The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 469

Vivian didn't understand.

Her own mother had passed away when she was young, and she wasn't a mother herself, but even she understood one universal truth—

A good mother would do everything in her power to bridge the gap with her child, not rely solely on archaic dominance and severe punishments to force them into line.

Based on the last few days, it was obvious Silas had suffered a miserable childhood, which was why he had no choice but to flee back to the country and live with his grandfather.

A sudden thought flashed through Vivian's mind, and she asked with feigned nonchalance, "Judith, since Cynthia came back specifically for Silas's wedding, what about his father? Why didn't he come back with her?"

Judith froze for a split second.

"Mr. Sterling, Sr... likely had other pressing matters to attend to."

Vivian had only been guessing, but Judith's evasive reaction practically confirmed her suspicions.

It seemed this mother's marriage was indeed a total disaster, which explained why Cynthia had flown into such a catastrophic rage when Vivian brought it up.

"Vivian, you should rest now. I'll go check on the staff downstairs."

Judith practically fled the room, clearly desperate to avoid the conversation.

She was terrified Vivian would ask something she, as a mere housekeeper, had no place answering.

But her panic was unnecessary.

Vivian understood boundaries and had no intention of interrogating her.

As long as Cynthia wasn't actively trying to torture her, staying here was fine. With the right mindset, she could eat well and sleep comfortably. Eventually, Silas would come get her.

By the time Silas finished his corporate meetings, it was already night. He pulled out his phone, only to realize the battery had died.

The second he plugged it in, an avalanche of missed calls flooded the screen.

Before he could even dial back, Simon's number lit up again.

"Mr. Sterling, Vivian... was taken by Mrs. Sterling. She had her people block me at the hospital. I had no choice, I'm so sorry, this is my fault."

Silas frowned deeply. "Where are you right now?"

He grabbed his suit jacket and strode out of the office. "She is a sick woman. I told you she was not returning to Rosewood Manor. What exactly are you playing at? Is this a kidnapping?"

"If I say yes, are you going to call the cops on me?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"...You wouldn't dare!"

Cynthia couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Even if we aren't close, are you seriously ready to throw away basic familial respect?"

Silas had already reached the underground parking garage. His cold, piercing voice echoed in the concrete cavern. "Respect doesn't mean blind submission. I'm not going to stand by while you commit literal crimes, especially... when it's my wife!"

His wife... his wife!

He actually acknowledged that woman as his wife!

What kind of absolute spell had Vivian cast on him to make him lose his mind like this?

Cynthia's grip on the phone turned white-knuckled. She forced herself to breathe for a long time before she managed to suppress her voice. "Silas, if you want this marriage of yours to survive, let me spend some proper time getting to know her. Relax, I absolutely won't lay a finger on her this time. I just want to see exactly what kind of game a woman who married you so willingly is actually playing!"