The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 476

Since Silas wasn't staying the night, he hung around for a while before deciding it was time to leave.

Reluctant to see him go, Vivian wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzling against him like a needy cat.

Looking down at her face, Silas took in her long, curled lashes and radiant complexion. The pathetic, pleading look in her eyes carried an indescribable vulnerability, like a delicate flower that had to be cherished in the palm of one's hand. It perfectly struck a hidden, soft nerve within him.

"Alright, go back to sleep."

"You have to come back and see me often."

"...Okay."

"And call me every day to check in on me, just in case Mom tries to secretly bully me again."

"Would she even bother doing it secretly?"

"She wouldn't let me tell you, so doesn't that count?"

Vivian pouted, glancing toward a specific direction. "If I dared to tattle to you, she'd probably stitch my beautiful mouth shut."

"..." Silas reached out and pinched her cheek, his tone laced with amusement and exasperation. "Does it physically pain you to not praise yourself?"

"But I am beautiful."

She grinned. "If you don't believe me, kiss me and find out."

After pressing a kiss to her lips, he lightly patted the back of her head. "Go on back inside. I'm leaving."

Vivian watched his car pull out of the courtyard before finally retracting her gaze. As she turned around, she nearly bumped right into Cynthia.

"Mom."

She flashed a sickeningly sweet smile. "You aren't asleep yet?"

Her cheerful reaction gave off the illusion that all their previous unpleasantness had been a lie, and that they were actually in perfect harmony.

Cynthia's expression remained entirely unfazed. "Finished complaining?" she asked coldly.

"I didn't..."

Vivian put on a look of utter innocence. "Besides, you treated me so well today, I wouldn't have any reason to complain."

"Who knows if you were just making things up?"

Vivian was crouching in the garden, pulling weeds and sighing with every handful.

"Vivian." Judith brought her a glass of water, noticing the fine sheen of sweat on her forehead. "Madam is actually doing this for your own good. You just recovered from being sick, so getting more sunlight is good for your health."

Vivian chugged the water and nodded. "I know. But even if it wasn't, I'd still do it."

"Madam is..."

"Judith, what nonsense are you babbling to her about over there?"

Not far behind them, Cynthia had appeared out of nowhere. Dressed in a navy-blue, Hepburn-style dress, she looked immaculate, elegant, and regal—every inch the quintessential aristocratic lady.

However, her icy expression completely clashed with her graceful image.

"Madam..."

Judith hesitated, ultimately stepping aside under Cynthia's sharp glare.

Cynthia looked down at Vivian working under the sun. With no makeup on, her flawless skin seemed practically translucent. The thin layer of sweat actually gave her an added vibrance, making her look undeniably stunning.

"I don't keep freeloaders here. Since you've recovered, you need to do chores within your capability. Furthermore, as the woman at the center of the household, if you can't even handle these basic tasks, then you have no business managing the family's daily life."