Chapter 24
Joanna’s eyes widened, hardly beleving what she was sexing
she couldn’t believe that Hayden knew Sylvia And they seemed nyju!
“Hayden, this place is incredible
some party sylvia said, flashing buma warm Mule
The usually cool–headed guy blushed a bit, a shy prin showing Coming from you. Sybe that’s try deal
“Hi, Mr Stonet Ruby chirped, waving her chubby bule hand
Hayden picked Ruby up with a fond smile, holding her on his arm “Baby, I’ve you a wlude playroom upps for you the town of Yontra gonna love it!
He realized something and then turned to his staff “Hey, get this done Sylvie’s my closest friend end or VIP She wt Kody got foll weER anytime
Zack bit his hip hard, disappointment biting him like a wave to this awful women didn’t need home the weed in with Bedry without his help
bylvia followed Hayden inside, not giving Joanna or Zack a second glance.
Zack’s chest tightened with a bitter sting, and he started to run after her without thinking
Joanna grabbed his hand, shaking her head with a frown “Zack, she clearly wants nothing to do with you. Why keep chweing her if you dert che out, he won’t be happy. Let’s just leave her alone, okay?”
Zack’s head dropped, tears falling from his nose and bining the floor
Joanna watched him cry, but instead of feeling bad, a small smirk crept onto her bys
She wanted Zack to hate Sylvia, to make sure they’d never patch things up.
Zack looked up, watching Sylvia and Ruby vanish into the crowd, a outdoor spark in his eyes. He took off after them, his tune legs maring fau
He knew his mom couldn’t be that cold. Deep down, she sull cared about him–she’d even sent kadry with trems Yewerday.
I caught a cold last night, coughing like crazy. Did you know? Zack called out, catching up to Sylvie
Ite nilied his head, faking a few coughs, hoping for a bout of worry
Sylvia’s heart tugged, but then she recalled a night when Zack was sick, coughing hard.
She’d stayed up making medicine, only for him to knock it over, yelling that she was a terrible mom for giving him something en kasser
Her face hardened.
I’m not your doctor. You don’t need to tell me the said coldly
Zack wiped his tears, bis youre sluaking with hurt and defiance. This isn’t how you used to bet Yourd pante if I even roughed. You know wiper YoAFER wwful now!
Sylvia shot back, her voice icy, no warmth in it “You’ve always dought I was waful, hever your You said you wanted panna e greu ma
“Well, I’m not your mom anymore you should be happy”
Every ome she thought of the past, that old wound in her heart adsed
shed given tunn all her love, but this ungrateful kid had looked down on her, has heart set on perma
He’d ever begged Byron to marry Joanna, to make her los near mom
She could never forgive a kid like ther
Sylvia turned mud waiked to the playroom.
Theile–Hubay was running sound, squealing with joy at the absiny pribe of toy tugging one, then darting to sober
4:13 PM D
Chapter 24
“Ruby, careful, don’t fall!” she yelled.
She hurried over, steadying her wobbly daughter, then joined her in the fun.
Zack stood at the doorway, his eyes red, wiping away tears nonstop.
He remembered when Sylvia used to hang out with him like that.
Back then, he’d thought it was lame compared to the arcade games Joanna took him to.
Joanna gently took Zack’s hand. “Come on, Zack. Let’s go find your dad.”
*
“No, Joanna, you go. I want to stay here a little longer,” Zack said, his eyes locked on the playroom, a mix of jealousy and longing in them.
Sylvia and Ruby, in their matching outfits, filled the room with happy laughter.
Joanna’s brow furrowed, annoyance flaring when Zack wouldn’t move. She turned and headed toward the banquet hall alone.
The banquet hall hummed with Silverton’s high rollers, glasses clinking and chatter filling the air.
Byron stood in the middle of it all. He was surrounded like royalty, his strong presence impossible to miss.
joanna, eager to show off their connection, slid to his side and hooked her arm through his with smooth confidence.
Sure enough, jealous looks followed, and a smug feeling settled in her chest.
“Where’s Zack?” Byron asked quietly, scanning the room.
“He’s out playing. The staff’s watching him—he’s fine,” Joanna said with a calm smile.
Byron nodded and headed toward the front–row seats.
A song–and–dance show was set to start on stage soon, followed by a ribbon–cutting ceremony and a charity auction.
The hall’s first row had just three fancy armchairs, while regular chairs spread out behind them.
Clearly, those armchairs were for the most important guests.
Byron settled into one, and a staff member quickly approached, offering a clipped cigar with a respectful bow.
“Mr. Blair,” the guy explained, “Mr. Stone had this brought in special from Brazil for you. Please, give it a try.”
Byron and Hayden ran in the same high–end circles and had always gotten along.
He took the cigar, checking to make sure no kids were around before taking a deep puff.
The rich tobacco scent relaxed him, easing the tension in his face.
Joanna sat in the armchair next to Byron, her choice on purpose–it showed off her status and linked her clearly to him.
But before she could get comfy, a staff member rushed over, leaning in with an apologetic whisper.
“Miss Moore,” he said, “I’m sorry, but could you move to the chairs in the back? These seats are reserved.”
Joanna’s smile stiffened. “For who?”
The staff member lowered his voice more. “There are only three seats up here. One’s for Mr. Blair, one’s for our boss, Mr. Stone, and the last is saved for a special guest”
Joanna’s curiosity spiked. “Special guest? Who?”
The staffer glanced around before leaning in close. “Just a rumor, but… word is, it’s the founder of AIVLYS, invited by Mr. Stone,”
ATVLYS Joanna’s eyes widened. “That mysterious founder is here?
Byron, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow, his interest caught.
AIVLYS had shot to fame in the global luxury market over the past two years, its founder a total mystery, their identity kept under tight wraps.
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