Silas remained silent.
Rose couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, her heart aching with an intensity that made her wish for it to cease beating altogether.
No one would be able to accept her, even someone as understanding and perceptive as Silas.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAfter an agonizing stretch of tense silence, Rose summoned the strength to plaster a strained smile on her face.
"Yes, | am the illegitimate daughter, the product of George's affair. Our family is a complete mess, our drama both entertaining and scandalous!" She turned her attention to Jamie, her voice tinged with defiance. "Jamie, you're on the verge of marrying into the Dalton family, aren't you? When | meet my new brother-in-law, rest assured I'll enlighten him about the Emerson family's true colors. Perhaps then, we can find common ground." Lydia and Jamie were left dumbfounded by Rose's audacity. With each forced laugh, their fury only intensified.
Rose had made everything worse! "Tell me, what brings you to visit this illegitimate daughter you seldom acknowledge?" Rose's tone dripped with sarcasm as she arrogantly checked her watch. "Hurry up, my tis valuable." Lydia ground her teeth, struggling to contain her anger. "Jamie is about to becengaged. Your father expects you to create two gowns for her." "I'm sorry, but my schedule is fully booked for the next few months. | simply don't have the time." Lydia's icy glare bore into Rose. "Rose, are you going against your father's orders?" Rose fearlessly replied, "It doesn't matter. Even if the president comes, | won't do it." Jamie was livid. "You!" "Lydia, do you takefor a fool?" Rose, towering over Lydia, regarded her with a mixture of disdain and defiance. "You and your daughter humiliatedjust seconds ago, and mere seconds later, you dare to askfor a favor? | can't believe the extent of your shamelessness." "You disrespectful wretch! You've crossed the line!" Lydia was unable to contain her rage any longer. With eyes reddened with fury, she raised her arm intending to deliver a slap across Rose's face.
Rose's muscles tensed, ready to defend herself, when a sharp gust of wind suddenly sliced through the air. Then, a sharp, echoing smack reverberated throughout the space.
"Ah! It hurts!" Lydia cried out in pain, her forehead glistening with sweat as she clutched her throbbing wrist.
The sound of something shattering echoed through the room as a cup fell to the ground after it thwarted Lydia's attempt to strike Rose.
"Mom, are you okay?" Jamie was scared out of her wits.
Lydia's hand trembled in pain. "Who did this?" "Me." A voice, firm and unwavering, rang out.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmRose looked up abruptly. Her heart felt heavy as tears swirled in her eyes.
Silas, without a moment's hesitation, stepped forward and approached Rose. His intense gaze, filled with concern and compassion, locked onto her pitiful, reddened eyes.
There was no disgust or disdain in his eyes, only genuine concern for her well-being.
As Jamie watched Silas' intense gaze fixed upon Rose, whom she considered to be an eyesore, a pang of jealousy twisted her stomach.
She thought they didn't know each other. But the intensity of the man's gaze on Rose was undeniable. His eyes seemed to be fixed on her with an unwavering focus, as if he couldn't tear his gaze away from her for even a moment.
"Did you just hit me? Who do you think you are?" Lydia's voice trembled with anger and fear as she confronted the intimidating Silas.
"Then, who do you think you are to strike her?" Silas met Lydia's reddened face with a cold gaze and remarked, "Do you believe your facelift and Botox will absolve you of your actions?"