Falling for a Lie, My Stepbrother’s Hidden Revenge. novel Chapter 36

When Sylvia and Asher returned from their ride, they found only Grace waiting. The others—Charlotte, Sebastian, and Victoria Darwin—had presumably gone riding themselves.

"Oh, Sylvia!" Grace's smile was syrupy sweet. "You looked amazing riding. Would you teach me?"

Sylvia hesitated.

Hadn't Grace just been insisting that only Asher should teach her?

"There are professional instructors," Sylvia offered. "I could call one over."

Grace's lips formed a slight pout. "But instructors are so intimidating. I don't know them, and they might be harsh. You're so kind—you wouldn't scold me, would you?"

Sylvia wasn't comfortable with such forced familiarity from someone she barely knew.

She glanced at Asher, seeking his input.

He met her gaze, leaving the decision to her. "Via, would you mind teaching her?"

He'd thrown the choice back to her.

Sylvia considered carefully.

Grace was Asher's sister, her future sister-in-law. Though their first meeting had been tense, Grace had apologized. Now she seemed friendly enough.

Being naturally generous, Sylvia preferred not to assume ill intent.

"Alright," she agreed, turning to Grace. "I can teach you some basics today, let you get a feel for it. Then you should take proper lessons."

"Really?" Grace beamed. "Thank you, Sylvia! You're too kind."

The excessive sweetness was almost cloying.

Sylvia wondered if she'd been overthinking Grace's earlier hostility.

"Of course," she replied politely.

Grace studied her future sister-in-law.

She should call her "sister," she knew.

But she couldn't bring herself to use the word.

She refused to accept that this woman would marry Asher.

The thought of him with anyone else was unbearable.

"Thank you for doing this, Via," Asher said warmly.

Turning to Grace, his expression cooled notably. "Mind Sylvia's instructions. Do exactly as she says. And be careful."

"Yes, brother." Grace's smile was pure innocence.

"Come with me," Sylvia said, leading Snow.

Grace followed.

"Mount from the left side," Sylvia instructed patiently. "Left foot in the stirrup, swing your right leg over."

She supported Grace as she mounted. "Careful now."

Though not in proper riding attire, Grace's athletic wear would suffice.

Sylvia led Snow at a walk, holding the reins from the ground.

"How does it feel?" she asked, looking up at Grace.

Now facing away from Asher, Grace dropped her sweet act.

Her smile vanished, eyes turning cold. "Fine."

Sylvia wasn't bothered by the attitude shift.

This felt more natural than forced friendliness.

The late afternoon light painted the sky in brilliant colors, a gentle breeze rustling the grass.

"Shall we head back?" Sylvia suggested.

Grace's smile turned calculating.

Sylvia frowned, confused.

That's when it happened.

Snow suddenly bolted, charging forward at full gallop.

Grace clung to the reins, screaming. "Help! Someone help!"

Sylvia stood frozen in shock.

How had this happened?

It was so sudden—she hadn't had time to grab the reins.

Her mind went blank momentarily.

When she recovered, she immediately called the emergency response team.

Grace was thrown, rolling across the grass.

The horse continued its panicked run.

The response team arrived quickly, loading Grace onto a stretcher.

Asher and the others ran up behind them.

Seeing Grace injured, Asher's expression darkened as he looked at Sylvia.

She stared back helplessly, eyes wide with confusion.