Chapter 506

“Thanks for your concern, but I really don’t know,” I replied, keeping my distance as I turned and walked out.

Actually, I’d already set the date with Jared’s team. We were all flying to Braylin together.

But later that night, when I was on the phone with Ryan, he caught me off guard. “Vic, why don’t you come a day early? Uncle Ryan’s plane is heading to Braylin then.”

We’d been chatting sweetly, and his sudden suggestion made my heart skip a beat. ‘Does Ryan really not get it?’ I thought. He actually wanted me to fly on Edward’s private jet.

“No need to bother him. The company booked me a first-class ticket, and I need to discuss some work stuff with the team on the way,” I said, shutting him down right away.

Jared had already taken care of everything–he even went as far as buying me a place to live.

Seeing that I turned him down because of work, Ryan didn’t push it.

“Vic, have you decided where you’re going to stay once you’re in Braylin?” Ryan asked, his voice low and gentle.

“The company’s got it covered. No need to worry about that,” I replied with a smile.

“Would you want to stay at my place?” Ryan asked softly. “I’ve got a few apartments sitting empty in Braylin, all in really good neighborhoods.”

I was taken aback for a second–Ryan really was generous.

I smiled and turned him down gently. “Thanks, Ryan, but I think I’ll just stay in the place the company arranged for me in Braylin.”

“Victoria, you and him are divorced–so why is he still being so nice to you?” Ryan was clearly getting jealous, his voice a little sour. “Could you not get so close to him?”

“We’re just colleagues now. It’s strictly professional between us,” I reassured him.

“Uncle Ryan and his ex-wife go the whole year without talking, and they almost never see each other. That’s what I think is the healthiest way to handle a divorce,” Ryan said carefully.

“Ryan, you really don’t trust me?” I shot back, trying not to sound too hurt.

“It’s not you–I trust you. It’s your ex I can’t trust,” Ryan replied with a helpless sigh.

I totally understood how Ryan felt. Honestly, I’d feel the same way if I were him.

“Ryan, I’m sorry. I get that this bothers you, but it’s just part of my job right now,” I said, keeping my cool and sticking to my decision.

Ryan went quiet for a few seconds, sounding a bit helpless. “Alright, but I need some reassurance.”

“Once I’m in Braylin, you can come find me whenever you want. Whenever I’m not working, I’m all yours,” I promised, wanting him to know I was truly committed to us. ‘Since I chose to be with him, I should give this relationship my full sincerity,’ I thought to myself.

“Seriously?” Ryan perked up right away.

From dealing with these men, I’ve realized that some guys respond best when you treat them with the same patience and gentle coaxing you’d use with a child. But when it comes to principles or big decisions, you have to be firm and serious.

Ryan totally fell for that kind of treatment. He loved leaning into my arms, and when I gently stroked the back of his neck, he’d shiver a little, unable to control it. Out in the world, he was cold and strong, but inside, he just needed a little comfort.

“Yeah, I’m going back to Hachester for a couple days to be with the kids. I’ll head to Braylin on the twentieth,” I said softly.

“Alright, can I come pick you up at the airport?” Ryan asked gently.

“Of course, having someone pick me up sounds great,” I replied, smiling.

My work in Shaville was all wrapped up, and I had two days left before heading back to Hachester to spend time with Yvonne.

As soon as I landed in Hachester, Jared was there to pick me up, with Yvonne by his side. She’d grown a bit taller since I last saw her.

Jared had booked a restaurant, and his family was there too. But this time, they treated me with a lot more respect than before.

I figured it was because of the new Jared–the one who’d come back from the past. He must have talked to them.

“Victoria, you’re really heading off to Braylin?” Sally sighed, looking all dramatic. “You’re just getting farther and farther away. And Jared’s still all by himself. If you get a chance, maybe talk some sense into him–get him to find someone for Yvonne, so she can have a new mom.”

Jared, standing nearby, frowned and said, “Mom, can you please stop trying to set me up? I’m really not thinking about marriage right now.”

“Can you believe this guy?” Sally looked absolutely exasperated. “Victoria’s already dated a bunch of guys, and you’re still hung up on your ex.”