That deep voice startled me, and my fingers, which had been reaching for the doorknob, jerked back like I’d touched a live wire.


    I pressed myself up against the door, nning to keep listening in on what was happening outside.


    I heard Ryan drawl, “Uncle Ryan, did you really fly back in the middle of the night just to lecture me?<i>” </i>


    “I don’t have a problem with you dating, but you can’t just be reckless about it. You said she just got divorced? That’s not going to do your future any favors,” the man said sternly.


    “I want to make my own choices when ites to rtionships. Not everything in my life needs to be mapped out by you,” Pyan shot back, sounding like a rebellious kid. “You’ve always tried to run my life.”


    “It’s all for the family. Everyone’s doing their part, and none of us really get a say in this,” the man replied, his voice heavy with resignation.


    “You got married, got divorced, and even let your kid go with your ex. You already proved that path doesn’t work–so why force me down it too?” Ryan’s voice was getting heated.


    The man’s voice grew even heavier. “Just because I messed things up doesn’t mean you will too.”


    “You’re older, more experienced, and even more calcting than I am. If you couldn’t handle it, what makes you think I could do any better?” Ryan shot back, his words sharp and biting.


    The man wentpletely silent.


    I couldn’t hide my surprise–so Ryan’s uncle was divorced too? It felt like I’d just stumbled onto a family secret while eavesdropping.


    I knew I shouldn’t be listening, but I was hooked–I just couldn’t tear myself away.


    Just then, the door swung open, and there I was, bent over eavesdropping, my face almost pressed against Ryan’s chest.


    Ryan nced down at me, amused rather than angry, and just smiled. “Come on out. I’ll introduce you to my uncle.”


    I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me, like I’d just been caught in the act.


    Ryan shot me an amused look and nodded toward the door, signaling me toe out.


    Awkwardly, I followed him out of the room and into a huge living room. The ce was so fancy it was hard to describe–like I’d stumbled into a castle by ident.


    Brilliant crystal chandeliers cascaded down from the top floor, and even the sunlight pouring in through the windows couldn’tpare to the dazzling glow of those crystals.


    That’s when I spotted a man in his early thirties sitting on the couch. There was something about his look and bearing that instantly reminded me of Ryan.


    Ryan grinned and introduced us, “Uncle Edward, this is Victoria. Victoria, meet my uncle–Edward, you know, like ‘grand banquet‘


    Edward.”


    I gave him a polite nod. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Jennings.”


    09:26 Mon, 25 Aug


    80%


    Edward studied me with a slight frown before standing up. That’s when I realized he was <b>about </b>the same height as Ryan, and his physique was just as impressive. Even in a in white shirt, he had an air of authority that made everyone else fade into the background.


    He was basically what I imagined Ryan would look like in his thirties–mature, maic, and with that dangerous edge lurking beneath his polished exterior that made me want to keep my distance.


    “Ms. Murphy, I’m sure you overheard everything I just said to Ryan,” Edward said, his tone polite as he looked at me.


    I felt my face flush with embarrassment and nodded.


    Edward didn’t beat around the bush. “Ryan means a lot to our family. Hope you get where I’ming from.”


    I shot Ryan a look, and his handsome face darkened. He said, “Uncle Edward, seriously, Victoria’s not my girlfriend yet I haven’t even won her over. Can you not embarrass me like this?”


    Edward just gave him a calm, knowing smile. “Face is something you earn<i>, </i><i>not </i>something others give you.”


    It was obvious Edward didn’t want me here, and he liked me being close <i>to </i>Ryan even less.


    Not wanting to make things more awkward, I quickly said, “Thanks for being upfront, Mr. Jennings. I’ll leave you be.”


    Ryan panicked and grabbed my arm. “I’ming with you.”


    I shot him a look, telling him not to make a scene, but Ryan just turned to Edward and said, “If you want to go snitch to Grandpa, be my guest. It won’t change anything. And if Grandpa’s not happy, I’ll just cry a bit–he always caves when I do.”


    “You only get away with this because he spoils you. Don’t push your luck,” Edward said, clearly frustrated but powerless to stop


    him.


    “You’re all about business, but I’m headed for politics. Uncle Ryan, our paths were never the same,” Ryan said with a smirk. “I remember Grandpa saying you guys were supposed to do whatever it takes to back me up.”


    Edward’s face went stiff, but he nodded. “Fine, go ahead and enjoy yourself while you’re young. Just hope when it’s time to take responsibility, you’ll still have the guts to charge forward!


    Ryan shrugged, a roguish grin on his face. “People only get a hundred years–doesn’t matter how you live it, as long as I’m happy,


    that’s what counts.”


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