Ch. 676..680

Chapter 676

Sylvia hurriedly asked, “Are you sick?” Thomas was silent for a few seconds before he replied, “Yeah, | caught a slight cold, but | already took some medicine.”

She felt that something was strange. ‘If he only caught a cold, why had he taken so long to reply?’ She asked bluntly, “Have you eaten dinner?”

He paused for another two seconds before saying, “Yeah.” “What did you eat?” “Steak and red wine.” “Didn't you take medicine for your cold? How could you still drink red wine?” He was silent. Sylvia was exasperated. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” “I’m a bit sleepy, so I'll hang up now.”

Then, he ended the call.

Sylvia clutched her phone. ‘He must have gone on a hunger strike.’ After mulling it over in her mind for a while, she got up and walked outside. In the living room, Aunt Tonya was watching TV with Isabel. Liam sat next to them, reading a book

Seeing her hurry downstairs, Aunt Tonya asked, “What’s wrong, Syl? Are you going out?” “Yeah.” Sylvia looked at the two little ones and quickly said, “Aunt Tonya, | might not be back until late. You and the children can go ahead and rest first. There’s no need to wait for me to come back.”

Then, she said to the children, “Isabel and Liam, please listen to Aunt Tonya and go to bed early.” Isabel replied obediently, “Okay.” Liam also hummed in reply.

Only then did Sylvia feel relieved and walked out.

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Even going at her fastest speed, it still took Sylvia two hours to arrive at the villa. There were two bodyguards standing outside. Sylvia walked up to them, feeling a little doubtful.

She recalled that Thomas did not like to hire bodyguards. He only had a housekeeper, a cook, and a maid here.

The two bodyguards also noticed her and looked at her warily. Sylvia walked up to them and frowned when she saw their faces. The two bodyguards were also startled, then silently backed up to the sides. She glanced at them coldly before walking straight through the door.

Although she did not know their names, she had seen them quite a few times before. They were Odell’s bodyguards. Obviously, they were not here to protect Thomas.

Sylvia was not in the mood to think too much about this and hastened her steps to walk inside. After she left, one of the bodyguards took his cell phone out and made a call.

Ding! The phone suddenly rang. By the floor-to-ceiling window, a man was sitting elegantly in his leather chair. When he saw the caller ID, he put down the tall glass in his hand and brought the phone to his ear.

On the phone, Jacob's voice cautiously spoke out. “Master Carter, the person in charge of monitoring Second Master Carter said that Madam just went to his place.” Beneath the light, a layer of gloom instantly covered the man’s cold face. “Tell them to follow her. If they behave intimately at all, break his hand immediately.” “Yes, I'll inform them now!”

In the villa in the suburban area. Sylvia walked all the way to the door of the bedroom where Thomas resided. The door of the room was tightly closed.

She took a deep breath, raised her hand, and knocked on the door.

 

Chapter 677

After waiting for a while and not hearing a response, she called out, “Thomas, it’s me.” In the next second, the sound of footsteps could be heard from inside.

The door to the room was quickly pulled open from the inside.

Sylvia looked up to see a handsome but very frail face. The shape of his body also seemed to be thinner than usual. She frowned.

Thomas also furrowed his brows. “You shouldn’t have come here. Go back.” Sylvia knew he was worried that Odell might bully her again if he knew that she was here.

“Don't worry, I’m just here to see you. He won't do anything to me.” After a pause, she added, “Besides, he doesn’t know that | came over.”

The moment she spoke, she saw two figures flash past from her peripheral vision. She instantly looked over. In the blink of an eye, the two figures quickly dodged and hid in the next room.

They looked like the two bodyguards that she had seen at the front door earlier. Unable to help.it, her eyes turned cold. She reached out and grabbed Thomas’ wrist. “Let’s go downstairs and talk”

Thomas tried to pull his hand back, but he did not seem to be as strong as her and was quickly dragged down the stairs to the living room.

She pulled him over to a chair next to the dining table and looked at him seriously. “Sit here. I'll go to the kitchen and ask them to make you something to eat.”

