The Stand-In Who Burned the Script novel Chapter 222

Chapter 222

Vivian had called Silas multiple times with no answer, so she dialed Simon’s number instead

Just from his evasive, stammering tone, she knew something was up.

“You said your boss has been busy all morning, so what exactly are you doing?”

“Me?”

Simon froze for a second. “I’m busy too.”

“Then how come you can answer the phone but he can’t?”

“Because I just dropped off Gra-”

Simon caught himself mid-sentence, realizing he’d walked right into a trap. With a defeated sigh, he started his car. “Miss Fairchild… I swear I’m not lying. Mr. Sterling usually leaves his phone in his office during meetings.”

After all, anyone who needed anything important always went through him. A phone wasn’t all that necessary for Silas.

Vivian let out a soft laugh. “Alright, get back to work.”

After hanging up, she reopened iMessage.

The man’s profile picture was pitch black, perfectly matching his personality-aloof, mysterious, and impossible to read.

Her slender finger tapped his icon lightly, casually triggering the notification-

‘You nudged the Jerk.’

Vivian could practically picture the way his handsome face would darken the moment he saw that nickname.

A sly smile curled on her lips as she pocketed her phone.

If he didn’t want to answer, fine.

Dealing with men was like flying a kite.

First, you keep the line tight and stick close to him.

Making him feel like you can’t live without him.

Once he got used to it, you let out a little slack, making him feel a twinge of guilt for being neglected.

-Silas feeling guilty was a long shot, but at the very least, it would make him think about her

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more.

It was the classic game of playing hard to get.

That evening, Vivian returned home for dinner, but the man was nowhere to be found

She didn’t call him again. After packing her things, she crashed into bed, not bothering to ask where he was spending the night.

The next morning, Charlie Beck woke her up with a phone call. She let Martha Gable know she was leaving, then grabbed her suitcase and headed out.

One car pulled out.

Another pulled in.

Silas noticed the Phaeton missing from the driveway, his brow twitching slightly.

He walked inside and headed upstairs.

After taking a shower, he stepped out in dark loungewear.

The moment he turned on his fully charged phone, a flurry of messages popped up-but not a single one was from Vivian.

His international conference had dragged on late into the night, and too tired to deal with the commute, he had just crashed in the executive suite at the office. And she hadn’t thrown a fit

about it?

He paced the room for a moment before walking out.

Heading downstairs.

“Martha.”

Martha was prepping the ingredients for dinner. Hearing his voice, she poked her head out of the kitchen. “Sir, would you like your breakfast now?”

“In a bit.” Silas answered, then asked, “Why did she leave so early today?”

“Oh… Miss Fairchild said she had to go on a business trip. She asked me to let you know she’ll be gone for two or three days.”

“A business trip?”

“That’s what she said.”

Martha smiled warmly. “She also told me to take good care of you.”

Silas gave a curt nod of understanding. He took two steps before realizing he was going the wrong way, turning back toward the dining room.

He didn’t know if he was just imagining it, but the house suddenly felt empty.

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Chapter 222

Usually, whenever that woman was around, there was an endless stream of chatter She s shameless, clingy, and thoroughly annoying.

Today was a rare moment of peace and quiet.

Silas sat down and took a sip from the glass of water next to him.

Only after drinking did he notice a faint lipstick smudge on the rim. Someone had clearly used it.

He frowned, but didn’t make a fuss.

–

Charlie had personally driven to pick Vivian up. Naturally, she played the part of the flattered guest, thanking him profusely throughout the ride, which perfectly smoothed over any potential awkwardness between them.

She kept her eyes on the road ahead, a faint smile playing on her lips.