"If abandoning everything is what it takes to protect Sylvia and the children from public humiliation…" Rome said quietly. "…then yes."
No one answered immediately.
Even Stephenson looked momentarily thrown off by how serious Rome sounded.
Bern narrowed his eyes slightly, studying him carefully as if searching for even the smallest sign of hesitation. But Rome didn't look away. He stood there calmly despite the pressure surrounding him, despite the coldness directed at him from every side.
Sylvia's father remained expressionless.
Stephenson crossed his arms tighter over his chest, clearly unconvinced.
Then Sylvester suddenly laughed. Not loudly, just enough to cut through the heavy atmosphere.
Everyone looked at him.
Sylvester's smirk slowly widened as he stared at Rome with clear amusement in his eyes.
"Well…" he drawled lazily, "if you're truly serious about all this, then why not prove it properly?"
Stephenson frowned at his brother.
"What are you talking about now?"
