Ryan had terminated all financial support to Sterling Enterprises.[]
He hadn’t initially intended such drastic measures, but last night–drunk yet again–he’d repeatedly called Aria only to discover she’d blocked his number completely.
Panicking, he’d fired off a desperate text message that returned with the dreaded red exclamation point.[]
He suddenly realized he had absolutely no means of contacting her. He’d never bothered integrating into her social circle, and her friends had clearly despised
him from day one.
one.
“Holy shit. Ryan! Check Instagram–Little Miss Perfect is flaunting her relationship all over social media, and everyone’s blowing up the comments with congratulations!” one of his entourage exclaimed, thrusting a phone in his face.
Ryan snatched the device, transfixed by the image.[]
Aria and Marcus posed in coordinating beach attire, having drawn an enormous heart in the sand, standing on opposite sides while flashing matching peace signs.]
They resembled every stereotypical college couple–carefree, genuinely connected, radiating authentic happiness.
Anyone viewing this photograph would instantly recognize their natural chemistry.
Something poisonous took root in Ryan’s consciousness–unmistakable jealousy. His chest constricted painfully as though someone had suddenly vacuum–sealed his lungs, making each breath a conscious effort.]
“So this is the famous college sweetheart she couldn’t shut up about? They’re actually back together?“[]
“Gotta admit, they look perfect for each other. Probably for the best–at least she won’t be hanging around complicating your life anymore, bro.”
0.“]
His inner circle continued dissecting the photo until Ryan could no longer tolerate their casual vivisection of his emotional state. He violently shattered his crystal tumbler against the marble bar.
“Everybody shut the fuck up! Now!“]
Uncomfortable silence descended immediately. Noting his disproportionate reaction, his friends exchanged meaningful glances before one voiced the
unthinkable:
“Wait… you haven’t actually fallen for her, have you, Ryan?“]
The question detonated in Ryan’s mind like a precision explosive, scattering his thoughts into chaotic fragments while something previously buried threatened
to surface.
He flinched noticeably when his friends disparaged Aria–another telltale reaction he couldn’t suppress.
However, he could only stammer an unconvincing denial: “That’s ridiculous! As if I’d waste emotions on someone like her!“]
Before further discussion could develop, urgent knocking interrupted the tension.[]
The bartender ushered in two unexpected visitors–Mr. and Mrs. Sterling, their expressions broadcasting imminent catastrophe.
They’d just discovered their daughter’s clandestine divorce, compounded by the return of “that worthless nobody” from abroad. The ultimate betrayal: the couple had apparently reunited.
Sterling Enterprises teetered on financial collapse. Just as they’d secured a potential lifeline, their credit line evaporated, leaving them unable to cover even basic operational deposits.
The desperate couple had no choice but to approach Ryan directly.[]
“We’re practically family, Ryan! Our daughter never mistreated you. You repeatedly sent her to emergency rooms, and we conveniently looked the other way. You can’t possibly abandon us now–surely you can arrange a small capital transfer to Sterling?”
Mr. Sterling’s hands twisted nervously as he attempted to negotiate from a position of absolute weakness.
270 19
Chapter 16
Ryan observed their naked avarice with mounting disgust. They treated their only daughter like a negotiable commodity, disregarding her suffering while focusing exclusively on financial advantage.]
“I might consider funding, but approaching me directly accomplishes nothing. Locate Arla, bring her to meet with me personally, and I’ll reconsider my position,” Ryan countered smoothly.
Detecting potential leverage, Mrs. Sterling immediately brightened, extracting an outdated smartphone from her designer handbag, its screen illuminating her calculating features.[]
“I anticipated eventual complications, so I installed military–grade tracking software on her devices. I monitor her movements in real–time, regardless of location. I can take you there immediately.“[]
“If you’ll help navigate this unfortunate situation, Ryan, my daughter is entirely at your disposal,” she added with chilling casualness.
Ryan’s lips curled into a humorless smile. He studied the pulsing location marker on the screen before responding with deceptive nonchalance:[]
“Let’s pay them a visit, shall we?“[]
♡ (0)
