Chapter 481

Ryan was flying in on the Jennings family’s private jet. I staked out a spot by the exit, eyes darting through the crowd as people poured out, searching for any sign of him.

When almost everyone had left and I still hadn’t seen him, I couldn’t help but get a little nervous.

Suddenly, someone slipped their hand into mine from behind. I spun around and there he was, Ryan, a soft smile playing on his lips as he looked at me.

He gently took the flowers from my hand. “Are these for me?”

I glanced at the exit, then back at him. “Where did you come from?”

Ryan chuckled. “I’ve got my own private entrance. Let’s go.”

I led him to my car, and as soon as I started the engine, I noticed two other cars starting up right behind us.

‘Figures, Ryan’s bodyguards are tailing us again,’ I thought. ‘He really can’t go anywhere without a security detail.’

Ryan kept stealing glances at me, looking a bit bashful—like a total simp.

As I drove us out of the airport, Ryan hugged the bouquet I’d given him, lips curved in a shy smile. He said, “I didn’t expect you to come pick me up.”

I smiled. “Work’s been pretty chill lately, so I figured I’d come.”

It was true—I’d just finished handing over my tasks at work, so things were pretty relaxed now.

“Vic, you only came to pick me up just because work’s not busy?” Ryan’s eyes dimmed a little. “Couldn’t it be because you actually like me?”

‘Typical of someone his age—so easy to get flustered,’ I thought. ‘Just a bit of teasing and he’s already sulking.’

“That too—it’s because I like you,” I said, trying to comfort him.

Ryan’s eyes lit up again, and he let out a lazy sigh. “I’m really happy you came. Uncle Ryan was actually planning to pick me up, but when I told him you were coming, he bailed.”

Hearing him mention Uncle Ryan made my heart skip a beat. I tried to sound casual. “Does your uncle spend a lot of time in Shaville?”

Ryan shook his head. “Nah, he’s got a company here, but he only comes by every now and then. Most of the time, he’s in Northport.”

I froze. Northport was really close to Braylin.

“Oh, so his place is in Northport?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Yeah, my grandma’s from Northport,” Ryan said, then added, “Uncle Ryan’s got a place in Braylin too.”

I frowned. I always thought Edward would be living in Shaville long-term, but it turns out, even if I moved to Braylin, I still might not be able to dodge him.

“Vic, don’t let Uncle Ryan’s cold exterior fool you—he’s really not that scary,” Ryan said, thinking I was asking because I was nervous about his uncle. But honestly, I was genuinely afraid of him.

Uncle Ryan was like a deep ocean—calm and still on the surface, but with powerful currents swirling underneath. If you couldn’t figure him out, he was mysterious as hell, and seriously dangerous.

He was nothing like Ryan. Sure, Ryan could be a little scheming sometimes, but he was always bright, straightforward, and easy to get along with.

“I’m not scared of him, I just… think he’s pretty mysterious,” I said, forcing a laugh.

“Uncle Ryan’s got a ton to handle. He’s mysterious because he’s never flashy—always keeps things on the down-low. Maybe it’s because of his senorde status, but you almost never hear anything about him,” Ryan explained, then added with a sigh, “Like my grandpa says, Uncle Ryan’s like a blade hidden in the shadows—razor sharp, but you’d never know it unless you’re looking for trouble.”

My heart gave a little jolt at that. A blade hidden in the shadows?

I thought about his background—born to the second branch of the Jennings family. In families like the Jennings, there were always strict lines drawn between the legitimate heirs and everyone else.

Even though the old dynasties are long gone, these powerful families still cling to their ancient ways. All those family codes and secret rules—most people wouldn’t have a clue about any of it.