Chapter 516

Ryan smiled. “The ocean runs deep—some things are better left unsaid. This is just the beginning for me.”

Vic nodded, getting what he was hinting at. Even Ryan’s grandfather was rarely mentioned by name. Outsiders just called him “the old man,” never even daring to say his last name, let alone talk about who he really was.

Ryan could still enjoy a bit of freedom as one of the younger family members, but if he ever made it to the top, people would probably keep his name just as hush-hush.

Thinking about all this, Vic felt her urge to back out getting stronger. Someday, Ryan would be out of her reach, and she knew she wouldn’t be the one by his side anymore.

“Where do you live?” Ryan asked.

Vic gave him an address in the city center. Ryan gave a knowing look. “Is that your ex-husband’s place?”

“It’s mine now,” Vic said. “It was part of the divorce settlement.”

Ryan gave a wry smile. “Your ex still hasn’t given up on you, has he? Vic, you two have a daughter. Have you ever thought about getting back together with him?”

Vic shook her head. “I’m not considering it. I’ll do everything I can to help raise our daughter, but that’s all.”

Ryan chuckled softly. “Alright, then I’ll help take care of Yvonne too.”

Vic looked at him, his eyes so clear and sincere. But as she gazed at that young, handsome face, another image suddenly flashed in her mind—a face that was older, more intimidating, and impossible to forget.

Her heart gave a sudden lurch, like someone zapped her nerves with a live wire. For a split second, panic and unease crashed over her all at once.

Vic sipped her tea, her thoughts spinning a mile a minute. She knew she shouldn’t let herself fall too hard for Ryan. Maybe if she just kept things casual, he’d eventually get bored and leave on his own.

Falling too hard for someone only ends up hurting you.

The food was served, and Ryan urged Vic to start eating. His passion was like a blazing fire—so intense, it was almost impossible not to get swept up in it.

As they ate, Ryan shared some stories about the Jennings family. Vic found out that these days, Edward’s basically the one running the whole show.

Jeffrey had three siblings, and each of them was doing pretty well, with their lives and businesses all tangled up with the Jennings family’s empire. But the real danger was what would happen when Jeffrey was gone. If he passed away, all those complicated connections and interests could unravel overnight, and the whole family could take a huge hit.

“Vic, I don’t want to hide anything from you anymore,” Ryan said quietly, staring at the table. “Honestly, I’m dealing with all kinds of crises and challenges right now.”

Vic looked up at him. “Yeah, I can tell.”

“That table outside? They’re all my bodyguards,” Ryan added.

Vic nodded. “I know you’re important, Ryan. Does this mean we have to be extra careful whenever we see each other?”

Ryan looked up at her. “Actually, I was hoping you’d move into one of The Jennings Group’s communities. The security there is much tighter.”

Vic’s heart skipped a beat. “But I really don’t want to face your family.”

Ryan let out a gentle sigh. “I know you’re not ready for that yet, and that’s fine. I’ll have Uncle Ryan look out for you at work. I handle the leadership side, he runs the business—he’s got the business world totally handled.”

Just hearing Edward’s name gave Vic a headache. Ryan was still so young—he put up walls with outsiders, but never questioned his own family.

It was his innocence that made Vic feel so guilty.

Of course, Vic never had any feelings for Edward. He was the one who kept confessing to her, always acting like he just wouldn’t give up.

Not wanting to make things harder for Ryan, Vic quickly said, “It’s okay, really. I’m just planning to open a hotel, I don’t need much help.”

“I can still help you out here in Beijing,” Ryan said, realizing she didn’t want to bother his uncle. He quickly changed his tune. “Just focus on your work. At least this way, I’ll always know where to find you when I want to see you.”

After dinner, Ryan drove Vic over to her place. It was in a luxury neighborhood, with a cute little villa right in the center and its own private garden out front.

Getting a house like this in such a prime spot—Jared must’ve shelled out a ton for it.

Even though the housing market wasn’t at its peak yet, places like this were already crazy expensive.

Ryan took in the house, his brow furrowing. “Wow, your ex really went all out, huh?”

Vic opened the door and stepped inside. The place was spotless, with all the furniture perfectly arranged. When she walked over to the closet, she couldn’t believe her eyes—it was packed with women’s clothes for every season: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

‘Wait… did Jared seriously buy all of this for me?’ Vic thought, completely shocked.