Chapter 8
Joanna quickly pulled Zack’s attention back, turning him to face her instead of Sylvia.
“Zack, you scared me back there!” she said, her voice shaky with fake worry. “If anything happened to you, how would I live…”
She stifled a sob, her words thick with relief and worry.
“I’m fine, Joanna,” Zack said flatly as he gently pulled away.
15
For the past three years, Joanna had been nothing but kind to him, but something always felt… off. The older he got, the stronger that feeling grew, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.
He turned to stare out the car window. Ruby and her mom were just blurry shapes now, one tall, one tiny, fading into the distance.
Her mom must love her so much, he thought to himself.
A pang of envy tugged at Zack’s chest.
Meanwhile, Ruby bounced on her toes, waving her little hand wildly.
Bye, Little Knight!” she shouted from across the lot.
Sylvia glanced at the car ahead, then turned to her daughter with a teasing smile. “Ruby, you’ve got to rein in that handsome–boy–crazy streak. It’ll get you in trouble one day, you hear me?”
She didn’t want Ruby repeating her mistakes, Marrying Byron had been partly about the Edwards family arrangement, sure, but his striking looks hadn’t hurt either.
Ruby stuck out her tongue and grinned. “Okay, Mom, I got it.”
Hayden Stone, ever the gentleman, chimed in smoothly. “Sylvia, don’t forget about the gala coming up. I’d love to see you there if you can make it.”
Dressed in a crisp white suit, Hayden stood tall, his fair skin and easy smile as polished as the sprawling horse club he owned.
Beyond the stables, he ran several businesses across the country–and he was exactly the guy Joanna had been dying to meet.
Too bad for her, she’d spent the whole day at the ranch without even crossing paths with him.
“We’ll see,” Sylvia said. She gave a noncommittal nod as she scooped Ruby into her arms and headed for their car.
“Ruby, say bye to Mr. Stone,” said Sylvia.
Ruby popped her head out the window, flashing a sugary smile and waving “Bye–bye!”
Later, Ruby, Hayden cailed, watching Sylvia’s car pull away. His lips curved into a soft smile, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something deeper- admiration he’d kept under wraps for years.
Sylvia was back now. That meant opportunities for Hayden.
Sylvia’s car rolled to a stop outside a charming, standalone townhouse in the heart of downtown.
She’d bought the place years ago, and a cleaning service kept it spotless–cozy and ready for their return.
“Julie, swing by the hotel and grab our bags,” Sylvia said, handing her assistant the keycard.
Jolie, a sharp woman in her mid–thirties, had been Sylvia’s right hand for years abroad. Sylvia trusted her a like family.
“Jolie. I’m coming with you!” Ruby squealed, bouncing with excitement. Since landing back, she’d been wide–eyed, soaking in the new environment, eager to explore every corner.
Sylvia pul on a stern face, though her eyes twinkled. “You little troublemaker, you better not give Jolie a hard time out there?
“I won’t. Mom” Huty promised, nodding solemnly, the picture of an angel, at least for now
Sylvia sighed, shaking her head. Ruby’s sunity personality was a blessing, but that mischievous streak? It kept Sylvia on her toes, always bracing for the nest unexpecteil antrenature
Jabse drove Ruby to a swanky hotel nearby.
1/2
4:11 PM
Chapter 8
As night fell, another car pulled up to the hotel entrance. Joanna stepped out, ushering Zack and Yara along.
“Zack, we’re eating out tonight,” Joanna said softly. “I called your dad earlier–he’s at the hospital with your great–grandpa. After dinner, we’ll head over to visit.”
Zack gave a quiet nod. “Got it, Joanna.”
He trailed her into the hotel’s first–floor restaurant, settling at a table. While they waited for their food, he pulled out his tablet, swiping at the
screen.
Friends weren’t really his thing. This tablet was his buddy, his escape.
He spent hours coding games every day–mostly nurturing ones, where tiny virtual babies grew up under the care of doting parents.
In those pixelated worlds, he built the warmth and family he craved but couldn’t quite find in real life.
Joanna looked at Zack’s quiet face, her voice gentle. “Zack, when we see your great–grandpa at the hospital, what’re you going to say to him?”
Zack glanced up, his eyes clear. “What should I say, Joanna?”
Joanna’s cheeks flushed slightly. She glanced at Yara, who picked up the hint right away.
Yara slid next to Zack with a playful grin. “Come on, Zack, just beg him. Let Auntie Joanna be your new mom!”
Years back, Sylvia married Byron because of Edward’s pull.
When the Blairs found out about their divorce, Edward lost it, even telling Byron he’d never remarry unless he got Sylvia back first.
Joanna thought if Zack could charm Edward into approving, her future with Byron would be locked in.
Zack looked at Joanna, nodded slightly, then got up from his chair. “I’m heading to the restroom.”
Joanna watched him go, frustration building inside her.
The older Zack got, the tougher he was to figure out. They’d been close these past few years, but there was always this gap, a quiet distance she couldn’t cross.
Zack stepped into the restroom and splashed cold water on his face, trying to ease the sting in his eyes.
Lately, he couldn’t stop thinking about HER–the woman who’d left him behind.
As he walked out of the restroom, the elevator doors opened. Ruby and Jolie stepped out, pulling suitcases behind them.
“Little Knight!” Ruby squealed when she saw him.
Her eyes lit up with joy; she hadn’t expected to bump into him here.
Zack’s lips curved slightly, recalling their moment at the ranch. “Did your mom give you hard time about earlier?“”
“Nope! Ruby laughed, lifting her chin proudly. “My mom’s the best mom ever. She’d never get mad at me!”
Zack fell silent, a heavy feeling settling in his chest. He envied Ruby so much for having such a mother.
Her mom loved her unconditionally. His own mom? She’d walked away without looking back.
Ruby, young but perceptive, noticed his mood shift. Her smile softened. ‘Little Knight, why do you look so down?”
2/2
AD
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