Chapter 412
“At this hour?” Gregory looked at the time and frowned. “He should know that Justin isn’t home, and it’s almost dinner. Why did
he come
at-”
“Oh, Greg. Ryan doesn’t pay us a visit every day. Don’t read too much. into it. Ryan could be here for Bethany, for all we know.”
Shannon
clung to Gregory’s arm.
“Shannon, are you saying that Bethany and Ryan are...” Gregory was
surprised.
“You’ve been too busy with work to pay attention to your daughter.
doubt you know what’s going on with Bethany.”
Shannon poked her husband on the arm and said with a pout,
Bethany has always had a crush on Ryan.”
Gregory was shocked. “So Bethany likes Ryan? I couldn’t tell at all.”
“Girls can be shy. It’s not something she’ll talk about openly.”
Shannon looked abashed for her daughter.
“It’s not something to tread lightly on. Bethany’s marriage is essential
to our family’s future.”
Gregory turned solemn. “Bethany is my first daughter and the apple of
my eye. It’s imperative that she marry into the right family. She must
pick one of the finest men in all of Savrow.”
Shannon said, “The Hoffmans belong to a handful of the rich and
powerful in Savrow. Plus, Ryan is Logan’s only grandson. Even thought
Ryan has an uncle, the man is too old to have children. It’s only a matter of time before the family business is passed down to
Ryan.”
She had everything figured out. “Besides, Ryan is close with Justin. Our families will be brought closer with Bethany marrying
into the
Hoffmans.”
Gregory eased his frown as Shannon convinced him.
Although Ryan had a reputation for being a playboy, he was just playing the field, just like most guys do, especially when they
were
used to getting whatever they wanted.
Gregory had been there and done that. Ryan would focus on family life when he had enough of following the teenage playbook.
Bethany and Ryan were in the same social class. When they married
each other, the Salvador family could keep Ryan in line, away from his wandering eyes.
Ryan sat in the living room.
He had playdates with Justin at Tideview Manor when he was a kid, so he felt very much at home. Ryan went ahead and poured
himself a drink instead of waiting for the maids.
“What brings you here today, Ryan?”
Gregory and Shannon came to welcome him, even though Gregory did not usually show his face. However, after a conversation
with his wife, Gregory felt he should be there.
“Sorry for the spontaneous visit, Uncle Greg.” Ryan appeared close to
Gregory, seeing that they were on a first-name basis.
“We were just getting ready for dinner. Why don’t you join us?” Shannon extended the invitation.
“I won’t be staying for dinner.”
Ryan declined and added, “Is Bethany home? I need a word with her.”
Gregory and Shannon exchanged intriguing looks.
Upon learning of Ryan’s presence, Bethany could not wait to see him.
Nevertheless, her mother once reminded her to play hard to get, so she resisted meeting Ryan recently.
It never occurred to her that the approach worked, and Ryan came to her house to see her.
Bethany walked into the room with her heart pounding out of her chest.
“You wanted to see me, Ryan?”
Ryan clutched his glass and took a sip nonchalantly. “Yeah.”
“What’s the matter?” Bethany sat across from him coyly, looking rather shy.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself about the incident at ACE last night?” Ryan fixated on her coldly and cut straight to the
chase.
Bethany’s heart dropped. “What happened last night?”
“Carrie doesn’t leave her home. How did her teddy end up dumped at
ACE?”
Ryan slammed his glass, his eyes piercing. “You went too far with your little fun and games. You were out of line yesterday,
Bethany.”
Bethany turned as white as a sheet, apprehension washing over her.
“I think you got the wrong idea, Ryan.” Her eyes welled up in fear. Using tears as a weapon, she played the victim.
“Carrie didn’t even shed a tear, even when you played her. What are you crying about?”
Ryan could not even look at Bethany because those were simply crocodile tears. “I came here to tell you two things. One, stop
picking on Carrie. I’ll have her back from now on. Think twice before you try to pull another stunt on her, Two, stay away from my
sister. She’s an innocent girl. I don’t want you to be a bad influence on her.”
The man stood up and walked away without looking back.
Bethany stared vacantly as the door slammed shut, her body sliding to the ground from the sofa..
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