The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 403

Despite his harsh words, Vivian was already covered in sweat, and Old Mr. Sterling didn't push her any further.

The two sat by the edge of the pond, enjoying the evening breeze and chatting casually.

"So, how far along are you and Silas?"

How far along?

Vivian chewed on the question for a moment before answering. "I'd say we've made some progress. He spent so many years revolving around Grace, so shifting all that emotion onto someone else is bound to take time."

Old Mr. Sterling turned to look at her, his tone unreadable.

"You're certainly generous."

"What else can I do?"

Vivian smiled, her beautiful eyes sparkling brightly. "And honestly, Grandpa, I don't think he ever had that deep of a connection with Grace."

"Oh?"

That piqued the old man's interest.

"Let's hear your theory."

"I haven't exactly dug into his past, but just from what people around us say, I know he isn't the type to mess around. He doesn't surround himself with women; it's only ever been Grace."

"The reason he treated her so well is pretty easy to figure out. They ran in the same circles, and she was always clinging to him. Asking for a favor, giving a gift—at the end of the day, it was all harmless."

The perk of being wealthy was exactly that. Whatever you wanted could be handled with a single word, with plenty of people ready to do the legwork.

Did that count as treating her well?

Yes and no.

If Grace were truly the love of his life, his actions actually felt a bit cold. He rarely took a hands-on approach to anything involving her.

Old Mr. Sterling's gaze shifted slightly.

Thinking about it carefully, she had a solid point.

He nodded, instantly connecting the dots. "That makes sense... The timing of his confession to her perfectly coincided with the exact moment I ordered him to marry you."

Recalling her initial assumptions, Vivian couldn't help but laugh.

"Didn't you say you've made progress? Let me tell you, Silas is completely blind when it comes to these things. He acts all high and mighty, but he's actually a hopeless romantic."

"Really?"

Vivian found that hard to believe.

Silas didn't have a single hopeless romantic bone in his body.

"Of course. Let me tell you..."

The moon hung high in the sky as wispy clouds drifted by. An old man and a young woman sat huddled together in the courtyard, chatting enthusiastically. The quiet night was infused with a sense of peace and warmth.

When Vivian finally checked the time, she realized it was past ten.

She quickly shooed Old Mr. Sterling off to bed before heading to her room.

She was staying in the same room she had used before—Silas's bedroom.

Initially, she wanted to video call him, but after talking so much, she suddenly felt entirely drained.