Chapter 60

Seeing the rare spark of light in Sylvia's eyes, Rhea had no reason to refuse.

"Of course, order whatever you want. My treat today."

Inside the Japanese restaurant, wooden dividers and soft lighting created a serene atmosphere.

Sylvia and Rhea had just settled into their seats when Edward emerged from a private room nearby. He wore a casual suit, phone in hand, appearing ready to leave.

"Edward?" Sylvia called out, surprised.

Edward turned at the sound of her voice, and upon seeing Sylvia and Rhea, a flash of pleasant surprise crossed his face.

"Sylvia, Mrs. Spencer, what brings you here?" He strode over quickly, concern evident in his gaze. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much better. We were just about to grab something to eat," Sylvia replied with a smile.

"Perfect timing, I haven't eaten yet either." Edward naturally pulled out a chair and sat down. "Today's on me, to celebrate Sylvia's recovery."

Once the three were seated, Edward thoughtfully poured tea for both Rhea and Sylvia.

The atmosphere at the table gradually relaxed, and Rhea's mood lifted considerably in Edward's presence, occasionally complimenting him on how considerate he was.

Just then, Sylvia's phone vibrated again.

Lucas's name glowed particularly harshly against the warm yellow light of the restaurant.

Without even glancing at it, Sylvia pressed decline and turned the phone face down on the table.

Edward noticed her action, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

He set down his chopsticks, his tone gentle yet carrying undeniable firmness. "Don't let trash ruin your mood. He's not worth it."

Sylvia looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a newfound clarity. "Don't worry, Edward. He can't stir up even the slightest ripple in me anymore." She sighed softly, her hand resting on her rounded belly, her gaze holding unprecedented resilience. "Right now, all I want is to have this baby, then leave everything behind and start fresh somewhere far away."

Listening from the side, Rhea's eyes reddened again, though she felt relieved by Sylvia's clear-headedness.

"That's good to hear," Edward nodded, then steered the conversation back to work. "That proposal you mentioned about remote data sharing for the neurology project—I've already discussed it with the tech department. They think it's highly feasible. Once you've recovered enough, we can start moving forward with it."

Sylvia's eyes immediately brightened. She took the tablet Edward handed her, her fingers swiping across the screen as she engaged him in earnest discussion.

Those obscure technical terms flowed clearly and systematically from her lips, her expression radiating long-absent confidence and brilliance.

The two became so absorbed in their discussion that neither noticed Lynn watching from a nearby private room, half-hidden behind a bamboo curtain.

She wore an elegant, fitted dress, her makeup flawless, yet her face twisted with jealousy at the scene before her.

"Edward," she murmured his name under her breath, a flash of malice crossing her eyes.

"Victor, look, Sylvia and Edward are laughing together, they..." Lynn turned, seeking validation from her companion.

Victor sat across from her, his figure shrouded in shadow. His voice came out flat and detached. "Ms. Johnson, we're here to discuss business. Please focus."

His gaze, however, inadvertently swept toward Sylvia's direction, complex emotions flickering in his eyes before vanishing in an instant.

Lynn felt choked by Victor's cold tone, biting her lip in frustration.

She looked back at Sylvia, venom glinting in her eyes. Pulling out her phone, she quickly typed a message, attaching a photo she'd sneakily taken through the bamboo curtain of Sylvia and Edward's animated conversation, and sent it to Lucas: [Lucas, guess who I spotted at the Japanese restaurant? Sylvia and her Mr. Windsor, looking awfully cozy together.]

After hitting send, Lynn's lips curved into a satisfied smirk, her gaze returning to Sylvia with deliberate provocation.

As if sensing something, Sylvia looked up and met Lynn's malicious stare directly.

She merely glanced at her coolly before returning her attention to Edward and their discussion, as if the encounter had been nothing more than an illusion.

Watching Sylvia's calm, almost ruthlessly composed demeanor, Lynn felt a tremor run through her, her satisfaction instantly replaced by an inexplicable dread.

She had expected to easily provoke Sylvia, never imagining she wouldn't even deign to acknowledge her.

Dinner concluded in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. As they stepped outside the restaurant, a sharp chill hit them.

"It's snowing," Sylvia said, looking up at the night sky where delicate snowflakes danced under the streetlights like countless white sprites, gently settling on her hair and shoulders.

Rhea quickly pulled Sylvia's coat tighter around her. "Get in the car quickly, don't catch a cold."

Edward opened his umbrella, sheltering both Sylvia and Rhea beneath it. "Let me drive you home," he said, his voice warm and firm.

As snowflakes fell, blanketing the city's noise, they seemed to herald that certain old chapters were about to be completely buried, while new stories were quietly beginning their prologue amid the swirling snow.

Edward held the umbrella as fine snowflakes melted on his shoulders. He looked at Sylvia and Rhea with gentle yet unwavering resolve. "The snow's getting heavier. Let me take you home."

Sylvia shook her head gently, a faint smile touching her lips. "No need to trouble yourself, Edward. The driver's waiting outside. You should head back and get warm."

She understood Edward's kindness, but Lucas's cold warning still echoed in her ears, she didn't want to cause him any more trouble.

Rhea chimed in as well. "That's right, Edward. We have a driver, no need to worry about us. You should go home, it's so late already."

Edward studied Sylvia's slightly pale face, worry flickering in his eyes, but ultimately he nodded. He knew Sylvia's nature—once she made a decision, it was difficult to change her mind.

He watched as mother and daughter got into their car, waiting until the black sedan disappeared into the dancing snowfall before turning away.

"Mr. Windsor, aren't you going home? It's so late." A saccharine voice came from behind him, deliberately sweet.

Edward's brow furrowed slightly. Turning around, he found Lynn standing under the restaurant's eaves, wearing a thin, fitted dress and shivering in the cold wind.

Tear tracks still marked her face, though she was now forcing a smile that couldn't quite mask the jealousy and resentment in her eyes.

"Does Ms. Johnson need something?" Edward's tone was cool, edged with impatience.

Lynn hurried up to him, tilting her face upward as she asked with feigned casualness, "Are you and Sylvia very close? I saw you two chatting so happily just now, and I thought..." She trailed off deliberately, trying to create an air of ambiguity.

Edward gave her a cold glance, his lips curving into a mocking arc. "Sylvia and I are friends and colleagues. As for you, Ms. Johnson, you seem particularly 'concerned' with other people's relationships."