Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue
Chapter 1699

Silas remained silent.

Rose couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, her heart aching with an intensity that made her wishfor it to cease beating altogether.

No one would be able to accept her, even someone as understanding and perceptive as Silas.After an agonizing stretch of tense silence, Rose summoned the strength to plaster a strained smileon her face.

"Yes, I am the illegitimate daughter, the product of George's affair. Our family is a complete mess,our drama both entertaining and scandalous!"

She turned her attention to Jamie, her voice tinged with defiance. "Jamie, you're on the verge ofmarrying into the Dalton family, aren't you? When I meet my new brother-in-law, rest assured I'llenlighten him about the Emerson family's true colors. Perhaps then, we can replace common ground.”Lydia and Jamie were left dumbfounded by Rose's audacity. With each forced laugh, their fury onlyintensified.

Rose had made everything worse!

"Tell me, what brings you to visit this illegitimate daughter you seldom acknowledge?" Rose's tonedripped with sarcasm as she arrogantly checked her watch. "Hurry up, my time is valuable.”

Lydia ground her teeth, struggling to contain her anger. "Jamie is about to become engaged. Yourfather expects you to create two gowns for her."

"I'm sorry, but my schedule is fully booked for the next few months. I simply don't have the time."Lydia's icy glare bore into Rose. "Rose, are you going against your father's orders?"

Rose fearlessly replied, "It doesn't matter. Even if the president comes, I won't do it."

Jamie was livid. "You!"

"Lydia, do you take me for a fool?"

Rose, towering over Lydia, regarded her with a mixture of disdain and defiance. "You and yourdaughter humiliated me just seconds ago, and mere seconds later, you dare to ask me for a favor? Ican't believe the extent of your shamelessness.”

"You disrespectful wretch! You've crossed the line!"

Lydia was unable to contain her rage any longer. With eyes reddened with fury, she raised her armintending to deliver a slap across Rose's face.

Rose's muscles tensed, ready to defend herself, when a sharp gust of wind suddenly sliced throughthe air. Then, a sharp, echoing smack reverberated throughout the space.

"Ah! It hurts!" Lydia cried out in pain, her forehead glistening with sweat as she clutched herthrobbing wrist.

The sound of something shattering echoed through the room as a cup fell to the ground after itthwarted Lydia's attempt to strike Rose.

"Mom, are you okay?" Jamie was scared out of her wits.

Lydia's hand trembled in pain. "Who did this?"

"Me."

A voice, firm and unwavering, rang out.

Rose looked up abruptly. Her heart felt heavy as tears swirled in her eyes.

Silas, without a moment's hesitation, stepped forward and approached Rose. His intense gaze, filledwith concern and compassion, locked onto her pitiful, reddened eyes.

There was no disgust or disdain in his eyes, only genuine concern for her well-being.

As Jamie watched Silas intense gaze fixed upon Rose, whom she considered to be an eyesore, apang of jealousy twisted her stomach.

She thought they didn't know each other. But the intensity of the man's gaze on Rose wasundeniable. His eyes seemed to be fixed on her with an unwavering focus, as if he couldn't tear hisgaze away from her for even a moment.

"Did you just hit me? Who do you think you are?" Lydia's voice trembled with anger and fear as sheconfronted the intimidating Silas.

"Then, who do you think you are to strike her?"

Silas met Lydia's reddened face with a cold gaze and remarked, "Do you believe your facelift andBotox will absolve you of your actions?"