Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Byron’s face darkened as he watched Zack and Sylvia’s moment, anger boiling inside him.
He’d just heard Zack mention Sylvia sending him cookies.
He thought, ‘So that’s why she came back to the States. She’s trying to win over my son!‘
No way was he letting Sylvia take Zack. Zack was his blood, the future of the Blair family legacy.
“Come here!” he snapped, his voice sharp and commanding.
Zack paused, his eyes locked on Sylvia, silently begging her to take the pearl necklace he’d offered.
Joanna’s face shifted, and she stepped forward, gently taking Zack’s hand. “Zack, sweetie, listen to your dad. Let’s go.”
Zack frowned, pulling his hand free. With a quick push, he pressed the necklace into Sylvia’s palm.
Sylvia’s eyes showed a mix of feelings.
She pushed the necklace back into Zack’s hand, her voice calm. “I didn’t send Ruby with those cookies–that was all her doing. And I don’t want your gift.”
This wasn’t the first time Zack had offered her something.
Years ago, he’d given her a bouquet of flowers, and her heart had jumped–until he’d asked for something in return.
1
“Since I gave you a gift,” said Zack, “can you give me the bracelet Grandpa gave you?”
She’d been curious, asking why he wanted it. That bracelet was a Blair family heirloom, meant for the future Mrs. Blair.
“It doesn’t belong to you. I want to give it to Joanna,” answered Zack.
Even now, years later, Sylvia could still picture Zack’s smug look, plotting to take something from his own mom for another woman.
So today, she turned down his gift again.
Zack gripped the pearl necklace, his eyes getting red. He bit his lip, staring at the woman who looked at him so coldly.
Sylvia glanced at him briefly before walking past.
Zack started to follow, but Joanna pulled him into a tight hug, stopping him.
Byron’s eyes narrowed, his voice cutting like a knife. “Stay away from her. She’s not your mom.”
Joanna chimed in, her voice full of fake worry. “Zack, listen to your dad. She probably thinks your necklace isn’t good enough; that’s why she didn’t take
- it.
“Don’t feel bad, okay? If you want, you can
give it to me. I think it’s pretty.”
She gave a soft smile, reaching out, knowing full well the necklace was just cheap costume jewelry. But acting like the kind, understanding lady would make her look good.
Zack looked at the necklace, unsure, then shook his head and shoved it back in his pocket.
“Sorry, Joanna. I can’t give it to you,” he said..
Joanna’s smile slipped, but she covered it with a quick laugh. “No problem, Zack. Keep it for yourself. Just… don’t go running after your mom, okay?
Chapter 28
Zack nodded, only half getting it.
The party dragged on, but Byron was over it.
He stormed out, with Zack and Joanna following.
car, Zander handed Ruby over, still holding her close.
Sylvia didn’t stay long either. When she got to h
“Ruby,” he said, “be good for your mom at home. I’ll visit once I’m done with work.”
Ruby pouted, clinging to him. “You better not be fibbing, Daddy!”
Even though they’d just met, Zander felt a strange warmth for the little girl.
He grinned, “I Promise.”
Sylvia gave Zander a small nod, then took Ruby and slid into the car, telling Jolie, to pull away.
She didn’t want Zander and Ruby getting too attached.
Lies had a way of falling apart, and Sylvia couldn’t stand the thought of Ruby getting hurt.
Ruby pouted, “Mommy, why’d you always say Daddy was an engineer? Turns out he’s a super cool movie star!”
Ruby’s eyes lit up. She’d always loved handsome guys–actors, singers, you name it. Now that her dad was this charming celebrity, she was thrilled.
She’d made up that engineer story to calm a curious kid, never dreaming the guy she’d asked to play Ruby’s dad would be a superstar.
“Ruby, don’t tell anyone your dad is Zander–not your preschool friends, not anyone,” Sylvia said, leaning in with a playful, sneaky tone, her eyes sparkling to make it feel like a fun secret.
Ruby’s face lit up, her head nodding eagerly like a little bird. “Got it! My dad’s a big star, so I got to keep it quiet, or he’ll get mobbed with trouble.”
Sylvia forced a smile, though it had a bitter twist. She reached out, gently ruffling Ruby’s hair, her heart heavy for the innocent girl.
She hadn’t told Ruby this was all a made–up story.
Back home, Ruby was still bouncing with excitement, pulling at Sylvia’s sleeve to grab the tablet and dive into Zander’s videos and news clips.
The next morning, Sylvia’s phone rang with a call from the FDA. Her stomach sank when they mentioned a problem with her approved medical patch.
Leaving Ruby with Jolie, Sylvia drove to the FDA alone.
“Miss Sullivan, after reviewing your médical patch’s ingredients again, we’re pulling your approval,” Luther Swain said from behind his desk, his face blank as a brick wall. “Reformulate it and reapply.”
Sylvia’s gut twisted, anger burning inside her.
She leaned forward, her voice sharp. “I deserve a clear answer. What’s wrong with the ingredients?”
That medical patch was her life’s work, and she’d bet her reputation on its formula.
Luther’s sudden change in attitude made her think someone was meddling behind the scenes.
Luther’s brow creased, his patience wearing thin. He waved her off. “It’s not compliant, that’s all. Go fix it. I’ve got work to do.”
His sharp tone shut her down, and he nodded to a staff member, who guided Sylvia toward the door.
Sylvia’s lips tightened. Those patches could save lives, and now, because of Luther’s vague decision, she’d have to water down their formula. She’d never just let that slide.
13:39 Thu, 12 Jun A G
Chapter 28
She turned, ready to storm back and demand answers, when her phone buzzed in her pocket.
“Master, can you get to the hospital right away?” Cedric’s voice was tense with urgency. “A kid got hit by a car, and the surgery’s a tough one. I’m not sure I can do it alone.”
“I’m on my way!” Sylvia said as her heart pounded.
She hung up, pushing her fight with Luther aside, and raced to her car, speeding toward the hospital.
At the same time, Luther’s phone lit up in his office.
“Luther, get to the hospital now!” a panicked voice shouted. “Our son’s been hit by a car!”
AD
Comment
