Falling for a Lie: My Stepbrother's Hidden Revenge

Chapter 279

With a masterful show of aloofness, Eder fixed his gaze on the floor. A shell of indifference hardened around him,

infused with a dense melancholy that hung like a thick fog, forming an invisible barrier. It was an unspoken

warning, making it difficult for anyone to dare approach him.

Despite her best efforts, Sylvia found it increasingly challenging to unravel the labyrinth of his emotions. Yet, the

one emotion she did understand was the raw, white-hot anger churning inside her like a volcanic eruption

waiting to happen. One thought dominated her mind, resounding like a drum in her heart-to beat him

senselessly until he'd be rummaging for his teeth on the floor, instilling enough fear to make him think twice

before uttering the words ‘break up’ again.

This fiery anger was her guiding compass, leading her across the room, her soft steps barely audible over the

rhythmic hum of the house. Her target - the mahogany ruler, stashed away in the first drawer of the antique

bedside table.

However, she hesitated as she extended her hand, ready to clutch the instrument of her rage. The mahogany

ruler was indeed heavy, symbolizing the weight of her fury. But what if she lost control, and Eder, in his

indifference, didn’t dodge in time? What if her wrath did more damage than she intended?

But to retreat, to return empty-handed after such a determined advance, would it not make her seem ridiculous,

diminishing the seriousness of her intent?

Stealing a glance at Eder who sat on the floor, her eyes locked with his - his ebony irises revealing nothing. With

no weapon at her disposal, it felt like she was walking into a gunfight with a butter knife. It was rather

embarrassing.

Her gaze flickered to the sleek black leather belt hanging lazily on the coat rack nearby. A silent determination

overtook her as she grabbed it, expertly rolling the soft leather until it fit comfortably in her hand, the chill of the

metal buckle biting into her palm. Armed, she returned to the bed, the stark contrast of the intimidating belt

against her demure stature making a powerful statement.

“Do you see what | have here?” she questioned, her sweet voice adopting a fierce undertone that carried an

unmistakable threat. “Do not temptto use it on you!”

Eder’s response was minimal, a subtle flutter of his long lashes as he glanced at her weapon sideways. His

expression remained unreadable, his eyes cast under a mysterious shadow, an impenetrable fortress of

silence.

“Remember when you clung to me, pleading for another chance, when | had let go? Now that I'm willing to take

a leap of faith with you to explore this future for a longer while, you're retreating. Why? | demand a reasonable

explanation!” she insisted.

Under the warm glow of the lamplight, Eder’s chiseled face was magnified in all its rugged beauty,

Falling for 3 Lie: My Stepbrother’s Hidden Revenge

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Chapter 270

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captivating in its silence. A gentle bob of his Adam's apple betrayed his nervousness as he lowered his gaze,

retreating further into his emotional shell.

llis silence was louder than words, a silent protest, a refusal to engage. Was he resorting to the age-old strategy

of the silent treatment?

Feeling a bitter taste of rejection, Sylvia bit her lower lip, the sharp sting echoing the throbbing pain in her heart.

“So, you need more tto think, do you? Then take all the tyou need! Just make sure you've thought it

through thoroughly before opening your mouth again!” she spat out, tossing the belt

onto him.

Turning her back to him, she stormed out, leaving behind a turbulent wave of anger that slammed the bedroom

door shut. With her tic exit, a tangible blanket of gloom draped over the room, permeating every corner

with a palpable sense of tension.

Sylvia retreated to the adjoining room, her decision to sleep separately set in stone!

The night enveloped her with calming silence, but her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Eder’s indifferent look

surfaced every tshe shut her eyes, denying her the sweet escape of slumber.

Feeling confined, she sat upright in bed, reaching for her phone. It was 2 a.m. already! Eder hadn't attempted to

soothe her. Was he genuinely contemplating their breakup?

The thought was absurd, illogical! Sylvia buried herself under the covers, the alien sensation of solitude creeping

up on her.

That night, both found sleep elusive.

As Sylvia stirred from her restlessness the following morning, Eder’s door was firmly shut, suggesting he

was yet to rise.

After freshening up, she headed straight to Angle Group, refusing to exchange even a word with Eder.

Of late, S City was held hostage by bleak, rainy weather, the towering buildings shrouded in an almost deathlike

gloom.

Feeling a madness within, Sylvia sat at her desk, her chin resting in her palm, her gaze vacant as she stared at

the relentless rain outside her window.

The rain’s soft rhythm echoed in the room while Eder’s unusual behavior from last night replayed in her mind like

a flickering film reel, distracting her from Beth's report sprawled in front of her.

Suddenly, she remembered the sound Eder had made when she had flung him off the bed last night.

