Chapter 88
“Why would we want him here?” Sylvia’s face clouded over.
She shot a look at Angel. “If you invite him in, Ruby and I are leaving. Right now.
She’d been hurt too deeply by Byron to ever consider sharing a meal with him again.
Panicked at the thought of Sylvia leaving, Angel quickly promised, “Don’t worry, Sylvia! I won’t let him in!”
Outside, Byron was waiting impatiently. He’d sent the text. His plan was for Angel to come out and provide him with a graceful way to enter, it was a matter of pride.
But she hadn’t moved. He watched in disbelief as she glanced at her phone and then did absolutely nothing.
‘That little brat,‘ Byron fumed, his jaw tightening. ‘She’s really pushing her luck.
Byron was a man who valued his image. He wanted some to give
him an out, a plausible reason to join them, especially since Sylvia has made Res
she didn’t want him there.
“Drive back,” Byron snarled at the driver.
He had countless other engagements; showing up here was a concession, and they had the audacity to snub him.
The driver, sensing his boss’s fury, immediately started the engine.
“Wait.”
Just as the car began to pull away, Byron’s voice, cold as steel, cut through the air.
The driver slammed on the brakes. Byron threw the car door open and strode out, his long legs eating up the pavement.
His gaze shot past Sylvia and settled on Zack and Ruby at the table.
‘This is about the kids,‘ he told himself. ‘It has nothing to do with her.‘
Sylvia was in the middle of a bite when she looked up, her brow furrowing in annoyance.
“What’s wrong?” Angel asked, following her gaze. Her heart sank when she saw her brother approaching, uninvited. No wonder Sylvia was upset.
Byron, looking impossibly sharp in a tailored suit, marched right up to their table. His chiseled features were set in a mask of cool indifference as he placed a small, elegant cosmetics case on the table. “This is for you.”
Sylvia didn’t even give him a second glance. She calmly picked up a napkin and dabbed at a smudge on Ruby’s chin. “Ruby, sweetie, are you all done? Time to go home with Mommy.”
‘The nerve of this guy,‘ Sylvia thought, a cold fury rising within her. ‘Does he really think some expensive trinket can erase everything? Not in a million years.‘
Byron’s expression turned thunderous.
Across the table, Angel’s heart leaped into her throat. This was a disaster. Her brother was about to ruin everything.
“Sylvia, wait! Don’t go yet,” she blurted out, fymbling in her purse. “I–I have something for you, too!”
Angel pulled out a few high–end makeup palettes, not daring to look at Byron.
A muscle in Byron’s jaw jumped.
Chapter 88
Byron recognized those palettes. He’d bought them for Angel, and now she was giving them away to Sytta?
Sylvia found the sibling dynamic bizarre. A few months ago, neither of them would have given her the time of day how they were falling over the to give her gifts.
Still, she accepted the makeup from Angel. “Thank you.”
She assumed it was Angel’s way of thanking her for handling those scandalous photos.
It accepting a gift would make Angel more likely to testify for her in the custody hearing, it was a small price to pay
Byron’s mood curdled as he watched Sylvia accept Angel’s gift after pointedly ignoring his.
To add insult to injury, his traitorous sister was practically glowing with excitement.
With a stony expression, Byron pulled a sleek black card from his suit jacket. “This is a premium membership to The Gilded Spa,” he said, placingit n front of Sylvia. “They have the best aestheticians in the country.”
He had originally gotten it for Angel, but after this little betrayal, she didn’t deserve it.
“Oh my God, you got a card for that place, too? So did I!” Angel exclaimed.
She dug through her purse again, produced a similar card, and slid it across the table, “Here, Sylvia, this one’s for you. It’s a bearer card, you can use it right away.”
Angel was all–in on winning over her idol, completely oblivious to the storm brewing on her brother’s face.
Byron was seething. “Angel,” he said, his voice dangerously low, “who do you think pays for all this?”
Angel flushed. “You do, I know! But it’s my allowance. I can spend it how I want!”
It was her money, and if she wanted to buy a gift for her idol, that was her business.
Sylvia glanced from Byron to Angel, then calmly picked up the card Angel had offered. “Thanks. I’ll take this one.”
Byron finally snapped. “Sylvia, what the hell is your problem?”
His furious gaze then shot to Angel. It wasn’t just Sylvia who was being difficult. It was this little traitor, too.
Sylvia paid him no mind. The man was so arrogant, so used to getting his way, that he couldn’t comprehend someone turning him down.
She scooped a well–fed Ruby into her arms. “Angel, you can get the check. Ruby and I are heading out.”
Zack, having finished his own meal, quickly slid off his chair. “Mommy,” he said, his eyes wide, “I want to go with you, too.”
Byron shot his son a look so sharp it could have cut glass. He suddenly felt surrounded by traitors. Angel was the ringleader, but this little boy was her
accomplice.
Zack flinched under his father’s glare and immediately fell silent.
A pang of pain shot through Sylvia’s heart as she watched. It hardened her resolve. She had to convince Angel to testify. She had to get full custody of
Zack.
Then Byron would never again have the power to intimidate their son.
“Bye–bye, Uncle Byron! Bye, Aunt Angel!” Ruby chirped, giving a little wave with her chubby hand.
“Bye, Ruby,” Angel cooed back, her heart melting.
2/3
Chapter 88
Even Byron’s icy expression thawed as he looked at Ruby’s cherubic face. He gave a slight nod.
The paternity test results were due tomorrow. By this time tomorrow, he’d know for sure if she was his daughter.
Sylvia started to walk away, holding Ruby’s hand, then paused as if a thought had just struck her. She turned back to Angel. “Hey, I remember you used to be really into showbiz. Ever think about acting?”
Angel’s eyes lit up. “Are you kidding? Of course I havel”
Sylvia gave her a thoughtful look. “Give me a call tomorrow. I’ll set up an audition for you.”
Since Angel was so desperate to get on her good side, she would return the favor. A role in her new film.
For someone with Sylvia’s influence, launching a new star was easy. If Angel showed real promise, she might even consider her for the lead.
