Chapter 26
Sylvia hadn’t expected the guy to show up so fast, but with Ruby missing her dad, his timing was spot on.
Her plan was simple: have him show up, comfort Ruby, then leave with an excuse.
She hadn’t planned on Joanna being in the playroom.
“You’re Zander Gage, aren’t you?” Joanna asked, her shock clear.
Even with the mask and sunglasses, the man’s deep, captivating voice and tall, striking build made her think of him.
Sylvia glanced at the man. His last name was Gage, but for years, she’d only treated him online, prescribing meds without knowing his full name.
The man turned to Joanna. Since she’d recognized him, he took off his mask and sunglasses, revealing a stunningly handsome face. His deep, soulful eyes held a polished charm.
Joanna froze, her mind going blank.
It was Zander, the A–list star who’d just dominated the Global Film Festival!
Now he seemed to be Sylvia’s secret lover, and Ruby’s dad.
Jealousy swallowed her, burning away her sense.
She thought to herself, ‘How could a farm girl like Sylvia be connected to an A–list superstar like Zander?‘
Sylvia looked at Zander, a spark of recognition hitting her. Her lips curved into a small, wry smile. She’d seen his interview a while back…
She never knew the patient she’d treated for two years was an international heartthrob.
Ruby’s big, dark eyes fixed on Zander, unblinking.
She’d overheard the adults talking. This man seemed to be her…
“Are… are you my dad?” she asked.
Her little hands clenched nervously. The man she’d longed for all these years was suddenly standing there.
Overwhelmed, she took shaky steps toward him, her short legs wobbling.
Sylvia’s heart raced.
She’d meant to find an ordinary guy to play Ruby’s dad, not a celebrity adored by millions!
‘And now he’s dropped his disguise, will he still be okay playing this role that isn’t his?‘ Sylvia wondered.
Joanna’s eyes drilled into them, her own tension building.
She hoped it was all a lie. Ruby’s last name was Sullivan; there was no way she could be Zander’s daughter.
Zander looked at the wobbly little girl coming toward him, a strange feeling stirring.
He crouched down, and under their stunned stares, he said softly, “Yes, I’m your dad.”
Ruby let out a cry, tears streaming as she threw herself into Zander’s arms, sobbing loudly, calling “Daddy” over and over.
Zander’s heart hurt at her cries. He lifted her gently, his big hand wiping her tears. “Ruby, don’t cry. Daddy’s here now. You should be happy, right?”
1/3
Chapter 26
Ruby nodded hard, pressing her lips together to stop the tears, wanting to listen to her dad. But they kept falling.
Sylvia’s gaze was heavy, her feelings mixed. This was going way beyond her plan.
She worried about the day the truth came out, and Ruby would be crushed.
Joanna stumbled back, stunned. Zander had actually admitted it that he was Ruby’s dad. She couldn’t believe it.
“Joanna, why are you still here? Get out,” Sylvia said, her voice cold as ice.
1
Joanna’s eyes flashed with resentment, but she turned to Zander, forcing a smile. “Mr. Gage, do you remember me? I’m Joanna. We worked on the same set once, back when I was just starting out…”
She saw a chance to get close to Zander and wasn’t going to miss it.
But before she could finish, Zander cut her off. “Miss Moore, Sylvia asked you to leave. Could you please go?”
Joanna’s face burned, like she’d been slapped. She shot Sylvia a hateful glare, then put on a sad look and hurried away.
Sylvia took Ruby from Zander’s arms, giving him a subtle look and lowering her voice. “If you’ve got thing to do, you can head out.”
“Mom, I don’t want Dad to leave so soon,” said Ruby.
Her sharp ears caught the words, and her eyes filled with tears. “I just got to see him!” she choked out.
Zander’s face softened. To Sylvia’s surprise, he laughed lightly. “I’ve got no plans right now. I can stick around with Ruby a bit longer.”
Ruby’s face brightened, her chubby hands reaching for him. “Daddy, hold me!”
Zander picked her back up, charmed by her cute pout. He gently pinched her soft cheek, smiling at how squishy it was.
Sylvia raised an eyebrow, confused. ‘He could’ve taken the out–does he actually want Ruby to think he’s her dad?‘
Joanna stumbled out of the playroom, anger burning inside her. She hurried back to the banquet hall.
The auction was over, and she started spreading a piece of news: Superstar Zander Gage was here!
With Joanna’s intentional push, a crowd rushed toward the playroom.
Zander was known for keeping women at a distance. If word got out that he was married with a kid, it could hurt his career.
That was exactly what Joanna wanted.
The playroom door shook with knocks, voices yelling Zander’s name. A girl’s excited squeal cut through. “Zander, I’m your biggest fan! Can I get an autograph?”
Sylvia’s face tensed. She turned to Zander. “I’ll go out and distract them. You slip away after.”
Zander gave her a playful smile. “No need.”
With Ruby still in one arm, he opened the door.
The crowd outside went wild—screams and shouts filled the air.
“Zander, who’s the little girl you’re holding?” someone shouted.
Zander’s lips curved into a calm smile, and he spoke clearly, each word deliberate “She’s my daughter.”
Lately, online haters, had been targeting him, claiming his lack of interest in women meant “other preferences.”
2/3
13:39 Thu, 12 Jun
Jun
▲ 5
A G
Chapter 26
Now, he was setting things straight: he had an adorable daughter.
The rumors would fall apart on their own.
So, he wasn’t helping Sylvia–she was helping himself.
He owed her his thanks.