Eder was known for his tenacity, rarely uttering a sound unless he was feigning petulance or in actual pain. Yet,

even in pain, he was capable of enduring it silently. So how could a simple push from her result

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Chapter 276

in such a reaction?

The more she contemplated, the more convinced she becthat something was amiss. All the signs pointed

towards a possible injury that Eder might have sustained!

His uncharacteristic weakness is why he was caught off guard and easily toppled from the bed. The realization

hit her like a ton of bricks, and she hammered the table in regret.

Last night, blinded by fury, she had overlooked all these signs. Now that she pondered, Eder’s behavior was a

screaming red flag!

The sudden loud noise startled Beth, causing her to quiver slightly. “Director Lancelot, did | make a mistake in

the report?”

“No.” Sylvia snapped back to reality, swiftly organizing her bag. “I need to attend to something and will have to

step out. Continue the report once I'm back. If | don’t return, we can discuss it tomorrow.”

The rain in S City grew fiercer by the minute.

Within the confines of the Grant Group's CEO's office, Eder sat adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling window, exuding

an air of fatigue and despondency. His black eyes were devoid of the usual spark, almost as if his life had been

sucked out.

His gaze traced the cracks in the window, the relentless rain dividing them further, a stark reminder of Nick's

words in Frant City.

“The virus in your system will lead to complications over time. It could leave you incapacitated. Sylvia may

initially pity you, but how long will that last? The moment you resorted to alternative medicine, your broken body

becunworthy of her. If | can’t have her, neither can you!” Nick had taunted.

Underneath his suit’s cuff, Eder’s hand clenched into a tight fist, his complexion paling further, spirits sinking,

lower.

Perhaps it was tto stop this self-inflicted torment. A sharp pain was better than a prolonged one. Making

Sylvia detest him, despise him, allowing her to move past the hurt and start anew seemed like the best course

for her.

Ava, the spokesperson for the LX Project, was elegantly perched on a nearby sofa, pouring herself a cup

of tea.

She was here to discuss the contract's payment terms with Eder. However, since she had stepped into the office,

Eder seemed to be in his own world, staring at the rain-soaked window for close to half an hour without

acknowledging her presence.

“Mr. Storm, you seem quite out of sorts today. If | had to guess, it’s less about work and more about a recent tiff

with Miss Lancelot?” Ava’s voice was soft and enticing.

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Chapter 279

Irritation flashed across Eder’s face. “Know your place. If it's not your business for pry”

Taking the hint, Ava smiled. “All right, | won't intrude. However, should you need assistance with anything, Mr.

Storm, I'll be more than willing to help!”

Eder seemed indifferent to her sugary tone, even displaying a certain degree of repulision. “What are you here

for? State your business and leave.”

As Ava rose from her seat, sauntering towards him, preparing to speak, a knock on the four empre them.

“Mr. Storm. Miss Lancelot is here.”

What?! She came?!

Eder’s heart skipped a beat. Swiftly, his hand, which was encased in a leather glove, seized Ava’s most

Ava leaning in to hear Eder’s whispered words was the sight that greeted Syiria upon her entry. Their intimately

close proximity and whispered conversation sent a jolt through her “Eder?”

On hearing Sylvia's voice, Ava jerked away from Eder, awkwardly pulling her wrist from his grip. resuming her

previous position.

“Miss Lancelot, what brings you here? Quite a coincidence...”

The woman's peculiar behavior only served to deepen Sylvia's suspicion. “I'm the one who cat am

inconvenient time? Then what were you two up to?”

Stumbling over her words, Ava quickly glanced at Eder, her cheeks coloring slightly in embarrassment

“You're free to imagine whatever you want.” Eder’s deep-set eyes were icy, his voice devoid of warmth

Provoking her, was he? Sylvia inhaled deeply, suppressing the bubbling rage within her, reminding herself to stay

calm. Her icy stare shifted to Ava. “You, step outside.”

Seemingly hesitant, Ava turned towards Eder, her voice sultry, “Mr. Storm...”

Eder remained impassive, his lips pursed tightly, implicitly giving his consent.

Left with no choice, Ava sashayed out of the office.

Once Ava’s alluring presence had departed, Sylvia advanced towards Eder, noticing his ashen complexion. She

knelt beside him, placing her hands on his legs, lifting her face to meet his gaze, her voice a gentle whisper.

“Eder, did you sustain any injuries during your border trip? I’m sorry for my impulsive reaction last

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night. | didn’t understand the situation. But you aren’t alone anymore. You don’t have to endure the pain all by

yourself. I'll stand by you and share your pain. I'm also learning how to pamper you and safeguard you. Isn't that

good enough?”