Ch. 555..560
Chapter 556
Odell frowned. He put his glass down and bolted up, which startled Lily. Master Springsteen had returned to his chamber due to his health reason, so only Madam Springsteen and the other family members were around. The moment he stood up, he caught the attention of the other members of the Springsteen family.
Odell turned to Madam Springsteen and said, “Madam, please excuse me as | need to attend to my work affairs.” Madam Springsteen was stunned, and so was Lily. The expression on the young lady’s face froze.
Before anyone could react properly, Odell was already walking toward the exit. It was then the lively crowd became quiet again as the second dance ended.
They were to pick the third and final lucky pair to have the third dance. All the lights went off, leaving only the spotlight on to pick its lucky pair.
A few seconds later, it stopped on the third pair of couple and the result shocked everyone.
Someone said out of surprise, “Who are they? | haven’t seen them before.” “Maybe they are the artists Master Springsteen invited.”
The man who was striding toward the exit stopped, and turned to the highlighted couple. His towering figure was then petrified on the spot.
The third and final couple that the spotlight picked was none other than Sylvia and Thomas.
Sylvia did not expect to be picked even when she was standing in the corner. She even had a plate of snacks in her hand and munching half a piece of pie when the spotlight shone on her. She stared at the crowd blankly. Thomas was a lot calmer than she was. He helped put her plate on the table and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief
“Come on, don’t keep everyone waiting,” he said. His fair and slender hand reached out to her.
Sylvia did not liave a choice. The game rule was determined by the Springsteen family, so it WAS inappropriate for her to decline the invitation in front of everyone
A few seconds later, she reluctantly put her hand on Thomas’ hand and walked toward the dance floor with him
The romantic music sounded Sylvia took a cerp breath to calm lierself downi.
Thomas held her hand with one hand and hugged her waist with the other. He whispered to her, “Calm down.” Sylvia smiled. “I'll do my best.” It was just a dance, and it would be over. She followed Thomas’ lead and started dancing along to his pace. It had been a while since she moved her body to any rhythm. Her movements were a little stiff but Thomas was kind enough to slow down to her pace. There were a few hiccups here and there but they did not cascade into a huge embarrassment. While Sylvia wanted the dance to be over quickly, Ramona, sitting on the couch on the opposite side, grumbled, “Shameless.” Madam Springsteen heard Ramona. She curiously asked, “What’s the matter? Do you know this lady?” Ramona lowered her voice and continued, “She’s Odell’s ex-wife.” Madam Springsteen was surprised by the revelation. She immediately shot a cautious glance at Lily.
Lily was also looking at the dancing couple but she was rather intrigued and amused. There was even a smile on her face. Madam Springsteen whispered, “She’s no longer Master Carter’s wife, so there’s no problem for her to dance with another man. Why did you call her that?” Ramona sighed. She might not like the second son of the Carter family but Thomas was still her cousin’s grandson. If others learned that Thomas was getting close to his ex-sister-in-law, it would be nothing short of embarrassing. Moreover, Thomas was a simple person, and a loner. Other than the few close relatives of the family, no one knew his identity. Ramona decided to spare Thomas, so she said, “I don’t like her. Look at her, she looks like a shameless vixen.”
Madam Springsteen had a glance at Sylvia. “She indeed stood out from the others.” She, too, had the same feeling about Sylvia. Then, Odell's towering figure came back
Chapter 557 Madam Springsteen was surprised by his sudden return. She immediately smiled at him politely
Lily also turned to him. Ramona asked with a smile, “Odell, aren’t you going back?” Odell sat down on a single couch and answered, “I figured | haven’t received the prize from Master Springsteen.”
He sounded cold, similar to his frosty look Ramona chuckled awkwardly. “Oh right, you were the first lucky winner of the night.” Madam Springsteen shot a suggestive gaze at Lily.
The man sounded unhappy. Could it be that he was unhappy about his ex-wife dancing with another man? Lily stared at Odell with a complicated look. Odell started sipping on his glass of wine elegantly as he stared at the dancing couple with a frosty look
The music was at its conclusion
Sylvia spun two turns under Thomas’ arm and precisely stopped her movements along with the music The crowd applauded.
Sylvia and Thomas bowed at everyone and wanted to return to where they came from.
However, the butler came over and stopped them with a smile. “Sir, madam, please hold on for a moment. Since you two are the third lucky winner, please follow me for your prize.”
Sylvia furrowed her brows. She felt like she was being watched. She had no interest in the prize whatsoever. All she wanted was to return to her corner.
Thomas nodded. “Alright.” He lield Sylvia’s hand and followed the butler to the side of the dance floor. The grand chandelier brightened up as soon as they left the dance floor. Romantic music sounded again, and it was a signal for the other couples to have their own dance of the night
It got more spacious outside the dance floor.