Then, she turned and went into the kitchen without waiting for him to speak. Thomas pursed his lips.

She quickly reached the kitchen, but found it to be cold and empty. There were no chefs around and no trace of any ingredients either. Only the kitchen utensils were still there. She went through the refrigerator and cabinets but still did not find any ingredients, not even instant noodles.

‘How could this be?

‘Wait, where’s Theodore and the others?

‘Why is the chef gone? Theodore and the maid are gone too.’

She immediately rau back to the living room.

Thomas was still sitting at the table. When he saw her return, he smiled at her.

Not fpeling in the mood to return his sinile, Sylvia got straight to the point and asked,” Thomas, where are llicodore and the others? Why is there nothing to eat in the kitchen?”

Thomas’ face turned cold as he remained silent.

“Answer me. What’s going on?” she asked anxiously. He said in a low voice, “They've probably all left.” “They probably all left? What was that supposed to mean?’

Her expression turned cold. “Did Odell get rid of them?” Thomas looked at her. When he saw her eyes go round in anger, he smiled and said, “Don’t be mad. Odell probably only did this because he still suspects that | have something to do with the crisis that Carter Corporation was facing, but he doesn’t mistreat me. There’s someone that promptly brings me food three times every day.” She immediately asked, “Then why haven't you been eating?” He pursed his lips and said nothing. Sylvia’s sharp eyes caught his line of sight and followed it to see a takeout box that had been placed on the corner of the table. She immediately rushed over and picked up the box. The box had been placed in an ordinary plastic bag. The lunch box inside was still somewhat hot, but it emitted a pungent scent and had a very sharp smell. She opened the box and saw the meal inside.

It looked like a spicy beef stew. There was a thick layer of spicy oil floating on the surface of the stew, but the ingredients inside were clearly of poor quality. Some of the greens were even rotten...

Even people who liked spicy food would not be able to eat this, let alone someone like Thomas, who had not been able to eat spicy food since he was young. It was no wonder he had gone on a ‘hunger strike’. A wave of anger immediately surged up within her chest. If not for the fear of dirtying his house, Sylvia was filled with the urge to throw this package of stew on the floor.

“That *sshole!” She cursed, ready to walk out. However, Thomas grabbed her hand.

“Don't go to him. I’In sine. I’ll just be hungry for a while. It won’t kill me...” The more he spoke, the smaller his voice became. He obviously did not have much strength

Sylvia quickly pushed down her emotions. “Okay, I'll do as you say and | won’t go to him, but you have to cat now sit here. I’ll go out and buy you some food.”

He grabbed lier hand again “There’s no need. You might not be able to get in here again if you buy inir food”

Chapter 678 What did that mean?

If she bought something for him, would the bodyguards that Odell had assigned here not let her back in again? “I’m fine. I’m not that hungry,” Thomas said again, his gaze softly looking at her.

Sylvia felt her heart ache from anger. ‘Odell Carter was such an utter pr*ck! ‘He was clearly trying to starve Thomas to death! ‘How could he do this to his brother?!’ Just as she had become so angry that she wanted to beat Odell to death, the grip on her hand suddenly loosened. She froze and looked over.

Seemingly having no more strength to hold her, Thomas placed his hand on his leg and said to her with a smile, “Sylvia, I’m really glad that you came to see me, but my brother’s temper is volatile. | don’t want you to be bullied by him because of me anymore. If you really want to help me, just sit down and chat with me for a while.”

Sylvia immediately felt guilty. Did he think it was because of him that she was not being bullied by Odell? It was clear that she was the one who had gotten him into trouble. Even without him, Odell would’ve done that to her anyway. After all, it was what he had always done.

However, she still turned and sat across from him. If Odell was in control here, it would be challenging for her to go out and buy him any food. Seeing that the two bodyguards had no intention of coming down, she lowered her voice and said, “Thomas, let me take you away.” Thomas’ gaze flickered. Then, he smiled wryly. “I can’t leave.”

