The first floor went silent.[]
The staff exchanged nces, nobody daring to speak.[]
I silently returned to the coffee table, picked up the broken pieces from the floor, and threw them in the trash.]
But Wren immediately turned red with anger.[]
“Stop pretending!”
I said nothing.
Ryder snapped back to reality and ran over, but inexplicably the first thing he did was me me, “Rider didn’t mean it!“[]
The dog’s name was–Ryder?]
Wren immediately realized something was wrong and tugged at his sleeve.[]
“Mrs. Hawthorne, don’t misunderstand. My little dog is named Rider, R–I–D–E–R…“[]
“Ryder gave him to me when we set our wedding date because he was afraid I’d miss him and cry.“[]
Hearing this, Iughed mockingly to myself.[]
It was my mistake.[]
I shouldn’t have had confidence in this rtionship from the beginning.
It was wrong from the start.]]
Then I walked to the sofa and slowly took the bracelet from the gift box, sliding it onto my wrist.]
“Mom, we’re even for all the ridiculous things Ryder has done.“]
Ryder’s gaze fell on my wrist.[]
His expression suddenly froze, and he looked at me in disbelief-]
“Even? What do you mean, Jessa?“]
Meeting his gaze, I smiled slightly.]
“An eight–million–dor bracelet. Ryder, I hope you keep up the good work.“]
The Hawthornepany’s new productunch wasing up.]]
My mother–inw’spensation was quite the generous gesture.[]
I really was too naive–a businesswoman trying to find genuine emotion.[]
I grabbed my purse to leave.[]
Ryder immediately chased after me.]
“Jessa, what do you mean ‘even‘? Exin yourself!“]
I showed off the eight–hundred–thousand–dor bracelet.[]
“The bracelet’s lovely. Tell Mom I’d prefer cash next time.“]
His face darkened.]
“Do you have to turn Mom’s gift into hush money?“[]
“Since we got married, I’ve kept my distance from Wren–way more distance.“[]
“Can’t you watch your mouth in front of the elders?!“||]
He lowered his voice: “Yesterday was just a game–I didn’t actually do anything to betray you!“[]
I ignored Ryder following behind me and just walked straight to the front door of the estate.
At that moment, Wren came chasing after us, holding the dog and looking anxious.]
“Ryder, help!“]
“Something’s wrong with baby Rider–I think he’s traumatized!“]]
Her voice broke, “I’ve already put up with so much… can’t I even keep one baby dog…?“]
I turned around and approached her step by step.[]
“What would make you feel less wronged? Having Ryder by your side 24/7? Or should I gift you a blood–rted real ‘baby‘?“]
“Tell me, I’m listening.“]
“If you can cough up eight hundred grand too, maybe this legitimate wife might consider your application.“]
“Jessa!” Ryder raised his voice, “This isn’t the time for that shit! Dog’s a living creature!“]
With that, he grabbed the dog and rushed to start his car.]]
Wren followed, yanking open the passenger door and looking back at me.[]
She smirked slightly.
Her lips formed the words-[]
“You lost to a dog. BITCH.“]
<b>Chapter </b>4
The family estate was in the suburbs.]
Now that Ryder had taken off with the car, I could either go back and y the victim with my mother inw, or figure out my own way home.
After a moment’s thought, I contacted my still single childhood friend.[]
The shy Ferrari arrived quickly.[]
Opening the passenger door, I saw a bouquet of flowers and some balloons on the seat.[]
I frowned, “What’s this about?“]
“Celebrating you being done with that scumbag!“]
I didn’t say anything, just moved the flowers and balloons to the back seat.]]
Kade Lawson handed me a cigarette, “Come on! You wouldn’t have called me to pick you up <b>if </b>you weren’t done with him.“]
I didn’t take the cigarette.
He lit one himself and stuck it between my lips without asking.[]
Seeing me frown, he pressed his finger to my mouth, “Since you’re done with him, this doesn’t count as crossing lines.“[
Kade smiled, “I told you before–rich boys who stay clean and only get close to you, like me? We don’t exist.“[]
I smacked his arm.
“Cut the crap. Take me home so I can sort through the Hawthorne business partnerships.“]
He looked thrilled.]]
“Yes ma’am!”
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