first row had just three fancy armchairs, while regular chairs spread out behind them.
Clearly, those armchairs were for the most important guests.
Byron settled into one, and a staff member quickly approached, offering a clipped cigar with a respectful bow.
“Mr. Blair,” the guy explained, “Mr. Stone had this brought in special from Brazil for you. Please, give it a try.”
Byron and Hayden ran in the same high–end circles and had always gotten along.
He took the cigar, checking to make sure no kids were around before taking a deep puff.
The rich tobacco scent relaxed him, easing the tension in his face.
Joanna sat in the armchair next to Byron, her choice on purpose–it showed off her status and linked her clearly to him.
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Chapter 22
But before she could get comfy, a staff member rushed over, leaning in with an apologetic whisper.
“Miss Moore,” he said, “I’m sorry, but could you move to the chairs in the back? These seats are reserved.”
Joanna’s smile stiffened. “For who?”
The staff member lowered his voice more. “There are only three seats up here. One’s for Mr. Blair, one’s for our boss, Mr. Stone, and the last is saved for special guest.”
Jóanna’s curiosity spiked. “Special guest? Who?”
The staffer glanced around before leaning in close. “Just a rumor, but… word is, it’s the founder of AIVLYS, invited by Mr. Stone.”
“AIVLYS?” Joanna’s eyes widened. “That mysterious founder is here?”
Byron, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow, his interest caught.
AIVLYS had shot to fame in the global luxury market over the past two years, its founder a total mystery, their identity kept under tight wraps.
