Chapter 98
After Angel finished testifying, she didn’t even dare to glance at Byron, let alone return to his side. Instead, she slipped into the seat next to Sylvia.
Byron’s jaw tensed. ‘If we weren’t standing in court right now, I’d give this brat a lesson she’d never forget, he thought.
‘Helping an outsider go against me? She’s out of her damn mind. First thing I’m doing is freezing her credit cards and cutting her off financially!
Unbeknownst to Byron, Angel had already secured the lead role in a new drama project—and just yesterday, she received a substantial payment for it.
Sylvia was convinced the case was already settled. With Zack’s hand–written letter and Angel’s testimony, she believed the court would grant her full custody of Zack.
With a triumphant, meaningful gaze at Byron, Sylvia was already imagining how she would celebrate tonight after bringing Zack home.
Just as Sylvia was basking in her apparent victory, Byron’s icy voice broke the moment. “Your Honor, I’d like to submit a piece of evidence.”
Sylvia froze. What evidence could Byron possibly have? Even if he does, it won’t change anything now,’ she thought.
The court clerk promptly presented the evidence Byron had submitted to the judge.
n crossed his legs elegantly, his expression impassive as he addressed the court. “Your Honor, this is the paternity test report for Ruby, my daughter
>ylvia. It proves that Ruby is my biological child. I am petitioning for full custody of Ruby.”
Byron’s words hit Sylvia like a bombshell, leaving her mind buzzing with shock. She stared at him in utter disbelief.
Byron cast her a cool glance and continued, “Your Honor, Sylvia deliberately concealed the truth from me, depriving me of the opportunity to
acknowledge my own daughter all these years. I respectfully request the court to deliver a fair and just ruling.”
Sylvia’s face flushed scarlet with anger. ‘If we weren’t in court right now, I’d have it out with Byron.‘ She fumed inwardly. ‘How shameless. He’s actually after Ruby–and even secretly took her for a paternity test.‘
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Angel gasped in shock, leaned in closer, and whispered, “Sylvia, is what Byron said true? Is Ruby really his biological daughter?”
Sylvia glared at her and snapped, “No. Ruby is mine–mine alone.”
Watching Sylvia’s panicked defense, Angel felt the pieces click into place—and a thrill shot through her. ‘Wow, so I really have such an adorable niece,‘ Angel thought.
Angel couldn’t contain her excitement. ‘No matter how much Byron and Sylvia fight it out in court,‘ she thought gleefully, ‘nothing can change the fact that I’m now aunt to both these adorable kids.
‘Zack is such a dapper little gentleman, and Ruby is absolutely adorable. If I take them out shopping, we’d totally turn heads.‘
The judge reviewed the paternity test report. After a brief consultation with the jury, he announced the verdict–Zack would remain with Byron, while Ruby would stay with Sylvia.
Furious, Byron slammed on the table.
The judge was sweating bullets. Ever since he learned the defendant in this case was Byron–the infamous “Tyrant“-he’d been under tremendous pressure. He was fully aware that Byron was far from satisfied with this verdict.
“Today’s court session is adjourned. Should either party be dissatisfied with the verdict, you may file an appeal.” The judge hastily dropped this line and scurried off with the jury, terrified that Byron might seek revenge.
Sylvia wasn’t happy with how things turned out either. She didn’t get custody of Zack–and on top of that, Byron now knew Ruby was his biological daughter.
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Chapter 98
Byron and Sylvia shot to their feet at the same time, locking eyes in a silent standoff. With identical scowls, they stormed out of the courtroom.
Since Angel had testified on Sylvia’s behalf earlier, Sylvia worried Byron would take it out on Angel when they got home, so she pulled Angel along and brought her back to the film set.
Byron watched as Angel drove off with Sylvia, frustrated. Gritting his teeth, he got into his car and headed back to the office.
He had planned to discipline Angel when she got home that night, but after work, much to his frustration, he learned she had moved into the film set accommodations and wouldn’t be coming back.
Byron headed upstairs, his face cold. He found Zack, back from school, tinkering with something in his bedroom. Frowning, he walked in. “What are you working on?”
Zack turned around and saw it was Byron. He set down the suit he’d been folding, then burst into tears, throwing his arms around Byron’s leg. “Daddy, I’m really going to miss you.”
Byron suddenly understood, his expression darkening. “You think your mom is coming to take you away?”
Zack nodded. “Yeah, Mommy told me the court would decide today, and then I’ll get to live with her.” With tears in his eyes, Zack looked up at Byron and said, “Don’t worry, Daddy. I’ll come visit you whenever I can.”
After all, Zack had lived with Byron for so many years. Now that he was about to leave, he couldn’t help but feel sad. Clinging to Byron’s leg, he sobbed
controllably, his body shaking with emotion.
“Stop crying, Zack. Your full custody remains with me. No one can take you away from me.” Byron had intended to scold Zack, but seeing him crying so pitifully, his heart softened.
Zack’s eyes widened in shock. He let out a gasp, and once he realized Byron was telling the truth, he burst into tears again. “I can’t live with Mommy anymore, and I won’t get to play with Ruby every day.”
Byron watched him cry, looking a little helpless. He paused, then softened his tone. “Come on. I’ll take you to see Ruby.”
Byron straightened his tie, his gaze growing solemn. ‘It’s time Ruby knew the truth,‘ he thought.
Zack grinned widely, his face instantly lighting up. “Yay, Daddy. Let’s go see Ruby.”
Byron smiled as he added, “Remember this, Zack–Ruby is your biological sister.”
He then handed the paternity test report to Zack. This made Zack even happier–he started jumping around excitedly, unable to contain his joy.
Byron drove Zack to Sylvia’s villa and rang the doorbell.
Sylvia had already anticipated that Byron would show up that night. Peering through the peephole, she said coldly, “Mr. Blair, I don’t have time for visitors right now. Please leave.”
Byron’s cold voice came from outside. “Sylvia, I’m not here to see you. I’m here to see my daughter, Ruby.”
“Ruby’s about to have dinner. She doesn’t have time for you,” Sylvia snapped through the door, her face dark with irritation.
“Are you sure you want to do this, Sylvia?” Byron said, his tone firm. “Don’t forget, Ruby is my daughter–I have the right to see her. Do you want me to call the cops right now?”
Sylvia was fuming inside, her face turning livid with rage. If Byron hadn’t known Ruby was his daughter, things would have been easy. But now that he knew, there was no way she could turn him away. Grudgingly, Sylvia swung the door open.
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Chapter 99
