Chapter 11
Syria’s stomach twisted at Joanna’s take warmth. Her eyes went cold as she yanked her arm free. “Keep your hands off mei
Joanna gasped dramatically, stumbling back like she might faint.
Byron stepped in to steady hes, his eyes fixed on Sylvia. Confusion, anger, and a hint of hurt flashed across his face.
He couldn’t help but wonder. What happened in the kind, gentle Sylvia he used to know? How did she got so bitter?
“Sylvia, you’re pathetic” he snapped, his voice tight. “Joanna’s just being nice. How could you act like that?”
Sylvia scoffed, “Oh, what, you’re reading her mind now? You know exactly what she’s up to?”
Sylvia glanced at the red marks on her wrist from Joanna’s grip, a bitter smirk on her lips. That was typical Joanna, always playing the victim. Gross
“Byron, don’t blame Sylvia, Joanna said, her eyes filling with tears, her voice shaky like she’d been deeply hurt
Then she even added, “I know she hates me. If she’d just come back and take care of Zack, I… ‘d step back.”
Byron’s face hardened, his tone final “Zack doesn’t need her. She walked out three years ago, if she’s back now and hasn’t even tried to see him, she’s got no place in his life”
Sylvia stood there, her voice sharp with sarcasm. “Good. I wasn’t going to.”
Joanna’s tears spilled over. “Sylvia, how can you say that? Zack’s your own son I’ve just been trying to take care of him for you…”
Sylvia’s lip curled at Joanna’s fake, fragile act. Without warning, she swung her hand and slapped Joanna hard across the face.
The sharp sound rang through the quiet grocery store aisle.
Joanna stumbled, her cheek turning red. She clutched her face, staring at Sylvia in shock.
A flicker of anger crossed d her eyes, quickly hidden behind a mask of hurt.
“You..
you hit me?” she stammered.
“You’ve got some guts bringing up Zack, Sylvia said, her laugh cold and angry. She pointed at Joanna
She furned, “This is your idea of care? He’s just a kid, and he’s already got glasses! Did you even notice his eyes were getting bad? Or did you just not
care!”
you marry, Byron,” she went on, her voice hard as steel. “But don’t stand there acting like you’re some here looking out for Zack. It’s
“don’t care who yo pathetic
Joanna’s cheek stung,
her heart burning with anger and embarrassment. She gave Byron a pleading look, her eyes bearing up.
Byron’s lace was dark with rage. One second Sylvia’s swearing she doesn’t want Zack, and now she’s freaking out about his glasses.
“How’d she know unless she’d been checking on him?‘ he thought. Her hypocrisy is maddening.
“Sylvia, stay away from Zack,” he growled. “You don’t deserve him.”
Sylvia didn’t flinch. “Mr. Blair, save your high–and–mighty crap. I saw him by accident. That’s it
“You expect.me
me to buy that? Byron shot back.
She hadn’t left the country yet. It was obvious she was sticking around to keep tabs on Zack.
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Chapter 11
Just then, his phone rang. It was Zack,
“Dad, don’t forget the parent–teacher conference next week,” Zack’s voice came through, calm but clear,
“I’ll send Joanna,” Byron shot back, his words sharp and pointed, meant for Sylvia to hear. “And if any kids ask why your mom’s not there, dred in a crash.”
He spat the words, letting his anger out. He wanted Sylvia to hear this.
“Byron, Joanna whispered, “Sylvia… she’s gone.”
Byron looked up. Sylvia was already walking away down the aisle, her cart left behind.
His jaw clenched, his mood darkening.
Joanna rubbed her stinging cheek, holding back tears. “Byron, don’t let it get to you. We’ve got what we need. Let’s go visit Grandpa at the hospital”
Byron gave a short nod, and they left the store. But as they reached the car, his phone buzzed again. It was an urgent work call.
Joanna, always understanding, said, “I’ll go see Grandpa alone. You take care of work.”
Byron nodded coldly, got in his car, and drove off
He’d see how long Sylvia could keep up this act. He knew her too well–she couldn’t let go of Zack, always worried Joanna would take her place as his
mom
He smirked, thinking. Three years hadn’t changed a thing.”
Joanna hopped into a taxi, heading straight for the hospital.
On the way, she slapped a cooling mask on her face, hoping to ease the swelling from Sylvia’s slap
Edward, still recovering from surgery, was propped up in his hospital bed.
Cedric Groove, president of the hospital, was chatting with him.
Joanna knocked softly and stepped inside.
“Grandpa, I came to see how you’re doing,” she said, placing a stack of pricey supplements on the bedside table.
Edward frowned and waved her off. “Take your stuff and leave.”
Ever since he found out Joanna caused Byron and Sylvia’s divorce, he hadn’t had a nice word for her.
Cedric, unaware of the family drama, chimed in, “You need to rest and heal. She’s just showing she cares. No need to kick her out.”
Edward’s jaw tightened. With someone else there, he couldn’t spill the family secrets, so he let Joanna stay–for now.
Joanna gave Cedric a thankful nod.
She was counting on her charm and persistence to win Edward over, setting the stage for her and Byron.
She’d tried getting Zack to sweet–talk Edward into approving her relationship with Byron, but for some reason, Zack hadn’t said any of the things she’d
told him to
“Mr. Groove, how’s Edward doing? I’ve been so worried,” Joanna said, her vos full of concern.
Cedric smiled. “My master did Edward’s surgery yesterday, and it went great. He’s doing fine.”
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Chapter 11
Your master operated on Edward Joanna’s eyes brightened: “If he stops by the hospital, I’d love to thank him in person!
Cedric nodded. “It’s the actually. And I came to tell Edward that she’s swinging by toon to check on Him”
Edward laughed from his Ised “My lifesaver’s coming to visit? Cedric, you should’ve warned metrd have gotten its ready”
Stuck in the hospital, he didn’t have his checkbook or anything valuable.
Plus, he’d never met this person. He was wondering what kind of Hank you gift would work,
shows up, I’ll thank him for you”
Joanna jumped in, eager to score points, “Grandpa, don’t worry. When she shows up,
Edward’s lace darkened. “What’s that got to do with you?”
Joanna’s smile faltered, her attempt to butter him up falling flat
Cedric stepped in, calming things down. “Edward, don’t worry. She’s not the greedy type. She’s got a heart of gold.”
Edward’s interest was piqued.
He’d thought Cedric did the surgery, but now he was curious to meet this mysterious savior.
Joanna, always eager, said she was going to get
ing to get Edward some fruit.
She stepped out of the room–and stopped dead. Sylvia was walking toward her.
g here?”
Joanna’s face soured. She stepped in Sylvia’s way. “Sylvia, what are you doing t
Sylvia gave her a cold look and kept walking toward the room.
Joanna’s eyes flared with resentment. She blocked Sylvia again. “Sylvia, I know you heard about Edward’s surgery, but he’s not up for visitors. Why don’t you come back later?”
She knew Sylvia was here to win Edward over; no way was she letting that happen.
