I looked at the woman’s fierce expression, just as strong as any man’s. Then I glanced at Ryan and saw the same fierce energy in his brow.

“This is my grandfather,” Ryan said, showing me a photo of an older man in a suit.

Looking at the whole family, none of them seemed easy to deal with. My heart sank, and I suddenly felt like I shouldn’t get too close to Ryan.

“Your family doesn’t look like ordinary people,” I said with a smile.

Ryan nodded. “Yeah, they’re all pretty powerful.”

“What about you?” I asked.

Ryan raised his brows a bit. “I’m just average.”

I laughed. “Don’t be modest. With a family like yours, you might have met a lot of people. I don’t get why you like me.”

Ryan paused flipping through the album. “I don’t know. At first, I just wanted to get to know you. Then I told you I was in debt, and you wanted to help me pay it off. You also protected me. That felt gentle.”

My eyes stiffened. He was a kid starved for love. Small kindnesses hit him deep. “Ryan, have you thought maybe this isn’t love, but just missing affection?” I sighed.

“I’m not missing love,” Ryan said clearly. “My grandpa and mom both love me a lot. I just like the gentle vibe you give off.”

took the album from him and flipped through it myself. One photo stuck with me, a picture of Ryan around thirteen or fourteen, wearing a suit.

His short hair was slicked back, and his brows showed a sharp, decisive look. He seemed mature beyond his years. I stared at that handsome face. It was hard to imagine what kind of cunning thoughts hid behind it.

I became even more convinced Ryan was impossible to figure out. Maybe his sweet and obedient side was just a mask to please me.

1/3

Chapter 283

now Ryan was even more secretive.

(23)

didn’t join us; he ate in the kitchen. My heart. skipped a beat. Ryan’s family seemed to have strict rules and

coming to dinner with me,” Ryan

lunch at my place, so I’m just returning

nodded. “I like returning favors. Victoria,

someday?”

away, “No, I haven’t. I’m probably going to Shaville. That city

me more.”

good. Shaville’s great too, lots of

you planning to stay in Braylin after you

see,” Ryan said, a bit

dinner, we took a walk around the neighborhood to help digest. Ryan looked up at the sky. The moonlight was beautiful. “Victoria.” I

was several feet behind me. Ryan came up beside me,

work. If you’re behind, why didn’t you catch

with jealousy, “Were you thinking about work or

to think about men?”

frustration. “Then focus on work first.

want me to wait for you?” I

for me?”

“No,” I said plainly.

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