ra made her way upstairs, relieved to see the room was already spotless. She turned to Justin with a nod. "Alright, I''m heading out. If anythinges up, just reach out to Cole or me."


    Justin opened his mouth as if to say something about calling her directly but thought better of it.


    Back in her car, ra massaged her temples. She''d been running non-stoptely without a break, and her headache was only getting worse. But she couldn''t skip seeing Ryan.


    When she got to where Ryan was staying, the people outside perked up at her arrival. "Ms. ra, thank goodness you''re here."


    She nced toward the room. "What''s up with him?"


    The caretaker looked awkward, scratching his head. "About an hour ago, he was begging to see you, and then he just went silent, crying in his room. He wouldn''t even eat when we brought him food."


    ra sighed deeply. She''d picked this ce for Ryan because it was peaceful and nice.


    She knocked on the door and walked in, finding him curled up on the bed. Ryan''s messy hair stuck out from under the nket.


    ra felt a wave of frustration as she pulled the covers off him, revealing his tear- swollen eyes. "Are you putting on some kind of sad show?"


    Ryan flinched at her voice, curling up tighter.


    ra sat on the bed''s edge. "You wanted me here, right? So, what''s going on?"


    Ryan gripped the nket, his voice rough. "It''s toote. I know what you''re nning."


    ra frowned, pulling the nket away again. "Ryan, thepany is demanding, and I''m busy. If you''re just trying to get attention, I''m leaving."


    As she stood to go, Ryan scrambled off the bed in a panic. "ra!"


    His voice was filled with fear.


    ra paused, turning back to help him off the floor. His eyes were so swollen he could barely see, but he clung to her hand desperately.


    "I''ll get better, I promise. I''ve been reading tons of books. Next time youe for me, I''ll help with thepany. I won''t hold you back anymore. Please, don''t rece me."


    "When did I say I was recing you? Did someone tell you that?"


    If the caretakers were spreading lies, changes needed to be made.


    Ryan shook his head, lowering hisshes.


    ra couldn''t stand his pitiful look and pped him across the face.


    His face was already red and swollen, and he just touched his cheek, tears streaming down, which only made ra angrier.


    "ra..."


    ra took a deep breath. "How did I end up with such a pathetic brother? Ryan, if you''re like this when Ie to get you, don''t call me ra anymore."


    Ryan immediately went silent, holding back his sobs.


    ra turned and stormed out, mming the door behind her.


    By the time she reached her car, she was still fuming.


    The caretakers walked her to the car, trying to reassure her. "Ms. ra, young Mr. Ryan has been working hardtely, and with Sarah''spany, he''s read a lot of books."


    ra had started the engine but froze at the mention of Sarah''s name. "Who?"


    "Miss Sarah. She said you sent her to be with him."


    ra felt a chill run down her spine. She and Sarah had a falling out, and now Sarah resented her. Who knew what Sarah might do?