<b>Chapter </b><b>400 </b>


    “Once a cheater, always a cheater. Don’t you ever learn?” He suddenly grabbed my hand, giving my palm a gentle squeeze.


    I couldn’t help butugh at that. I shrugged and said, “Of course I remember. It’s just… we have a kid together. His career, whether it takes off or crashes, still matters for our child’s future.”


    “So that’s why you’re working yourself to the bone? Just to make money for him?” Ryan looked genuinely surprised.


    I shook my head. “That wasn’t really my intention before, but I guess you could look at it that way now. Besides, he’s actually been pretty generous with me. Everything I make these days is just from my own job.”


    “You’re really all about the money?” Ryan looked genuinely surprised, then got lost in thought.


    I nodded with a grin. “Of course! Money never betrays you. As long as it’s sitting in my ount, it’s mine to spend–ready to fuel every single one of my shopping cravings.”


    Ryan let out a little “oh,” then said, “So, want me to get you a spot at Uncle Ryan’spany? You’d make way more money over there.”


    We were really into our conversation when he suddenly brought up Uncle Ryan.


    My expression froze, and I instinctively said, “No, I’m good. I actually like my job as it is.”


    “Your job right now isn’t really challenging. If you want, I could have Uncle Ryan set you up with your ownpany. You’d be the boss, and I’d take care of all the resources and connections for you. All you’d have to do is rake in the cash,” Ryan said, totally serious. I knew he could actually make it happen.


    “No, thanks. I’m content with a modest life. If I had too much money, I’d probably lose myself,” I replied, honestly a little freaked out.


    “Seriously, don’t feel awkward about it. Half of Uncle Ryan’s fortune is in my name now,” Ryan said, almost offhand. “Every dor he earns these days, I get a fifty–fifty cut.”


    I couldn’t help but suck in a breath. Honestly, I had no clue what the Jennings family actually did to rake in that kind of cash, but one thing was clear- Ryan was loaded, way beyond my imagination.


    “No, no, don’t test me. If I ever got that rich, I’d probably end up being a terrible person,” I said, waving my hands like crazy<i>, </i>honestly a little scared.


    Ryan cracked up at what I said.


    Then, with a devilish smirk, he said, “I’d love to see your naughty side.”


    I stared at his strikingly handsome face. “No, trust me, you wouldn’t want to.”


    But Ryan was clearly thinking something else. He grabbed my wrist, lifted it, and kissed the back of my hand. “I’d love to see it.”


    He was way too flirty, and honestly, he had my heart all over the ce.


    There was a sh of desire in his eyes as he looked at me.


    I quickly grabbed my phone, pretending to scroll through work emails.


    Whenever I got flustered, I’d just act busy and hope no one noticed.


    Ryan’s burning hot lips kissed the back of my hand several times before he finally let go.


    The car pulled through the vi’s gates–the same vi Ryan brought me to before.


    Right now, the ce was zing with lights, and with the night so pitch–ck around us, the two mansions looked even more intimidating, standing out


    in the darkness.


    <b>07:51 </b>Tue<b>, </b><b>26 </b><b>Aug </b>M


    <b>I </b>spotted a long line of luxury cars parked outside the entrance. ‘Was Ryan really nning to introduce me to his friends tonight? I wondered.


    Just the thought made my mind gopletely nk, and cold sweat broke out all over my back.


    The car came to a stop, and Ryan hopped out, grinning from ear to ear. “Victoria, rx. We’re basically family now.”


    As I got out, Ryan turned to me and said, “Head up to the second floor first. The housekeeper’s got a dress ready for you–get changed ande back


    down.”


    Just then, the housekeeper was already waiting for me, smiling warmly. “Ms. Murphy, please follow me this way.”


    I shot Ryan a nervous look.


    Tata


    He was practically beaming with anticipation. “Don’t let all my effort go to waste–go on, get changed.”


    I followed the housekeeper to the other building, took the elevator up to the third floor, and she pointed to the room with the door open. “Ms. Murphy, go ahead and change in there. I’ll wait outside.”


    “Thanks!” I replied politely, pushing the door open and stepping inside.


    That’s when I saw a beige evening dressid out on the big sky–blue bed. It was adorned with sparkling diamonds, had an off–the–shoulder neckline, a subtle slit at the hem, and an open back that showed just a hint of skin. The whole look was sophisticated and graceful.


    My mind was uneasy as I stared at the dress, not sure what to do next.


    Maybe I should just put an end to this silent drama, walk away from here, and cut things off with Ryan for good.


    But Ryan had helped me out in a huge way–twice. I owed him more than I owed anyone.


    He was someone you rarely meet in life–a true benefactor.


    But right now, there’s a mountain between me and Ryan–a problem I just can’t get past.


    If Edward wasn’t always getting in the way, I could just stick with Ryan and be set for life–never have to worry about money or anything else.


    My mind was a mess, but before I knew it, my hands were already moving. I took off my work clothes and changed into the dress, only to realize there was a stubborn button at the back that I hadn’t noticed before.


    I reached behind me, fumbling with it over and over, but no matter what I did, I just couldn’t get it fastened.


    Just as I was getting desperate, someone slipped into the room so quietly I barely noticed, the luxurious carpet muffling every step. He was tall–his presence almost intimidating, making the whole space feel smaller.


    “Need a hand?” His deep voice startled me so much I nearly jumped out of my skin.


    AD