The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 485

Unlike his usual icy demeanor, the reserved man actually replied this time.

[In a meeting.]

[Inspecting.]

Though excessively brief, it was a monumental leap forward.

By afternoon, Vivian was in a fantastic mood. She called him. "Mr. Sterling, I drove your car today. Want me to come pick you up?"

"I have plans tonight. Go home first."

His voice echoed slightly, sounding as though he was already in a vehicle.

Vivian let out an 'oh' before adopting a deliberately dramatic tone. "I saw the news today, Boss. Don't tell me you're rushing off to rekindle things with your first love?"

"Nonsense."

"Then what are you doing?"

Silas's dark gaze drifted toward the window. He remained silent for two seconds before answering, "Meeting someone."

He didn't specify who. He either didn't want to say, or it was someone Vivian didn't know.

But chances were high it had everything to do with today's headlines.

Not pressing the issue, she took a deep breath. "Well, come home early. I refuse to sleep in an empty bed tonight. If you dare stay out, I'm showing up at your corporate lobby tomorrow with a protest banner."

"What banner?"

"'Scumbag Abandons Loyal Wife.'"

"..."

Silas chuckled, his low, magnetic voice incredibly pleasing to the ear. "Since when are you a loyal, abandoned wife?"

"I don't care." Her voice was soft, laced with a natural, unapologetic arrogance. "As long as I see you in bed before I fall asleep tonight, we're good."

"Alright."

He humored her. "Wait for me."

Ending the call, Silas looked toward the front seat. "Did Jonah Granger say he's already arrived?"

"Yes." Simon had just received the text. "Boss... I can't shake the feeling he's looking for a fight. Are you sure we shouldn't let Miss Fairchild know?"

The entire venue had been booked out by Jonah. Not a single customer was in sight. The eerie silence amplified the tension, as if a volatile magnetic field hovered in the air, ready to detonate.

A staff member respectfully guided Silas to the private room.

"Mr. Sterling, please."

His deep eyes were entirely unreadable, devoid of any discernible emotion.

He pushed the door open.

The man inside sat rigidly in his chair, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit with immaculate hair. He looked every bit the quintessential wealthy heir.

In stark contrast, Silas possessed a lazy, predatory grace. The unbuttoned collar of his shirt hinted at a wild, untamed arrogance.

His was a brand of elite dominance that required no forced posture to command respect.

The corner of his mouth curved upward as he stepped inside.

"Choosing such an isolated spot, Mr. Granger. Are you afraid of being seen?"

His opening words dripped with hostility, entirely on brand for his usual demeanor. The coldness in Jonah's eyes deepened into a sneer. "I'm just giving you a little extra time to prepare yourself. Silas, the Northside project is on the verge of being shut down. What exactly gives you the right to act so arrogant?"