Breaking the Script

In the original storyline, during this very party, Rocco's mother orchestrates a petty act of malice toward Sylas.

Rocco himself, aligning with her schemes, actively participates in these villainous maneuvers.

As a result, both Sylas and Marcus, the family head, don't just target Layla for retribution—they also set their sights on Rocco.

Every action taken here would determine whether Rocco's path led to a humiliating downfall or if he could avoid it entirely.

What had just occurred was the first spark—Layla's insidious harassment of Sylas.

Sylas hesitated, silently staring at the soup before him.

It contained a certain ingredient that would trigger a severe allergic reaction.

"Oh? What's wrong, Sylas? Your soup is getting cold," Layla said suddenly.

Her voice was feigned concern, but the slight curve of her lips betrayed her malicious delight.

Sylas must have realized it by now.

The allergen-laden soup placed before him wasn't a simple mistake by the chef.

"Oh, dear! Could it be that Sylas dislikes this dish?" Layla exclaimed theatrically, her gaze darting briefly toward Marcus.

It was obvious what she intended next.

Rocco could predict her every move.

Normally, Marcus's sharp perception would've caught on, but his irritation—at seeing both Layla and Rocco—seemed to have dulled his instincts.

Without even sparing Sylas a glance, Marcus spoke, his voice laced with annoyance.

"…Sylas, stop acting like a child. It's disgraceful to be picky about food."

The weight of Marcus's disapproval caused Sylas to flinch slightly.

The tense atmosphere seemed to drain Sylas's resolve.

Accepting that speaking up was no longer an option, he silently picked up his spoon.

In the original story, this would be the moment Sylas consumed the soup, triggering a violent allergic reaction.

As he collapsed, his vision would blur, and he would catch a glimpse of Rocco's malicious grin.

It was then Sylas resolved that not only Layla but Rocco, too, must be eliminated once he gained enough power.

This is unfair.

With every step toward that humiliating ending, Rocco's body tensed with urgency.

Summoning all his courage, he forced himself to act.

His voice, faint as a whisper but clear in the silent hall, carried across the room.

The heads of everyone present turned toward him—Marcus, Sylas, their aides, and even the scheming man with glasses at Marcus's side.

Every actor in this tense scene was now focused on Rocco.

Despite his fear, he felt a flicker of excitement.

I'm going to break this path to ruin. I'll twist the story away from its destined end.

"That's unfair, big brother!" Rocco cried, feigning the innocence of a clueless child.

He puffed out his cheeks like a squirrel hoarding nuts, mustered the courage to steady his trembling legs, and stood up.

Then, he raised his voice again, praying the act wouldn't be punished harshly—praying he wouldn't be killed for the impropriety of standing during dinner.

"You're hogging all the shrimp that I love so much!"

...

Several seconds passed in a tense silence.

Then, a sharp clink broke the stillness, snapping everyone back to reality.