Chapter 544

As I got into his car, he handed me a bouquet of roses. "Picked these up on the way!"

The sweet scent filled the air, and I smiled. "Thanks, they're beautiful."

Ryan was still in his work clothes, looking even more refined than usual. Maybe it was the job, but he seemed to carry himself differently now–like a young, sharp-eyed leopard, his gaze more intense than ever.

He gently pulled me into his arms, burying his face in the crook of my neck. "Work's just so exhausting lately. Everything feels so complicated."

I softly rubbed the back of his head, trying to comfort him. "You're just getting started. Give it some time–you'll get the hang of it."

"Mhm," Ryan replied obediently, his voice gentle. "I'll work hard for you."

"Don't do it just for me," I said with a smile. "Do it for yourself–and for everyone who supports you."

Ryan looked up at me, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "Are you… going to leave me?"

I was caught off guard. "Why would you even think that?"

"Then why can't I get stronger for you?" Ryan pressed, a stubborn edge in his voice, his eyes clear and unwavering.

I blinked, then gave him a quick kiss on his lips. "Alright, go for it. The higher you go, the more I can count on you."

Ryan finally broke into a smile, ruffling my hair. "Alright, I'll do my best to be the strongest support behind you."

I pressed my lips together in a smile, a wave of warmth spreading through my heart.

Having someone willing to work so hard for me–wow, suddenly life feels a whole lot more promising.

While we were eating, I started talking about my brother and Sophia.

Ryan didn't hesitate. "She's not right for Aiden. I think they should break up."

I stared at him, spoon in hand. "And why's that?"

"No reason," Ryan said flatly. Then he added, "Alright, here's the thing–Ms. Langley may not have the same background as Aiden, but she's way more ambitious than he is. Right now, she's after things Aiden just can't provide."

I nodded. "Yeah, that's pretty much it. But I can't just tell him to dump her–he's totally head over heels for her."

"That makes it tough," Ryan said, a playful glint in his eyes. "Once someone's addicted, breaking up is almost impossible."

"Let's just keep watching for now. Do you know any reliable PIs? I want someone to keep tabs on Sophia. Better safe than sorry–I don't want Aiden pouring his heart out and ending up getting used as someone else's stepping stone."

Ryan agreed right away. "No problem, I'll find someone for you. You can talk to him directly."

"Thanks, I'm still getting the hang of things around here, so I really appreciate the help," I said, feeling grateful.

Ryan's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he raised an eyebrow. "Vic, are you planning to spy on me now?"

I froze, staring at him in disbelief. "Do you really think I have the skills for that?"

Ryan's smile widened. "No, but I do!"

My soul nearly jumped out of my body–I locked eyes with him and blurted out, "Are you spying on me?"

Ryan shook his head. "No. Honestly, I think when two people are together, trust is everything. If all that's left is doubt and second-guessing, there's no reason to keep it going."

His words struck a chord deep inside me. Without trust, a relationship is basically dead in the water.

Yeah, I totally agree.

"Ryan, thank you for saying that," I murmured, my eyes growing misty. "If we ever have to go our separate ways, promise me we'll be honest with each other, no matter what happens."

Ryan leaned in, closing the distance between us until his face was just inches from mine. "Oh? Will you be honest with me too?"

His breath mingled with mine, and for a moment I forgot to breathe, just staring into his eyes.

Ryan bit his lip, a hint of mischief in his gaze. "You know what? Maybe keeping a little mystery between us makes things more interesting."

I blinked, catching on to what he meant, and grinned. "Honestly, I barely know anything about you. Guess that makes you pretty mysterious."

Ryan gave a wry smile. "Honestly, knowing too much about me probably wouldn't do you any favors."

I breathed out, feeling lighter. "So, how about we just enjoy being together and skip prying into each other's secrets? Deal?"

Ryan nodded. "Deal."

After dinner with Ryan, we were heading back to my place when his phone rang. His face suddenly turned serious, and he muttered a quick goodbye before hurrying off.

I texted him later and found out that his grandfather's health had taken a turn for the worse and he'd been taken to the hospital.

Knowing he had his hands full, I decided not to bother him.

After I took a shower, my phone buzzed with a text. It wasn't from WeChat–just an unknown number.

There was only one line: "He might have to accept a family-arranged marriage!"