<b>Chapter </b><b>281 </b>


    Then Jared grabbed his phone and yed a song I recognized right away. He turned the screen toward me. “Is that you with the mask on?”


    I nced at it, felt a chill, and quickly denied it. “That’s not me. Where did you get that


    video?”


    “It’s from a dance studio’s promo video. Victoria, that’s you, isn’t it?” Jared frowned. “Since


    when did you start dancing like that?”


    I didn’t expect him to see that video. I suddenly felt embarrassed. “So what if it’s me? I can dance however I want. It’s my choice,” I said tly.


    “Pretty tempting,” Jared said, and thenughed, “You’re really good at dancing. I’ve


    watched it over and over the past few days.”


    “Jared, cut the charm. I don’t need it anymore,” I said angrily, pushing him away. “Just


    leave now.”


    Seeing I wasn’t interested in talking anymore, Jared walked toward the balcony, sounding annoyed. “Yvonne,e with Dad.”


    Yvonne shuffled her feet and looked at me with some hesitation. “Mom, I’ll go back with


    Dad for now. Can I stille for dinner next time? I’m not picky anymore. I’ll eat anything.”


    Watching my daughter trying so hard to please me made me feel conflicted and helpless. She was slowly getting better, but I still wanted to keep my distance.


    “Okay, you can go,” I nodded. After Jared left with Yvonne, I stepped out too.


    I did yoga until after five. Since I was heading to Ryan’s ceter, I bought some flowers


    and fruit from a street vendor. When I got to Ryan’s door, it opened before I could knock.


    Ryan stood there, smiling at me.


    “These are for you.” I handed him the things.


    “Honestly, I’m just d you came,” Ryan said as he took them. His butler stepped forward


    to grab the stuff.


    Ryan introduced him right away. “This is Ss.”


    <b>1/3 </b>


    08:39 Fri, 22 Aug W


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    Ss gave me an awkward smile. “Ms. Murphy, sorry about the misunderstanding before.”


    I smiled back. “It’s okay. I understand.”


    Ryan then set a pair of white women’s slippers in front of me. “I got these for you.”


    I took a quick breath. My heart skipped a beat. “Why would you get slippers just for me?” I


    asked with a smile.


    Ryan looked a little embarrassed. “I saw them while I was out and thought you might need


    them.”


    I made a small sound of acknowledgment. Without my heels on, I realized Ryan was even


    taller than I thought. I only came up to his ear.


    “Come <i>see </i>my ce,” Ryan said with a bright smile as he stepped back.


    I looked around and saw subtle luxury everywhere. The furniture was high–end, like


    something a wealthy family heir would own.


    “Sorry, do you think the decoration is a little old–fashioned?” Ryan asked suddenly.


    I smiled. “Not at all. I like how calm and elegant it feels.”


    Ryan’s eyes lit up a bit. “Really? My grandfather liked this style, so I grew to like it too.”


    “Nice. You have good taste,” I told him.


    Just outside the master bedroom was a private balcony with trees nted nearby. The


    branches were thick and green, and sunlight poured in through the ss.


    As I stood by the window, Ryan stood behind me. His reflection showed his face. He wasn’t


    looking outside but kept his eyes down on me.


    I felt a little flutter inside. A breeze came in, lifting my long hair and blowing it against his chest. Suddenly, he reached out and curled a strand of my hair around his finger.


    My heart skipped. I turned to leave, but he suddenly grabbed me and held me close. My face almost bumped into his chest. I frowned and looked up at him, annoyed. “Ryan, what


    are you doing?”


    Ryan lowered his dark eyes and said, “What exactly is going on between you and Nathan?”


    08:39 Fri, 22 Aug