Sylvia and Thomas followed the butler to the side and saw Mr. and Mrs. Redhorn, plus Otell who was sitting on the couch with his legs crossed.
lle12 shot a deep x«ze al Sylvia and Thomas
It wikill and Sylvia's firsi face to face meeting since their divoter Tot come to con, Sylvierted his pare
However, knowing that she was no longer his wife and she was just friends with Thomas, there was nothing for her to be afraid of. She bit the bullet and looked away, showing Odell a frosty side face. Odell’s gaze was glued to her. After she averted his gaze, he looked down toward her hand being held by Thomas. His gaze turned cold and he uncontrollably gripped his glass tighter. Even the veins on the back of his hand were showing
Thunk!
He put his glass down on the table and the sound that it released captured quite the attention. Both Madam Springsteen and Ramona were startled and neither of them dared to say a word. Lily shot a quick gaze at the butler. The butler immediately ordered the servants to bring over five gifts for the winners.
He then smiled at Sylvia, Thomas, and Mr. and Mrs. Redhorn. “These are the gifts my master prepared for you tonight. We hope that you'll like it.” “Thank you, Master Springsteen.” Mr. and Mrs. Redhor happily received the present. The butler then turned to Thomas and Sylvia. Sylvia smiled and said, “Thank you, Master Springsteen for your generosity.” Just when she wanted to receive the gift, she realized Thomas was still holding her hand, Her brows subtly furrowed as she pulled her hand off and received the gift.
Chapter 558
Thomas had a subtle glance at her before he took his gift. The butler smiled at them after giving them their respective gifts. He then took the last box from the servant and went over to Odell with his back arched. He wanted to present the gift to Odell himself.
Sylvia had one glance at the direction and saw Odell’s frosty gaze.
She looked away immediately and went back to the corner on the other side of the hall. Thomas also followed her away.
Thud!
Odell suddenly bolted up. The butler was startled by the man’s sudden reaction. He stepped back immediately and said in a small voice, “Master Carter, this is for you.” Odell frustratedly frowned and said, “Give it to my grandaunt.” He then walked toward the direction where Sylvia and Thomas went off. “Uh... Sir? But...” The butler awkwardly turned to Madam Springsteen and Lily, requesting further instructions Madam Springsteen reacted bitterly, and so was Lily. The young lady’s face was smeared with displease and frostiness. The atmosphere went quiet for a few seconds before Madam Springsteen said with a sigh, Just bring it here.” The butler then delivered the gift to Ramona, who was sitting beside Madam Springsteen. “This little vixen, she’s still trying to tease Odell,” Ramona resentfully cursed as she received the delicate box from the butler. Madam Springsteen’s expression grew bitter. She said, “Ramona, please excuse me. I’m not feeling well.” “I'll walk you to your room.” Ramona offered. “It’s fine. | can go up by myself.” Madam Springsteen refused to talk to Ramona anymore and simply went toward the stairs.
Ramona knew Madam Springsteen was mad at herself, so she directed her grievance at Sylvia and cursed her deep in her heart.
The ball continued in a lively atmosphere. Sylvia shuttled through the crowd and returned to Christopher and the others. Thomas followed her
“Sylvia, Mr Carter, congratulations!” One of the people from the Art Association smiled and
congratulated them. He then stared at the boxes in their hands and asked, “Can we have a look at what gift Master Springsteen prepared for you two?” Sylvia generously opened the box Inside the box was a pen forged in gold with diamonds embedded around the cap. It looked extravagant. Christopher and the others were awestruck by the luxurious prize. Even Sylvia was surprised. As expected of the Springsteen family, generous as always. She put the lid back on after showing the others the gift. She then said to Christopher, “Mr. President, it’s getting late. | have to go back to take care of my children. Please excuse me.”
She noticed the unfriendly gaze from Odell and it grew uncomfortable for her. She did not wish to stay any longer, and it was best to avoid any kind of interaction with that man. Christopher straightforwardly said, “Okay, be careful.” Sylvia turned around and saw Thomas. Before she could say a word, Thomas said, “I’m going back as well. Why don’t | give you a ride?”
Sylvia smiled. “It’s okay. | can go on my own.” She then headed toward the exit.
The night was dark and it was extremely cold outside. Before she even stepped outside the building, the freezing breeze gave her chills. She grabbed her jacket from the servant and put it on as she walked outside.
Chapter 559
There was quite a distance from the door to the inain gate. Both sides of the pathway were covered with plants of different heights. Many of the lamps were blocked, causing the pathway unusually dark
There was no one on the pathway at the moment and the chilly night breeze whirred in the air, making it extremely eerie to look at or to be on it.
Sylvia tightened her jacket and held her breath as she strode along the eerie pathway.
Just a few steps later, a long arm reached out to her from the dark and grabbed her arm. Sylvia was shocked but before she could scream, she was dragged into a familiar embrace. The man’s strong and hurried breathing came from above her head.
Sylvia looked up and saw a handsome but frosty face. The man stared at her with a sharp gaze.
Sylvia blinked twice before she tried to break free from the man’s embrace but his long arm constricted her waist tightly, preventing her from breaking free. She shouted, “Odell, let go of me!” The man tightened his hug and pressed her against his chest Sylvia was forced to tiptoe. Her entire body was already leaning on him. She glared at him and shouted, “odell, stop this immediately! We've already divorced!”
“Is that why you go after another man?” His gruff voice sounded terrifying.
