Chapter 359
Ryan’s apartment wasn’t in some fancy high-rise. It was tucked away in a more out-of-the-way spot and looked pretty normal from the outside, but the security was no joke.
When I arrived, there was a middle-aged man waiting at the gate. I remembered him as one of Ryan’s bodyguards from last time.
“Ms. Murphy, go ahead and drive in. I’ll let them know to let you through,” he greeted me, then swung the gate open.
Once inside, another guy showed me to a parking spot. Seeing all this security, I couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy.
But I’d already come this far; no way I was just going to turn around and leave.
“Ms. Murphy, just go through this door. Mr. Jennings is in his bedroom on the second floor,” the guy reminded me, making sure I knew where to go.
I went through the door he indicated and stepped into a charming little garden, leading up to a three-story apartment. The exterior wasn’t all that fancy; it had a vintage vibe, almost a classic touch to its architecture.
As I entered the living room, I saw a slender figure standing by the staircase on the second floor.
It was Ryan, dressed in loungewear, his handsome face looking unusually pale as he gazed down at me.
“They actually managed to get you here,” Ryan chuckled softly. “What, are you really that worried I might die?”
His words startled me. I quickly set my things down and hurried to the foot of the stairs, looking up at him. “What’s wrong? Is your illness serious?”
“Just caught a cold,” Ryan said, but he didn’t come down–he just stood there, watching me. “Why aren’t you keeping your distance from me now?”
His question made me feel a little awkward.
“Weren’t you always afraid of getting hurt? Now you’re here. If my enemies find out, you could be in real danger,” Ryan said with a mocking edge.
I knew what I said last time might have really hit him hard. After all, he probably never had anyone throw such harsh truths at him before.
“If you don’t want me here, I’ll just go. I brought you lunch—it’s on the table. Eat it if you want, toss it if you don’t,” I said, picking up my bag and turning to leave.
He rushed down the stairs and grabbed my arm. “Victoria, don’t go.”
I trembled a little.
Ryan pleaded, “I didn’t really mean to hurt you. I just couldn’t control what I said.”
“Everything you said was true; it didn’t hurt me,” I said, turning to face him. “Ryan, when you’re sick, you should see a doctor and take your medicine. Even little kids get that; I hope you do too. You need to take care of yourself.”
Ryan paused for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, I understand.”
“Go ahead and eat something. I’ll hang out for a while,” I said. I couldn’t help but think Ryan was still a bit of a kid at heart, probably because he’d been pampered his whole life.
Ryan turned around and started unpacking the food, talking as he went, “You know, I’ve actually got a few friends. I’m not some walking disaster waiting to blow up. I’m really not as dangerous as you think. Believe it or not, there are plenty of people out there who want me alive and will go out of their way to make sure I stay that way.”
My heart was pounding as I listened to him.
Ryan glanced back at me. “There are a lot of people tangled up in all this. If someone wants you gone, there’ll be others fighting just as hard to keep you safe.”
Honestly, I didn’t really get what he meant, but since Ryan said it, I figured I’d just take his word for it.
“Yeah, I guess I’ve just been looking out for myself too much. Didn’t mean anything by it,” I said, giving him a smile.
Ryan gave me an understanding look. “I know, I get why you’re feeling uneasy.”
He glanced at the three dishes and two bowls of rice I’d brought. “You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Why don’t you join me?”
I sat down at the table with him, and just then, his butler walked in. He nodded at me and set Ryan’s medicine down next to him.