Sylvia said, “We can escape while they're not looking!”

She had only seen two bodyguards since she had come in. There might be some hiding in the shadows, but their numbers should be few. This villa was so big that there were places to escape and hide everywhere. As long as she used her brain, she would definitely find a way to get biin out

He shook his head. “Let's stop talking about this. Look, the moonlight is beautiful today.”

He looked outside as die spoke.

The floor to ceiling, window was very high, and Sylvia turned around to see the moonlight onitsid Above the villa, the moon was large and round, surrounded by stars. It really looked beautiful.

However, she was currently not in the mood to appreciate it at all. “Sylvia, could you draw me another painting?” he suddenly asked. Sylvia was stunned for a moment before asking, “What is it that you want me to draw for you?

Thomas smiled and said, “Just draw the night scene outside at this moment.” She was not in the mood to paint now. “Thomas, you can’t keep staying here. Let’s find a way out first. When you're safe, I’ll paint you whatever you want me to paint.” Thomas sighed in a low voice. “I went on a walk outside yesterday. Guards have been stationed everywhere that | could possibly go. There’s no way that you can take me out of here.”

Sylvia froze.

He raised his hand and patted her hand. “Don’t worry. Odell might just be trying to teach me a lesson. He won't kill me.”

Then, he smiled and looked at her with a gentle and expectant expression. “Sylvia, | really want to see you paint. Could you just humor me?” Sylvia pursed her lips. “All right.”

She could not get him out of here at the moment anyway. If painting could make him feel better, then she would paint.

She quickly went upstairs and retrieved a set of painting tools from the room that she had stayed in before. Sitting on the ground beside him, she painted the night scene outside the floor-to-ceiling window.

Not long after, Thomas also sat down cross-legged beside her and quietly gazed at her canvas. Sylvia turned to look at him. His face still looked weak, but he looked much happier than when she had first seen him. Her depressed mood eased somewhat, and she turned around to continue painting. The moon tonight was not that round, but it was very bright, reflecting the surrounding sea of glittering stars.

Chapter 679

The light in the courtyard outside seemed unnecessary in this moonlight.

Sylvia spread a layer of base color from top to bottom of the canvas, then added in the moon and stars. Her brush strokes were quick and decisive, and in no time, she quickly painted the scenery in the yard. There was a garden in the yard that was filled with a variety of flowers as well as dense trees.

She looked over twice and drew the flowers and plants. Then, she looked over again, intending to remember the shape of the trees in the area.

There were not many trees, but each one had a different shape and size. Their leaves were all lush and of varying shades. Sylvia narrowed her eyes and observed carefully.

From top to bottom, she looked at each layer of the treetops until she saw the bottom layer. Then, she spotted a tall and dark shadow leaning against the trunk of the furthest tree.

The shadow was tall and straight. The more she looked at it, the more familiar it seemed.

Sylvia was shocked, closed her eyes, and looked again. The shadow was still there. Vaguely, it seemed to be a sharp and cold sight that was shooting at her.

Clatter. The brush in her hand fell to the ground. Thomas, who had been watching her paint, quickly looked at her. “What’s wrong?”

Sylvia raised her hand and pointed to the black shadow under the tree outside. “Thomas, look under that tree. Is that a person?” Thomas’s eyes followed the direction that her hand was pointing in and looked over there.

After a moment, he said, “Yeah, there’s someone there.” She asked, “Don’t you think that person looks familiar?” Thomas said, “I believe that’s Odell.”

As soon as he spoke, the tall black figure leaning against the tree came striding over. Soon, he left the shadow of the tree and walked into the light. His strong figure and handsome but gloomy face were reflected more and more clearly in Sylvia's eyes. She paled

She was scared of his sudden appearance which inade him seem like the devil.

However, she soon suppressed that lear and got up to shield Thomas’ body

Odell walked over quickly and stopped in front of her. She raised both arms to protect Thomas behind her and asked warily, “What are you doing here?” Odell’s dark eyes looked at her, and he retorted, “What are YOU doing here?” “I came here to see Thomas.” “I came here to see Thomas as well,” he said. Sylvia’s throat choked. She could not help but glare at him. “Then you're just in time. | have something to say to you.”

