The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 443

If she were the type to kiss up to people...

She would have been desperate to please her, not make an enemy out of her.

Cynthia was left speechless. Having not seen her son for so long, she didn't want their reunion to turn into a screaming match.

"Enough."

After a moment, she tossed the tissue aside. "Let's go downstairs. It's been a long time since we sat down for a proper meal together. Let's not let an outsider ruin our mood."

Silas frowned. "Mom..."

"What? Am I wrong?"

"She is my wife."

"..."

"You just said you're my elder, which is why we should respect you. But her status is legally recognized, and I expect you to respect her too."

With that, Silas headed downstairs first, leaving Cynthia standing frozen in place. The anger caught in her chest, suffocating her.

She forced herself to collect her emotions and followed him down. The housekeeper had already laid out the food. Silas was seated in the middle, waiting for her.

Seeing her arrive, he stood up, adjusted her cutlery, and laid out her napkin.

Cynthia felt a rush of warmth, the resentment from moments ago fading slightly.

But the mother and son were still ultimately estranged.

The dinner was laced with an undeniable awkwardness. Even though both wanted to bridge the gap, neither knew where to start.

Hesitating for a moment, Cynthia used the serving chopsticks to place a piece of rib on Silas's plate, adopting the tone of casual family chatter.

"Don't blame me for being strict with her. Families like ours are fundamentally different from ordinary people. Do you know how many eyes are on us? One misstep, and the entire family's reputation is dragged through the mud."

He stared at her deeply. "And what about me, Mother?"

"..."

Cynthia didn't follow. "What about you?"

"Do you think I'm a man who follows the rules?"

Cynthia didn't answer, but her face drained of color in an instant.

How could she not hear the venom in his words? He was mocking her.

She called Vivian mannerless, but who exactly had raised him?

She had dumped her own son onto his grandfather the moment he was born. What right did she have to talk about raising someone with manners?

Silas looked at his mother's livid face, stood up, and gave a slight nod. "I will keep your words in mind. But I need to discuss this with my wife. If she is willing, I'll bring her over."