Chapter 59
Byron headed downstairs for dinner, just as Zack bolted up the stairs.
“It’s dinnertime, where are you going?” Byron frowned.
“Dad, dinner looks gross tonight, I don’t want any!” Zack disappeared upstairs in a flash.
Byron’s expression darkened. He knew exactly what Zack was up to – video calling Sylvia’s daughter.
The dinner had been prepared by Joanna. She sat at the table expectantly, watching Byron pick up his utensils. “Byron, try it.”
Byron glanced at the dishes, then set his fork down, his brow furrowed. “Joanna, how long have we known each other?”
Joanna paused, then quickly replied, “Since we were kids.”
Byron scoffed. “Then shouldn’t you know I don’t eat cilantro?”
With that, he stood up and left the dining room. Suddenly, he understood why Zack had run off; the food held zero appeal.
Joanna was left mortified. She had put so much effort into cooking for the father and son, and neither of them appreciated it…
Liana comforted her from the side, “Joanna, dear, it’s alright. Byron and Zack have always been picky eaters. You didn’t do it on purpose, don’t take it to heart.”
Byron felt a knot in his stomach. It seemed only Sylvia’s cooking truly suited his taste.
The thought of Sylvia made his expression harden. ‘That woman is always trying to steal my son!‘
He’d even set an alarm specifically to remind himself to go to Francisco Memorial tomorrow at lunchtime. He absolutely couldn’t let Sylvia take Zack.
The next day at noon arrived. Most students stayed at school for lunch, but Ruby specifically went to Zack’s classroom to tell him they were going home together for lunch.
The two little ones stood hand–in–hand at the school gate. Soon, Sylvia pulled up.
She lifted Ruby into the car and was about to let Zack get in when Byron suddenly appeared, standing before them with a cold expression. “Sylvia! Did ! say you could take Zack to your place for lunch?”
Sylvia’s expression faltered. She hadn’t expected Byron to show up at lunchtime, catching her red–handed. “I’m Zack’s mother. I’m taking him home for lunch. Is there a problem?”
She looked at Zack. “Zack, do you want to come home with Mom for lunch?”
Zack glanced at Byron. Though a little scared, he mustered his courage and nodded. “I want to go home with Mom for lunch.”
Sylvia looked up at Byron. “Did you hear that? That’s Zack’s decision. I hope you can respect it.”
Byron was clearly displeased. He shot Zack a harsh look, then grabbed his son’s hand. “Sylvia, even if Zack agrees, it doesn’t matter. Zack is not going with you.”
Sylvia’s temper flared, her eyes fixed on Byron.
The tension crackled between them, the atmosphere suddenly charged.
Zack blinked his large eyes and said timidly, “Dad, why don’t you come to Mom’s house for lunch too?”
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Chapter 59
Byron paused, then scoffed inwardly. ‘As if I have time to eat at her house! I have an important lunch meeting!‘
Despite his thoughts, he looked at Sylvia without betraying any emotion, his expression softening slightly. “If she actually invites me, I suppose I could cancel my meeting… for Zack’s sake, of course.’
“Impossible!” Sylvia refused point–blank.
She’d spent the whole morning preparing this lunch; she wasn’t about to let him mooch off her.
Byron’s face instantly darkened. ‘She invited me, and I wouldn’t even go!‘
He gritted his teeth, but his tone softened slightly. “Sylvia! If you won’t agree to this or that, then you can forget about taking Zack.”
Having been married to Byron for years, Sylvia knew his personality all too well. He was trying to force her to invite him! ‘Fat chance!
She was about to refuse again when Zack tugged at her hand, whispering, “Mom, please let Dad come eat with us.”
Ruby, overhearing the argument from the car, quickly understood. Her big, dark eyes took it all in. She scrambled out and hugged Sylvia’s arm pleadingly, “Mommy, please let the little boy’s daddy come too! It’ll be more fun.”
Sylvia’s heart softened. She shook her head with a sigh and glanced up at Byron. “Fine. Follow us.”
With that, she got Ruby and Zack into the car and drove off first.
Byron stood there, his face grim. ‘Does she really think I have to listen to whatever she says?‘
He clenched his jaw, got into his own car, and followed.
When he arrived at Sylvia’s house, she had already taken the two kids inside, leaving the front door open for him.
Byron’s mood inexplicably lifted. He stepped into the living room.
The trio was already eating in the dining room. The table was laden with dishes that looked and smelled delicious.
“Dad, hurry up and eat!” Zack hopped down from his small chair, shouting excitedly, “Dad, Mom’s cooking is so yummy! Way better than Joanna’s!”
Ruby stood up too, waving her little hand and saying in her sweet, little–girl voice, “Mister, wash your hands and eat!”
Byron found himself thinking both kids were more sensible than Sylvia.
Sylvia didn’t even glance his way, busy putting more food into Zack’s and Ruby’s bowls. “No talking while you eat. When you’re finished, I’ll take you
back to school.”
The meal was incredibly frustrating for Byron.
No one at the table paid him any attention. Even when Zack tried to speak to him, Sylvia silenced the boy with a look.
Several times he wanted to just storm out, but the familiar, delicious aroma of the food kept him seated.
His son Zack was right; Sylvia’s cooking was leagues better than Joanna’s.
However, Byron took a call midway through the meal and left the table early.
“Byron, I heard a very famous big investor came to Silverton. He wants to invest in a movie, and people call him Master Cameron. Can you help me get in touch with him?” It was Joanna calling.
Although she’d been active online recently, she lacked a noteworthy film credit and wanted to seize this opportunity.
Byron hung up and immediately instructed his driver, “Find someone called Master Cameron for me.
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Chapter 59
This Master Cameron was the major investor Joanna mentioned, a somewhat legendary figure in the industry.
He had backed numerous classic international films, but few had ever seen him in person.
Still, if he was in Silverton, Byron was confident he could find him.
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After finishing lunch and dropping Zack and Ruby off at school, Sylvia drove to a coffee shop.
“Sylvia, are you sure you want to invest in a domestic film?” Zander was already waiting inside the cafe. Seeing her arrive, he greeted her with a smile.
Sylvia smiled faintly. “Yes. Not only am I investing in a domestic film, but I also want you to direct it. And star in it.”
Her business ventures were steadily shifting back to the country.
Sylvia didn’t know much about the domestic entertainment industry; the only person she trusted was Zander.
AD
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