Crystal Foster stared intently into Martin Riley's eyes, speaking each word deliberately. After running into Hyland Riley and Stella, she realized that getting revenge on her own was nearly impossible. She needed an ally, and Martin was the perfect choice. With such a strong ally, she had to hold on tight.
Martin, on the other hand, was feeling increasingly irritated. Sylvia Byrne was as relentless as ever.
"No," he replied coldly, his expression darkening.
Crystal wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away. She quickly grabbed Martin's arm, holding on tightly despite his attempts to shake her off.
"You said I could ask for anything. All I want is for you to have a meal with me. That's not too much to ask, is it?"
Food is essential, and mealtime is the most relaxing time, perfect for negotiations. She needed to leave a good impression on Martin to make her future plans easier.
"Sylvia, you're pushing it!" Martin gritted his teeth.
Crystal smiled lightly. "How am I pushing it? We've been busy all evening. Consider it a dinner invitation."
As she spoke, she led Martin downstairs, loudly complaining about being starving. Martin, with no other choice, took her to a restaurant.
While waiting for their food, Crystal initiated conversation with Martin. Martin, however, squinted his eyes, observing her closely. He suppressed his suspicions and followed her lead, discussing everything from dining etiquette to the origins of French cuisine.
The more Martin Riley talked, the more he felt something was off about Sylvia Byrne. To be precise, ever since Sylvia agreed to the divorce, she seemed like a completely different person. Whether it was her sharp retorts to Hyland Riley today or her unique insights on various matters, she was nothing like the Sylvia he remembered.
The old Sylvia was obsessed with becoming part of the upper class, and "grace" was a word that had nothing to do with her.
Crystal Foster, unaware that her actions had aroused Martin's suspicion, felt relieved when he didn't show much annoyance about having dinner with her.
When they returned to the hospital, Otto was already awake, sitting on the bed with red, tear-stained eyes, while the nanny stood by with a lunchbox, unsure of what to do.
Seeing Otto's pitiful appearance, Crystal's heart melted. She stepped forward, wrapping Otto in her arms, gently patting his back.
"Why are you crying? Tell Mommy, are you still feeling unwell?"
Feeling the warmth of Crystal's embrace, Otto's eyes showed a hint of longing as he clung tightly to her sleeve, his anxiety easing a bit. When he woke up and didn't see her, he thought Mommy had left him again.Children always yearn for motherly love; once they get a little warmth, they want more but are too afraid to ask, so they just sulk on their own.
"Mommy, where did you go?"
Otto's voice was hoarse, likely from crying too long, and the redness under his eyes broke Crystal's heart.
"Mommy just went to eat."
Children's thoughts are not hard to guess; Otto was probably acting out because he felt insecure.
Crystal took the lunchbox from the nanny and patiently fed Otto.
"If you don't eat your meals properly, you won't grow tall, little one. How about Mommy feeds you, and after you finish, I'll tell you a story?" Crystal Foster said gently.
Otto's eyes lit up, his little head nodding eagerly, afraid Crystal might change her mind. He quickly took a bite from the spoon she held, mumbling through his mouthful.
"Otto will eat well, lots and lots, so I can grow tall and protect Mommy!"
The innocence in his words tugged at Crystal's heart, making her eyes sting with emotion. She gazed into Otto's clear eyes and vowed to care for him and shower him with all her love as long as she was by his side.
Perhaps because he wasn't feeling well, Otto started yawning shortly after finishing his meal, yet he clung tightly to Crystal's neck, unwilling to let go."Otto, it's late. Time for bed," Crystal said softly, stroking his cheek and planting a kiss on his forehead.
Otto rubbed his sleepy eyes, trying hard to fight off sleep. "I'm not sleepy yet, Mommy. Can you tell me another story?"
"Your eyes are almost closed, and you say you're not sleepy?" Crystal teased, pinching his cheek. Knowing he was worried she might leave, she climbed into bed with him, staying by his side.
"Mommy is here with you. Little ones shouldn't stay up late. Be good; Mommy loves you the most."
Otto's cheeks flushed red as he snuggled closer into Crystal's embrace, his small hand gripping hers tightly, his bright eyes fixed on her.
"Goodnight, Mommy." Otto gave Crystal a quick peck on the cheek before closing his eyes with a content smile.
The warm touch lingered on Crystal's face, leaving her momentarily stunned. A gentle smile spread across her lips as she closed her eyes too.
Outside the door, Martin Riley stood observing through the glass, a curious look in his eyes.
"Madam, she..." Henry hesitated, unsure of what to say. Martin Riley stood there for a long time. In the past, there was no way the master would have allowed Sylvia Byrne to be with the young master. But now, he just watched, leaving Henry uncertain about what to do.
Martin's eyes were deep and contemplative. Eventually, he turned to leave, but not before leaving a final instruction. "From now on, don't stop Madam from being with Otto."
Martin didn't go far. Instead, he stood in the hallway, where it was silent and empty. His expression was one of loneliness. Hearing Sylvia's harsh words about Hyland Riley and Stella today reminded him of someone he could never forget, someone he could never see again.
He had thought that being destined to be apart was the most painful thing in the world, but he realized that being separated by life and death was even more excruciating.
The moonlight was like water, casting a cold glow on him, chilling his body and his heart even more.
In her dreams, Crystal Foster saw her father. He appeared as he always did, with an aged face and a gentle smile, standing amidst the mist, looking at her.
"Dad!" Crystal cried out, her face already wet with tears. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. I trusted the wrong person, a scoundrel, and it hurt you and our family."
In her dream, Crystal wept uncontrollably, but her father continued to smile kindly. "Crystal, I never blamed you. Live well, live a good life, so I can leave peacefully."
"Dad, take me with you," Crystal reached out to him.
Her father shook his head with a gentle smile. "Crystal, all I want is to see you doing well. Now that you have the chance to live a good life, it's time for me to go."