Sylvia argued, “I didn’t! | just had a dance with Thomas, that’s it! The spotlight chose us. We can’t just decline and ruin the game rules, can we? It’s disrespectful to the Springsteen family!” He pinched her face and bellowed, “Even so, you can’t dance with him!” Sylvia’s gaze shrunk but she regained her composure and argued, “You danced with Ms. Springsteen as well!” “There’s nothing between us!”
“Well, there’s nothing between me and Thomas as well!”
He frowned as she refused to back away. They confronted each other for a few seconds before he asked, “Then why are you two together?”
“I came here with President Dendro and the people from the Art Association! Thomas was invited by Ms. Springsteen and we just happened to run into each other! He and | are working in the Art Academy! We're close, but we’re not what you think!” A quick thought later, she further explained, “Odell, he’s your brother. Even if | longed for a inan’s Touch, I'd sleep with any man but lim!”
He stared at her blushing face and narrowed his eyes. “Is that so!” “I don’t care if you believe me or not.” Sylvia already explained herself clearly and she refused to further tangle with the man. She pushed him and shouted, “Let go of me! | want to go home!” He pursed his lips in silence and stared at her. She furrowed her brows and continued, “Did you hear me? Let go of me!” He continued to stare at her face and his arm remained tight around her waist. Sylvia gasped and said, “If you don’t let me go, I'll scream!” They might be quite far away from the hall but as long as she screamed her lungs out, someone would be able to hear her cry for help. Odell curled his lips as if he did not believe she would scream for help. Sylvia was frustrated but she decided to approach this matter with patience. She said, “Odell, I'm not one of your upper social circle people, and I’m not afraid of embarrassing myself. “You, on the other hand, if others see you harassing a woman in someone else’s front yard, what would they think of you?” Odell chuckled at her strange confidence. “Do you think | care about what others think of me?” She was his ex-wife and even if they were already divorced, she was not allowed to see other men. She must only be his woman and if anyone had anything to say about him harassing her, he would rip their mouths off their faces.
Sylvia choked and flushed. She widened her eyes and stared at him for around ten seconds before she took a deep breath and screamed, “HELP-”
Before she could utter the word “me”, her lips were sealed.
Chapter 560
Chapter 560 The man’s strong scent of cologne assaulted her nose like a tsunami.
Sylvia tried pushing him away but he hugged her with both his arms. He hugged her so tightly that it cramped both her arms in between their chests. There was no space left for her to struggle.
The chilly breeze continued to whirr and the leaves of the trees and plants rustled. Under the dim environment, the two of them stayed close together and showed no signs of separating for quite a while.
Further away, behind a robust tree, a tall figure saw the two of them. He stared at the intimate duo and saw how the man forced himself onto the woman. Both hands of the woman were cramped tightly and she could not break free at all.
He continued to stare with his frosty gaze.
Sometime later, as though the chilly breeze finally stopped, Odell let go of her.
Sylvia seized the chance and pushed him away. Odell was caught off guard and was pushed to a stagger.
Sylvia also took several steps backward.
She wiped her mouth as she screamed with her teary eyes, “Odell, you b*stard! You just can’t keep your promise, can’t you?”
She made it clear during the divorce and after a few months of separation, she almost forgot how he used to ravage her without her consent.
Now, he forced his lips onto hers and it upset her.
She then ran toward the gate after screaming at the man. The man stood where he was and his towering figure froze under the chilly weather.
His dark brows furrowed.
He was being impulsive but he did not regret it. Being separated for a few months now, there was not a day he did not think about her body and how he wished he could sleep with her again.
He was losing control over his lust and desire. This was a warning. If she continued to have intimate interactions with Thomas, he would force himself onto her again.
Then, he strode toward the gate
lip on the second floor, there was a balcony that faced the main gate and Lily was there with a thick jacket over her shoulder She watched as lell walked out of the gate. As she narrowed her eyes coldly, she grunted to verter her depression,
‘Lily, it’s cold outside. Stop standing out there and come on in.” Madam Springsteen came out to the balcony and suggested her granddaughter go inside. “I don’t feel cold at all. | want to stay here for a bit,” she said in a frosty voice.
Madam Springsteen could tell that she was upset. She sighed and said, “Lily, Odell is being tasteless. It’s not your problem. That woman is incomparable to you. All she had was that beautiful face of hers. Come on, listen to me and come inside. I'll find you a better man than
him. Lily frowned. She believed no one in Westchester City could be better than Odell. She remained quiet and simply went inside the room. Madam Springsteen sighed a breath of relief and followed the girl inside.
Sylvia went home without pause. Aunt Tonya and the two little ones already had dinner and they cleaned the table up beautifully Sylvia headed to their room and saw Isabel sitting in Aunt Tonya’s arms while watching TV. The show was about a modern romance story. Aunt Tonya was dozing off but the girl was deeply captivated by the story. Her eyes widened and she never looked so concentrated before. Liam was beside the two of them, playing with a toy. Sylvia’s frustration faded the moment she saw her kids. She curled her lips into a smile and knocked on the door. Isabel and Liam immediately turned to her and their eyes shone brightly.