Ryan turned back to me, his eyes gentle, almost indulgent. “Maybe. I wanted to see if you’d actually stand up and fight for

us.”

I dropped my head, feeling totally crushed. “I barely even tried to resist before Uncle Ryan’s temptations got to me. Ryan, guess I just proved you had me all wrong. Stop being so good to me–I don’t deserve it.”

With that, I turned and headed for my bedroom, too embarrassed to even look at him.

But Ryan followed me into the room, standing by the door as he watched me sink onto the couch, looking completely defeated. He let out a quiet sigh. “It’s just human nature. Trying to fight it is like fighting against yourself. I don’t blame you. I’ll have a real talk with Uncle Ryan about this.”

I looked up at him blankly. “What are you even gonna say to him?”

“I’ll tell him to stop interfering in our relationship,” Ryan said, his voice dropping low and serious.

“What if he doesn’t agree? Would you really turn against him? Ryan, let’s be rational about this,” I blurted out, jumping to my feet. I honestly didn’t want to be the femme fatale here, the one who brings disaster. I couldn’t bear the blame, and I definitely didn’t want anyone getting hurt because of me.

This isn’t about being kind–it’s just me trying to protect myself.,

Ryan’s eyes burned into me, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Victoria, even now, at a time like this, all you care about is

whether Uncle Ryan and I will end up as enemies.”

11

11

like a green tea girl right

really fall for

fake kindness just looks real

I was completely

line in the sand. As long as Uncle Ryan doesn’t cross it and stays away

do you even like me? Just tell

really know. You’ve got this nurturing vibe, like something I’ve always wanted. And don’t freak out, it’s not

even that close.”

lost. “Why would you even think

things grow quietly. When you smile, there’s this softness about you–it’s just impossible to resist,” Ryan murmured, his

1/2

09:08 Fri, 29 Aug

Chapter 438

lips lingering softly against

to

90%

seemed to thin out, making it hard to breathe. A flush of heat surged up from deep inside me,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255