Chapter 480

“Oh? What exactly do you miss about me?” I teased, my tone playful.

“I just want to be with you,” Ryan admitted, his handsome face suddenly flushing red.

Once you’ve tasted real passion, there’s no going back–his fantasies about love and sex had been shattered, and now that he’d had the real thing, quitting was out of the question. It’s only natural to miss someone.

“Maybe I’ll consider it when you get here from Braylin,” I said with a teasing smile.

Ryan’s eyes went wide, and he sounded almost breathless. “Seriously? Then I’ll come tomorrow!”

“Don’t be so reckless,” I said, honestly not expecting him to actually move up his plans so fast.

“You have no idea how much I’m missing you–it’s driving me crazy,” Ryan said, sounding all pitiful.

I couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Of course I get it. How could I not?’ Jared had once made me feel the exact same way—loving someone you just can’t have.

Before I could say anything, Ryan’s face suddenly turned serious. “Vic, I need to hang up for now, something just came up on my end.”

I watched him hang up in a rush, and it was like my heart had been left dangling in mid-air–then, out of nowhere, the string snapped and I crashed right back down.

Whoever could freak Ryan out like that was definitely no ordinary person. Maybe it was his grandpa.

‘Is Ryan actually scared of his grandpa finding out about me?’ I wondered to myself.

The more I thought about it, the more confused I felt inside.

I’ve always kept a rational and somewhat pessimistic outlook on this relationship. Of course, even if things fall apart, it won’t get to me. I’ll still look after myself, no matter what.

Jared’s plan to open a new store in Braylin had faced some pushback from the board, but he pushed through despite the opposition and made it happen. The official documents landed on my desk, and as I looked through them, I realized he was really putting me in charge of everything.

The renovations in Shaville were almost finished, and the operations team was already working hard to boost our online presence and ramp up the publicity.

Jared asked me to recommend someone capable to take over my position.

I actually had someone in mind–a middle-aged guy who’d already proven himself to be exceptionally capable when he worked under me.

When he found out I was the one who put his name forward, he thanked me with real sincerity and said he’d never forget the opportunity I gave him. He promised that if I ever needed anything, he’d have my back, no questions asked.

That’s what connections are all about–helping each other out and exchanging favors.

The handover would take about a week, and then, out of the blue, Amy showed up at my office door. She looked like she’d lost some of her usual confidence.

“Ms. Murphy, want to grab lunch together?” Amy asked, trying to sound casual.

I nodded.

At the restaurant, Amy kept sizing me up, and I already had a pretty good idea why she’d invited me to lunch.

Either she wanted me to keep her in the loop about Jared, or she just couldn’t let things go and was trying to figure out what went wrong.

“I’ve heard you’ve never lacked admirers since you started working here. Being good looking is like having a gift–no matter how much others might resent it, they just have to accept it,” Amy murmured to herself.

I took a sip of water and asked, “So, still no progress with Jared?”

“Ms. Murphy, why are you asking when you already know the answer?” Amy replied, clearly not in the best mood.

I smiled. “I haven’t tried to sabotage you or anything. Maybe you just need to put in a bit more effort.”

Amy let out a dry laugh. “Honestly, I wish you had gotten in the way. At least then I’d have someone to blame for failing, and I’d feel a little better about it.”

I shook my head. “I don’t have any feelings for him anymore. He’s just my daughter’s father.”

“I can tell,” Amy said, shooting me a knowing look. “And I’ve noticed what’s going on between you and Nathan. Mr. Holcomb was seriously jealous.”

I knew gossip gets everywhere, slipping into every corner of your life.

“My relationship with Nathan is over too. We’re just business partners now,” I said, not wanting the rumors to keep going.

Amy’s eyes darted slyly. “You even ditched Nathan, and now you’ve landed yourself an even bigger big shot.”

“Stop it,” I cut her off, not letting her run wild with her theories. “Everyone’s got their own ambitions and choices, so we all end up on different paths.”

“Mr. Holcomb is giving you full control of the Braylin project? You’re heading all the way out there? Isn’t it weird he’s just letting you go like that?” Amy said, sipping her coffee with a sarcastic edge.

“Me moving far away just means I’m clearing the way for you, isn’t it?” I said with a smile.

“If I keep pushing my luck, do you think Mr. Holcomb won’t fire me by tomorrow?” Amy said with a bitter smile. “He’s made it pretty clear–he doesn’t do casual flings.”

I looked at her in surprise. Amy never struck me as someone who’d give up easily, but right now, she looked like a hen that just lost a fight, all her usual fire gone. ‘Did Jared really say something that harsh to her?’ I wondered.

Amy shook her head. “Between my career and men, I’m choosing my career. It’s not like I’m lacking options when it comes to guys, and Mr. Holcomb is a great boss–I don’t want to lose that.”

After we finished eating, Amy shook my hand. “Ms. Murphy, if things go well for you in Braylin, don’t forget to look out for me if you get the chance.”

I smiled. “I wouldn’t dare say I’ll be looking out for you–since we’re in the same company, I’m sure we’ll be working together a lot, so I’ll be counting on your help down the line.”

Amy gave me a polite, businesslike smile, then hopped in her car and headed out.