Chapter 61
“Did she just call what I said nonsense!?” Byron’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
This wasn’t the first time Sylvia had used that tone with him. Did she honestly think he was some patient saint? That he’d tolerate this disrespect again and again?
Nearby, Joanna heard Sylvia dare to speak to Byron like that and hid a cold smirk. ‘So clueless,‘ she thought. ‘Piss off Byron Blair, and you’re finished in Silverton.‘
“Byron, Sylvia’s just kidding around. Don’t take it to heart,” Zander said quickly, stepping between Byron and Sylvía.
He knew Byron too well from their past together; the man had been a ruthless instructor back in the day. Even hardened soldiers hadn’t dared talk back to him – obedience was the only option. He was genuinely afraid Sylvia would push Byron too far.
“Zander, you don’t need to be afraid of him. I’d like to see what he dares to do to me.” Sylvia fearlessly pulled Zander behind her, lifted her chin, and stared coldly into Byron’s stormy face.
“Byron, drop the damn attitude! Other people might kiss up to you, but don’t even think about pulling that crap with me. Knock it off!”
Joanna almost burst out laughing.
“Sylvja, how could you talk to Byron like that?” she interjected smoothly. “You should apologize right now. I can put in a good word for you, maybe he’ll let it slide.”
She watched Byron carefully, waiting for his reaction. One word from him, and Sylvia wouldn’t have a future left in this city.
“Элеци
Byron’s face was livid. Perhaps if Sylvia just apologized, he could overlook it. But she stood there, head held high, defiantly refusing to yield.
For some reason, she reminded him intensely of a moment from the past. He’d run into Joanna by chance on a business trip, and Sylvia had jumped to the conclusion they were fooling around.
When he’d returned home, she’d had that same stubborn, accusing look. He hadn’t bothered explaining, couldn’t stand seeing her looking both hurt and furious, and had just gone out drinking.
Later, the housekeeper had told him Sylvia cried all night. He hadn’t cared back then, hadn’t thought a single word of comfort was necessary.
“Sylvia, it’s just a role, isn’t it?” The memory unexpectedly cooled his anger slightly. He pulled his checkbook from his suit pocket, scribbled down a figure, and handed the check to her. “Let Joanna have the part.”
Joanna stared, dumbfounded. Byron wasn’t explod
Sylvia took the check, looked at it, and let
just so Joanna can play pretend!”
a
Cold
He was giving Sylvia a check? She instinctively glanced at the amount.
laugh. “Well, Mr. Blair, you certainly know how to throw your money around. Two hundred million
Jealousy flared hot inside Joanna. Two hundred million! Entire movies cost less than that! Byron had just handed that kind of cash to Sylvia!
Sylvia paused, a knowing smile touching her lips as she tapped the check lightly with a slender finger. “Mr. Blair, since you’re paying so handsomely, i can promise I won’t compete with Joanna for the lead role.
“But whether she actually gets it… that’s n
‘If Byron wants to play the white
extra funding. This is perfect.‘
s not my decision to make.”
hight for Joanna, let him pay the price,‘ Sylvia thought. ‘I’m done being taken for a fool, Besides, the film could use the
She turned her gaze to Zander. “Zander, what do you think?”
Zander caught on immediately. “Our lead actress will be chosen through formal open auditions,” he explained smoothly. Anyone who wants the part
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Chapter 61
has to go through that process.”
Joanna knew the money was from Byron to Sylvia, but it felt like it was being ripped directly from her own hands. It stung – two hundred million!
“Sylvia, if that’s how it is, I’ll just audition like everyone else,” Joanna said, trying to sound reasonable, “You should give the money back to Byron.”
67%
“Oh? Does it hurt?” Sylvia sneered, seeing right through Joanna’s act. “Did I force him to give it to me? Once money changes hands, don’t expect to get it
back!”
She deliberately tucked the check into her purse, right in front of Joanna.
Joanna’s face went white with fury. She looked pleadingly at Byron, desperately hoping he would demand the check back.
“If the role isn’t guaranteed, what’s the point of the money?‘ she raged silently. ‘Giving it to Zander would make more sense! He’s the director and start Sylvia has nothing to do with this movie!‘
Of
Byron watched Sylvia pocket the check, a flicker hidden satisfaction crossing his face. He showed no sign of wanting the money back.
‘This just proves she still needs me,‘ he thought smugly. ‘One day, she’ll come crawling back, begging for forgiveness for abandoning her family!”
With that settled in his mind, he told Joanna coolly, “In that case, just wait for the audition notice.”
Joanna simmered with frustration. A strange suspicion crept into her mind. ‘Could Byron have just been looking for an excuse to give Sylvia money?”
But she quickly shut down the thought. Sylvia had walked out three years ago. He couldn’t possibly still have feelings for her.
With the decision made to shoot the film, Sylvia knew she was about to be incredibly busy with preparations – script, locations, casting, everything.
“Zander, I have to go,” she said, nodding to him. They had already hammered out the initial plans. As soon as Zander wrapped his current project, he’d dive fully into directing and starring in their new film.
Zander walked Sylvia out of the café.
Byron’s expression soured again. Sylvia had completely ignored him on her way out, not even a simple goodbye.
The two hundred million was nothing to him, mere pocket change. What irked him was her utter indifference.
They had been married, damn it. Shouldn’t there be some connection, something closer than whatever she had with Zander?
“Byron, Sylvia’s gone, so I’m heading out too,” Zander said, returning to the table.
Byron frowned instinctively. “Where did she go?”
Seeing Byron’s persistent interest in Sylvia pricked at Zander’s own feelings. “Byron,” he asked pointedly, a touch of annoyance in his voice, “you’re not -actually worried about Sylvia, are you? Don’t tell me you…?”
“Me? Care about her?” Byron scoffed, his eyes flashing with irritation, though a flicker of defensiveness betrayed him. “I wouldn’t waste a second glance
on her!”
Sensing the rising tension and perhaps recalling past unpleasantness, Zander decided it was time to leave. He made a quick exit and headed for his car.
Joanna, who hadn’t overheard their brief exchange, approached Byron cluelessly. “Byron, where should we go now?”
“I have work to do at the office,” Byron snapped, his patience gone. “I’m leaving.”
He clenched his jaw and stormed out of the café, leaving Joanna standing alone, embarrassed and fuming. She stamped her foot in frustration.
The trip had been a complete bust, leaving her angry and empty–handed. Not only had she failed to secure the role, but she’d also been utterly humiliated by Sylvia–and to top it all off, Byron had practically gifted Sylvia a fortune!
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