Chapter 97
Seeing that Angel didn’t refuse outright, Sylvia realized there was hope she’d agree to testify in court. With an encouraging smile, she said, “Angel, take your time to think it over. You’re Zack’s aunt–family. We all want what’s best for him.”
Angel nodded thoughtfully. Setting aside Byron’s influence, she couldn’t help but notice how overwhelmed Zack was.
He faced a parade of private tutors every day, and even if he managed to go out and have some fun once in a while, he’d have to make up the missed lessons the next day.
She even thought to herself, ‘Maybe Zack would indeed be better off with Sylvia.
“Sylvia,” Angel asked gently, “if Zack lives with you, will he still come visit us?”
“Of course. Anytime Zack wants to see you guys–or if you ever want to see him–just say the word. You can pick him up, or he can come on his own.
pick about
“I’m not trying to keep him from anyone,” Sylvia said sincerely. “I just want him to grow up happy. That’s all this is about.”
“Well then… I’ll help you.” Angel still felt uncertain, but for Zack’s future, she mustered her courage and agreed.
Sylvia instantly lit up with excitement. “Angel, I can’t thank you enough for Zack and for me. He’ll never forget what his dear auntie did for him.”
el scratched her head with a shy smile and said, “If you happen to have any signed copies by Master Cameron, could you save me some?”
She knew perfectly well that Sylvia was Master Cameron, but since Sylvia wanted to keep it a secret, she wouldn’t give Sylvia away.
“Deal. Tomorrow, I’ll bring you a copy of every book Master Cameron has published.” Sylvia promised readily.
Angel nodded eagerly. “Every single one must be signed.” Master Cameron’s signed books were extremely rare these days–she almost never gave autographs. If Angel’s classmates ever found out, they’d be green with envy.
Just then, Zander walked over. “Sylvia, done talking with Angel?”
His face flushed slightly as a pang of jealousy struck him. ‘Sylvia’s been talking with Angel forever, and I haven’t even had a real chance to talk to her yet,‘ he thought.
Sylvia nodded. “Yeah, we’re done.”
Zander thought he finally had some alone time with Sylvia. Just as he was about to approach her, a crew member called out from behind, “Zander, your next scene is ready.”
Zander looked utterly disappointed and flashed Sylvie the call–me gesture. “Sylvia, duty calls. Let’s continue this over the phone later.”
“Got it.” Sylvia smiled. She didn’t linger there and soon hurried home to gather the necessary legal documents for the next day’s custody hearing
The next day, after dropping Ruby off at kindergarten, Sylvia drove straight to the courthouse.
To her surprise, Byron was already there. He stood on the steps in a lightweight black trench coat, his tall, slender frame even more pronounced, his expression cold and distant.
As Sylvia stepped out of the car, he checked his watch. “It’s about time. Let’s head in.”
Sylvia nodded but didn’t immediately follow Byron inside. Instead, she smiled and waved at a car that was coming from behind.
“Sylvia, do you really think we need a lawyer for this?” Byron’s expression darkened. ‘Why drag a stranger into something this personal? That’s just airing dirty laundry, he thought.
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The car came to a quick stop, and out stepped Angel.
Byron looked genuinely surprised. “Angel, what are you doing here?”
Angel’s cheeks flushed as she gave an awkward smile. “Just wanted to stop by.”
Angel thought to herself, “I can’t possibly admit I’m here to testify for Sylvia now–if Byron found out, he’d probably lose it and ship me back home on the spot.”
Byron didn’t dwell on it, but something about Angel standing next to Sylvia struck him as odd. So he said, “Angel, come here.”
This is a custody fight, Byron thought, ‘me versus Sylvia. No way my own sister should stand beside her.’
Angel hesitated for a moment, then quickly walked over to stand by Byron’s side. Sylvia didn’t make an issue of it and followed Byron into the
courthouse.
Before the hearing, the mediator was supposed to arrange a settlement, but they waived that step. Some matters could only be settled in court.
After dominating the business world for years, this was Byron’s first time standing in court–and in the defendant’s seat, no less.
With the judge and court officials in place, the hearing officially commenced. As the plaintiff, Sylvia stated clearly in court that she was seeking full custody of her son, Zack.
on just sat there with a cold expression, thinking to himself, “Does she really think she can win full custody of my son with just empty words?”
“Your Honor, my first piece of evidence is a written statement from my son Zack, expressing his wish to be under my full custody.” Having finished her statement, Sylvia produced several pages written by Zack and had the court officer present them to the judge.
Byron’s face instantly darkened. He fumed inwardly. ‘That ungrateful brat! Is he asking for trouble? After everyone at home spoiled him rotten, he still wants to be with Sylvia?‘
Byron tapped on the table, his eyes flashing with disdain. “Children are easily manipulated, Your Honor. I request that the previous evidence be ruled
inadmissible.”
Sylvia had already anticipated Byron’s response. Without hesitation, she raised her hand again and addressed the judge. “Your Honor, my second piece of evidence demonstrates that Mr. Byron Blair has been excessively strict in parenting my son. May I call my witness to testify?”
The judge nodded. “Granted.”
Byron narrowed his eyes and glanced at Sylvia’s side, only to find she had come alone–there was no so–called “witness” in sight. “Who in their right mind would risk everything to testify for Sylvia?‘ he thought.
And it couldn’t be just anyone–they’d have to know the Blair family inside out, or their testimony wouldn’t hold water.
imonym makin
Angel, sitting beside Byron, flushed crimson. She hesitated before reluctantly rising to her feet and making her way toward Sylvia.
“Angel, where do you think you’re going?” Byron’s expression turned icy.
Too scared to say a single word, Angel stood at the witness stand under Byron’s glare.
“I’m Angel Blair, Byron’s sister. I can testify that Byron has indeed been overly strict with Zack–he makes him attend endless private tutoring sessions
every single day…” Angel’s voice trembled as she spoke.
Even without turning to look back at Byron, she could feel a chill down her spine.
Byron’s jaw tightened in disbelief. He never imagined Angel would stand as Sylvia’s witness.
His furious gaze snapped toward Sylvia. He seethed inwardly. ‘I’ve really underestimated her. She’s barely been back in the country, and she’s already turned both my son and my own sister against me.‘
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Chapter 98
Chapter 98
