The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 481

She had been studying Vivian, as if trying to decipher something from the younger woman's eyes.

But there was nothing.

She found absolutely nothing.

And that, in itself, meant this girl was far from simple.

"What kind of answer are you hoping to hear?"

Vivian put down her plate and returned to the earlier question.

She lifted her gaze, meeting Cynthia's eyes head-on. "When a woman marries a man, it boils down to two things. Either it's for love, or it's because she believes he can be her safety net. As for me... I married him for both."

Cynthia scoffed. "Don't try to fool me with that garbage. You two hadn't even met before you got married. Where exactly did this love come from?"

"Love at first sight. Is that so hard to believe?"

Vivian sighed softly. "Mom, why do you always insist on thinking so poorly of Silas?"

Cynthia's pupils shrank sharply. What kind of nonsense was that!

"If that wasn't the case, why would you assume I couldn't genuinely love Silas?"

Her implication was clear: if Cynthia had enough confidence in her own son, she would assume everyone was desperately in love with him.

Cynthia closed her eyes, completely drained of any desire to continue the conversation.

"Get out."

"Why do you always snap at me the second we disagree..."

Vivian muttered with a hint of grievance, playing the part of an innocent young girl. "Look at me, repaying your hostility with kindness by taking care of you. I genuinely want us to get along. If we do... won't that give you more chances to interact with Silas in the future?"

She let out a heavy, exaggerated sigh. "But still, I'll miss you, Mom."

Cynthia didn't say a word. The muscles in her jaw twitched slightly, betraying the intense emotions she was fighting to suppress.

It wasn't until she heard the door click shut that she slowly let out a heavy breath and opened her eyes.

The room was dead silent, making the earlier chatter feel like a fever dream.

Vivian...

The impact made Silas take a half-step back. He wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying them both.

"You're all grown up, why are you still so reckless?"

"Because I was happy to see you."

Vivian tilted her head up, aiming for a kiss, but caught sight of Judith walking toward them. Flushed, she quickly stepped back.

"Judith."

Judith nodded, her gaze sweeping over the couple.

Purely on a physical level, they were a breathtakingly perfect match.

She offered a warm smile. "Silas, it's getting late. Why don't you stay for dinner before heading back?"

"No, thank you," Silas replied with relaxed composure, naturally taking Vivian's hand. "We have things to attend to at home."

Judith pursed her lips, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "Madam is unwell. Aren't you... going to go up and see her?"