5.Chapter 5 Mentor Sylvia

Byron didn’t notice, but Ruby’s eyes lit up when she heard “dad.” She whispered to Sylvia, “Mom, am I really going to meet Dad this time?”

Sylvia nodded, lips tight. For years, she’d woven a story for Ruby, saying her dad was working in the country. She had painted him as a loving father who adored her from a distance.

Liana’s face twisted with spite. “Moved on fast, didn’t you?” she sneered. “Ditched Byron and jumped to another guy—kid and all! Get out before you cause a scene!”

She was about to call a nurse to kick Sylvia out.

Just then, Cedric burst from the elevator, his voice ringing with excitement. “Ma’am! You’re here!”

Everyone froze. Liana’s face paled, her eyes drilling into Cedric with disbelief. “Dr. Groove, your mentor… is her?”

Cedric nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! I studied under her abroad. With her here, Edward’s in good hands!”

Sylvia’s brow twitched. She wasn’t thrilled with Cedric’s habit of calling her “mentor” in public.

It started years ago when she’d helped him with a minor issue at a medical conference. After that, he’d hounded her with questions, insisting on the title.

What she hadn’t expected was that Cedric’s call to return was for Edward Blair’s surgery.

She had some respect for Edward, the head of the family. After all, Edward was the one who’d arranged her marriage to Byron.

That marriage had left deep wounds, though.

“No way!” she snapped. “She’s barely in her twenties! How could she be your mentor? I know her—she’s just a country girl who knows a few medical tricks!”

Cedric’s face turned cold, his eyes cutting through Liana. “Mrs. Blair, are you doubting me? Or her?”

Liana’s face paled and blushed.

Byron stared at Sylvia, floored by how much she’d changed.

“You’re really his mentor?” he asked, doubt creeping into his voice. “You sure you can handle this surgery?”

Sylvia didn’t even glance at him. She brushed past, handing Ruby to Cedric. “Watch her.”

Then she pushed open the operating room doors, her voice firm. “I reviewed the case files you sent on the plane and set the surgical plan. Get the assistants ready—let’s start now.”

Cedric nodded, buzzing with excitement. “Everything’s ready. The team’s waiting!”

Sylvia gave a quick nod, and the operating room doors closed with a sharp thud.

Liana still couldn’t process it. ‘Sylvia, a surgical genius?’

She lunged forward, ready to confront her, but Cedric blocked her, his voice stern. “Mrs. Blair, do not disturb her.”

Cedric, holding Ruby, paced outside the operating room, torn between wanting to see Sylvia’s work and keeping Ruby safe.

Ruby snuggled against his shoulder, her twin pigtails bouncing, her big dark eyes curiously studying Byron.

She’d seen his face before, in a photo on Sylvia’s phone.

Byron, meanwhile, was swimming in questions. ‘What has Sylvia been doing these past three years? Showing up out of nowhere with a kid?’

He thought for a second, then spoke. “Dr. Groove, I’ll watch the girl. You go in.”

Cedric hesitated, then handed Ruby over, his tone serious. “Mr. Blair, she loves her daughter a lot. Please do your best to keep her safe.”

Byron took Ruby, his eyes lingering on her. She had Sylvia’s delicate features: sharp chin, twin pigtails tied high, wearing a white princess skirt and red Mary Janes. Cute as a button.

Despite his earlier glare, Ruby couldn’t resist such a good-looking guy. She giggled, throwing her arms around his neck.

Once Cedric slipped into the operating room, Byron carried Ruby to a nearby doctor’s office.

He set her down, his voice sharp. “Who’s your dad?”

Ruby’s eyes welled up, startled by his sudden tone. She looked ready to cry.

Byron’s annoyance flared, but he softened, lifting her onto a chair.

“Hey, tell me,” he said gently. “What does your dad do? Where is he?”

Ruby blinked her big eyes, her voice a sweet chirp. “My dad works here in this country. That’s all I know. He’s an engineer. He loves me so much and always gets me yummy snacks.”

Ruby was still so young, and to fill the gap of a father’s love, Sylvia had spun sweet stories for her. She’d buy snacks from here, saying they were gifts from Ruby’s dad.

In Ruby’s mind, her father was a warm, loving man who cherished her.

Byron’s face darkened at Ruby’s words, his expression like a brewing storm.

“How old are you?” he asked.

“Three!” she said brightly, smiling wide.

Byron’s jaw tightened, his face going pale. A cold truth hit him.

The timing of Sylvia’s pregnancy, lined up with their divorce… it meant Sylvia had been with someone else while they were still married.

“Bam!” His hand slammed the desk, the sound ringing out. His teeth clenched, anger rolling off him in waves.

Ruby jumped, her eyes filling with tears at the sudden noise.

Byron glared at the little girl. Her delicate features were undeniably adorable, but that charm stung like a jab, a sharp reminder of the betrayal still burning in his chest.

“Chase!” he bellowed toward the door.

His assistant, Chase Ridge, rushed in. “Mr. Blair, what’s wrong?”

“Take this crying kid and…” toss her out. The harsh words nearly escaped, but something in Byron eased.

He grabbed the empty bottle Ruby was holding and shoved it at Chase. “Get her some milk.”

Chase blinked, then nodded fast, hurrying out.

Soon, Ruby was happily sipping a new bottle, her loud gulps filling the room.

The scary man didn’t seem too bad now. She waddled over, climbing up Byron’s leg, smearing milk stains on his pricey suit shirt.

“Hug…” she mumbled, reaching for him.

Byron’s face darkened as he eyed the mess on his clothes, annoyance spiking.

But those round cheeks melted his edge. With a grudging sigh, he picked her up, settling her in his lap.

He couldn’t help lightly pinching her soft cheek, his eyes darting to the door before pinching again.

The warm squishiness stirred something strange in him. But then he remembered—Sylvia had ignored their son Zack for three years, showering all her love on this girl instead.

The thought cut deep, a quiet pain settling in his chest.