Odell raised his brows. “What is it?”

Sylvia took a deep breath and shouted, “Why did you imprison Thomas here when you promised me that you would release him? Not only are you imprisoning him, you even kicked out the housekeeper and cook who work here. Why have you been making him eat all that rotten food? He hasn’t eaten for two days already. Are you trying to starve him to death? He’s your own brother. How can you treat him like this? Are you even human?”

Odell was speechless. ‘I imprisoned him? | drove away his housekeeper and chef? | made him eat rotten food? ‘What the hell is all this?

‘When did | do all that?’ Before he could react, she yelled angrily at him, “Odell Carter, if you’re still a man, tell the bodyguards who are watching him to get out of here now!” Odell was silent.

Chapter 680 Under the light, his handsome face was instantly covered with a layer of gloom.

“Don’t you already know whether or not I’m a man from that night's experience?” Odell took one step forward to her and raised his hand as if to break her neck.

Sylvia paled as she instinctively wanted to step back. He grabbed her by the collar, his gaze cold as he approached her. “Or do you want to experience it again?”

Her legs went weak at once. At that moment, Thomas approached them. He stood weakly beside her as he said to Odell,” I’m the one who developed feelings for Sylvia, and | was the one who took the initiative to pursue her. Just come at me if you're unhappy, but please don’t bully her again!”

‘What is he saying?

‘If 'm unhappy, of course I'll take it out on him. I’m not stupid!’ Odell frowned and narrowed his cold eyes at Thomas. “You’d better get out of the way now, or I'll break your arm.”

Thomas stood unmoving. “I'll get out of the way if you want to, but let go of Sylvia first.”

Odell narrowed his eyes.

In the next second, he started to lift his leg. However, before he could raise his leg, the woman in front of him pounced on him. Sylvia quickly jumped into his arms and blocked his leg.

Then, she held onto him as she cried out to Thomas who was behind her, “Thomas, he’s going to kick you. Get away!”

Thomas frowned. She turned her head. When she saw that he had not moved, she said anxiously, “He won’t kick me. Hurry up and get away or I'll be angry!”

Thomas clenched his fists and took a few steps back. Odell was speechless.

After a moment of choking, he pressed on Sylvia’s forehead to try and pry her out of his arms.

However, she immediately locked her hands behind his back as she screamed, “Odell Carter, don’t press on my head!” Odell glared at her. “Let go and I'll stop.” Sylvia puffed her face up and ignored him without letting go. Perhaps it was due to her puffed up look being quite cute, but Odell suddenly felt his anger lessen.

He withdrew his hand and said with a sinile, “Since you want to hug me that much, you can

just keep doing it. If you dare to let go later, I'll kick him to death.” His face and voice turned cold at the end of the sentence. Sylvia’s arms around him instantly trembled. Odell looked at her grimly. She pursed her lips and continued to keep her arms tightly locked around him. He snorted and laughed before glancing at Thomas, whose face was so pale that he seemed about to collapse from anger. Then, he asked her, “What did you mean when you said | was imprisoning him?” Sylvia was shocked. “You don’t understand?” Odell looked at her with dark eyes. “Should | understand?” “Why are you still pretending?” Odell was speechless. What was he pretending? She said bluntly, “I saw two bodyguards when | came over. You told them to guard this place, didn’t you?” His expression did not change. “Yes, | did.” Sylvia rolled her eyes. “Exactly.” Odell’s heart was stunned for a moment.

‘What did she mean by that?’ His expression was filled with confusion. Sylvia snorted in anger as she thought, ‘What’s that face supposed to mean? Is he still trying to deny it?’

She bluntly said, “They've been watching over Thomas, you forbade him from going out, and even chased away his housekeeper and chef. The meals that have been sent to him three times a day are all of poor quality. Weren’t all those done on your orders?