Chapter 6
The OR’s red light glowed steady as time dragged on. Byron sat on a cold bench, holding Ruby, his eyes fixed on the closed doors, worry eating at
him.
Liana couldn’t keep quiet. “We shouldn’t have trusted that girl! What does Sylvia know about saving people? Edward’s been in there forever–what if she screws it up?”
Byron’s face was tight. “Cedric’s in there too. Stay calm.”
Liana’s brows furrowed, her voice sharp with panic. “Your dad’s been working his tail off overseas at the branch office.
“We didn’t even tell him about Edward’s condition. If… if Edward doesn’t make it, what am I supposed to tell your father?”
Her eyes snapped to Ruby in Byron’s arms, her words dripping with spite. “If your mom botches this surgery, I’ll make you pay!”
Ruby curled into Byron’s chest, her small body shaking.
Byron looked up, his voice cold. “She’s just a kid.”
Liana’s tone turned sharp. “Byron, I’ve figured it out. That girl’s age? She’s got to be Sylvia’s kid with some other guy–while you two were still married! We can’t let Sylvia get away with this!”
Byron’s brows tightened, a chill rolling off him. He called for Chase. “Find out who the father is. Now.”
Chase nodded and rushed off.
Finally, the operating room light went off, and the doors swung open.
Cedric stepped out first, his face glowing with excitement. He turned to the figure behind him. “That surgery was incredible. Only a few people in the world could’ve done it!”
The Blairs crowded forward, their eyes darting to the operating room.
Liana stared at Cedric, stunned. “Dr. Groove, you’re saying Sylvia’s surgery… worked?”
She still couldn’t wrap her head around Sylvia’s huge transformation in just three years.
Cedric’s voice was steady but full of respect. “Yes. Edward will wake up once the anesthesia wears off.”
Byron’s eyes landed on Sylvia as she walked out. He stood up.
Sylvia, stone–faced, took Ruby from his arms and murmured, “Did he do anything to you?”
Byron smirked. “Sylvia, that’s an insult. I’d never be that low.”
Ruby shook her head, her voice a soft chirp. “He was nice. Even got me milk.”
Sylvia nodded, then turned to Cedric. “I’m not needed for the follow–up. Call me if something comes up.”
With that, she lifted Ruby and headed out.
“Sylvia” Byron’s voice cut through as she walked away, his face darkening. “You disappear for three years and forget you have a son? You’re not even going to see Zack?*
Sylvia stopped, her back to them, her voice cold as ice. “The day we divorced, he’s no longer mine. Now I only have my daughter, Ruby.”
She left without looking back
Outside the hospital. Sylvia’s assistant, Jolie, waited with the car,
Sylvia climbed in, Ruby in her arms.
“Mominy, when are we gonna find Daddy Ruby asked, her big eyes shining with hope.
Sylvia’s heart fightened She’d avoided coming back for years because of this hidden truth.
And just as she had thought, now that they were here, Huby wouldn’t stop asking about her father.
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4:11 PM
Chapter 6
“Ruby, when Dad’s done with his work, I will take you to meet him, okay?” Sylvia said, gently smoothing Ruby’s hair.
She was still grappling with how to handle this. “Tell Ruby her father was Byron? No chance.
However, she couldn’t find a better way to put it, either.
Ruby, sweet as ever, flashed a big grin. “Okay!”
+15
Once she was back, Ruby was thrilled. She’d had milk in the morning but still wolfed down lunch, her little belly round like a ball, cute as could be.
That afternoon, Sylvia visited a fancy private horse club.
The owner was a friend she’d met abroad, and since she was back settling here for good, she planned to move her business here.
While Sylvia talked business, Ruby, bored, wandered off on her little legs.
Sylvia gave a small smile and nodded to Jolie. “Keep an eye on her. Don’t let her trip.”
Since returning, Ruby had begged to stay, saying this was her home–where her dad was.
Thinking of her missing father dimmed her mood, but then her big, bright eyes spotted something in the distance, and they sparkled.
That little knight there…” she muttered to herself.
Ruby had a weakness for good–looking guys, young or old, and her heart fluttered.
Zack sat under a shaded umbrella at the edge of the equestrian field, his small frame focused and serious.
His quick fingers flew over a laptop keyboard, lines of game code flashing on the screen.
Suddenly, he felt a soft tug on his shirt.
“Little Knight!” A sweet, candy–like voice rang in his ear.
Zack’s fingers stopped, a hint of annoyance crossing his face. Three years had shaped him into a serious six–year–old, acting like a tiny adult.
His neatly combed side–part and sharp features echoed his father, Byron.
A crisp shirt and slacks gave him a polished look.
But three years without a mother’s warmth had left him distant and alone.
Byron’s high standards and strict training had taught him plenty, but they’d also put glasses on him way too young.
He pushed them up, irritated, and turned to see a pair of bright, lively eyes staring back.
The little girl was adorable, her delicate face like a soft marshmallow.
“Who are you?” Zack’s voice was flat, no trace of friendliness.
I’m Ruby, Little Knight?” she chirped.
I’m not your Little Knight,” he said, his tone sharp and impatient. “You’ve got the wrong person.”
Just then, a girl with twin pigtails and a pink princess dress marched over, her face twisted with anger.
“Where’d you come from, you little brat? Stay away from my Zack!” she snapped, her voice full of venom.
Then she continued, “Zack, Auntie Joanna says tons of bad kids try to get close to you just to scam your family’s money or get to your dad!”
She was Joanna’s niece
For years, Joanna had pushed her niece, Yara Sproul, to get close to Zack, hoping to lock in a childhood engagement.
Yara duin’t fully get what that meant, but she knew sticking with Zack meant cool stuff–fancy dresses, special dolls, and extra love from Joanna.
No way was she letting some girl stral Zack’s attention, especially this one standing here now—she was way too pretty.
Yara grabbed Zack’s hand, her scowl turning into a smile as she pointed to a small white horse led by a staff member Zack, forget this rule nobody Let’s go ride the pony!”
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4:11 PM
Chapter 6
Ruby’s eyes darted to the horse, and she froze.
“Wait” she called out. “You can’t ride that white horse! It’s sick and really cranky. It’ll throw you off!”
Yara laughed, rolling her eyes. “What, you think you’re a horse doctor now?” she mocked, curling her lips, “You can tell when a horse is sick? Liar!”
Zack ignored Ruby’s warning. With a staff member’s help, he climbed onto the white pony,
However, the moment he settled in, the seemingly calm animal went wild. He let out a loud whinny, rearing up on its hind legs, nearly throwing Zack to the ground.
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