Chapter 67
Chapter 67
Ruby snuggled into Byron’s arms, clearly enjoying the attention. She giggled and looked up at him. “Mister, can you really move the playground to my
house?”
Byron arched an eyebrow. “Absolutely.”
Ruby’s eyes lit up. “Yay! Then I’ll have my very own playground!”
Seeing her pure joy, a rare softness touched Byron’s usually stern features. He gently pinched Ruby’s soft cheek. “I’ll have my team start moving it right away.”
Zander standing nearby, looked a little put out. He gently took Ruby back into his own arms. “Byron, last I heard, this hotel’s play area cost a fortune—are you sure it’ll even fit in their house? It’s just two floors.”
“Minor details. I can just get them a bigger house,” Byron stated casually, flaunting his wealth as he took Ruby back from Zander yet again.
“Byron, are you sure Sylvia will go for this?” Zander asked, frowning slightly as he held Ruby once more.
Byron’s expression instantly darkened, his gaze locking onto Zander. “Zander, feeling like another ‘run‘?”
A flicker of unease crossed Zander’s handsome face, but he squared his shoulders. “Don’t try that old trick on me, Byron. It’s the truth. Even if you want to build Ruby a playground, Sylvia won’t accept it from you.”
Caught between the two men vying for her attention, Ruby wasn’t scared at all; she giggled, her cheeks flushing pink with delight.
Byron frowned, thinking of Sylvia’s recent coldness towards him, and tugged irritably at his collar.
‘I know what she went through for me,‘ he thought fiercely. ‘I have to make it up to her, win her back…‘ He glanced down at the little girl in his arms. ‘Maybe… start with the little one. Get her on my side.‘
“I most certainly *will not agree!” Sylvia’s voice rang out.
Before Byron could act on his thought, Sylvia Sullivan’s cold voice cut through the air. She strode over and firmly took Ruby from his arms.
Seeing Sylvia, Byron felt a surge of something–relief, maybe even excitement. The allergic reaction was gone; her skin looked smooth again, though she was still a bit pale. He straightened up, trying to contain his reaction.
Sylvia had no idea Byron knew her secret. Seeing him holding Ruby sent a jolt of panic through her.
She was already fighting for custody of Zack; if Byron found out Ruby was his daughter too, his power and influence could mean losing both children. She quickly pulled Ruby closer.
Remembering the gentle woman she used to be, a pang hit Byron. He took a step towards her…
But Sylvia just gave him a dismissive glance before turning to Zander. “Zander, could you help me get those toys home? Let’s go.”
Zander couldn’t help a small smirk, enjoying the sight of the typically domineering Byron getting shut down. ‘Only Sylvia can handle Byron,‘ he thought.
Sylvia placed Ruby on the floor, and she and Zander each took one of the little girl’s hands, heading downstairs.
Byron followed, his face dark, a sour feeling churning inside him.
That ungrateful woman,‘ he fumed internally. She used to do anything for me. What changed? Does she think this cold act will make me give up? Absolutely not!‘
He was convinced she still had feelings for him, just temporarily swayed by Zander’s pretty face. ‘I won’t give up. I have a plan. He remembered how easily moved Sylvia used to be by even the smallest gesture from him.
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Chapter 67
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Back at Sylvia’s house, Zander helped set up a playroom with the mountain of toys he’d bought before leaving.
“Mommy, look! The Mister is downstairs!” Ruby, happily hugging a giant teddy bear, spotted something outside the large window and called Sylvia over.
Sylvia walked to the window and looked down. Her expression immediately hardened. ‘What is that arrogant jerk up to now?‘
‘What kind of ridiculous stunt is he pulling this time?‘ Sylvia thought.
Byron stood outside the gate, holding an enormous bouquet of red roses. His deep voice carried up. “Sylvia, come down! I need to talk to you!”
Truthfully, Byron was clueless about wooing women; this grand gesture was suggested by his secretary. Tucked conspicuously among the vibrant roses was a property deed–a house he’d just bought for Sylvia, large enough for the playground he promised Ruby.
“Sylvia! Come down!” Byron called again, a faint blush creeping up his neck despite his stern expression. He’d never made such a public declaration.
Before he could say more, a bucket of cold water cascaded down from above.
“Byron Blair! If you keep disturbing the peace, I’m calling security!” Sylvia shouted angrily from an upper window.
The icy water doused Byron’s budding romantic feelings. He clenched his jaw, wiping the water from his face. ‘Ungrateful! How dare she?‘ Fury surged through him; he felt like tearing the house down.
He remembered how a single kind word used to make her melt. Now… He fell silent, but he didn’t leave. He stood there stubbornly, clutching the roses
like a statue.
He was determined to wait her out. But then, the sky opened up, and rain began to pour down heavily.
Byron’s suit was quickly soaked, clinging to his muscular frame. Rain streamed down his hair and face, blurring his vision, but he remained rooted to the spot in front of Sylvia’s gate, still holding the now–battered bouquet. He was betting she wouldn’t be that heartless.
“Mommy, the Mister looks so sad out there. Will he catch a cold?” Ruby asked innocently, watching him from the window with wide eyes.
Sylvia’s gaze flickered for a moment. Then, she picked up her phone and dialed Edward Blair’s number. Byron was terrified of his grandfather.
“Mr. Blair,” Sylvia said into the phone, “you might want to have a word with Byron. He’s making a scene outside my house.”
AD
