It was a shame, really-Sydney had a persistent sadness about her, one that Christopher had sensed from the moment he firstid eyes on her. Though his frequent appearances at various high-profile events meant he interacted with many people, this particr encounter with Sydney had reminded him of that fleeting, striking impression.


    "You''re Theodore''s mother, which makes you Rose''s mother-inw. Did youe to the hospital to see her today?"


    Sydney was momentarily taken aback, confusion flickering in her eyes. "How do you know that? You..."


    "I''ve spoken with Rose before. She mentioned these details. I''m Christopher, Sebastian''s uncle," he exined.


    Sydney froze, realizing that Christopher was Sebastian''s uncle. This implied that Geoffrey''s former wife must be rted to Christopher-either as a sibling or a close rtive.


    It made sense now why Geoffrey had been so desperate to marry that woman. The depth of the connection was undeniable, and who could resist such allure?


    "So, are you here to visit Rose?" Sydney asked, her mind racing.


    With Christopher being such a prominent figure, she wondered if seeing Sebastian''s injured face would lead him to retaliate against her in some way. Thest thing Sydney wanted was for Christopher to use his power to make her position as a bank president precarious.


    Yet, her greater fear was that Sebastian might harbor resentment against her. Revealing herself as his mother could only deepen his hatred. Abandoning him for so many years and then showing disdain upon meeting him—how could he not resent her?


    As she pondered, a tear slipped down her cheek.


    Christopher noticed and responded gently, "Yes, it''s been a while. I''ve been busy, but I managed to carve out some time today."


    "It seems you have a fondness for Rose," Sydney remarked. She hadn''t expected someone of his stature to take such time and effort to visit his nephew''s spouse. Clearly, he cared deeply for Sebastian.


    Christopher smiled. "Rose is a wonderful woman. Since she''s married to Sebastian, she''s my niece now, and I''ll treat her as such."


    "Thank you," Sydney said, unsure why she feltpelled to thank him.


    Her longer


    hip with Rosalie was no


    l


    er that of a mother-inw. However, Christopher didn''t make sarcastic remarks.


    Seeing the tears in her eyes, he unexpectedly reached out and gently wiped them away with his finger.


    Sydney flinched, pulling away in surprise. She could still feel the warmth of his touch lingering on her face. She stared at him, astonished.


    Christopher withdrew his hand with a nonchnt air. "Such a beautiful face should not be marred by tears."


    His voice was steady, not lecherous but genuinely admiring.


    Sydney managed a small, awkward smile. "I''m getting older, so it doesn''t matter much."


    "Every age has its beauty. Only fools mock others for aging," Christopher replied.


    At over forty, Christopher himself was well-preserved-tall, handsome, with no balding or bulging belly. His physique was excellent, his dark hair full, and his features were strikingly attractive. Such a man was hard not to like.


    Especially when he genuinely praised a middle-aged woman, Sydney felt a pang of bittersweet reflection.


    No matter a man''s age, he would usually prefer a young woman. Genuinepliments for a


    middle-aged woman were novel


    "Thank you," she said sincerely.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Just then, the driver approached and lightly tapped on the car window.


    When the window rolled down, the driver informed Sydney, "Your car''s been fixed. You can check it now."


    "Thank you." Sydney was about to get out when Christopher called out, "Wait a moment."