Beyond The Divorce - Season 8 Episode 14

Blackmail

I couldn’t help but sigh. “You’re like my big brother, spoiling me to the point where I can ignore everything about the company. I can just push all the responsibility onto you.

“Honestly, if I were running this company alone, who knows what state it would be in? It’ll probably be bankrupt for the 80th time!”

I half-playfully said, “With you, everything is different. I can just kick back and relax, leaving everything to you. But you must not forget our agreement. You can’t leave the company.”

He gave me an indulgent glance and muttered, “You’re blackmailing me!”

I smirked triumphantly. At this moment, I felt like a child.

“Alright then.” I asked him, “When have I ever reneged on what I promised you?”

“When have you ever fulfilled what you promised me?” He countered, looking at me.

“Okay, okay!” I admitted in a rascal manner, “I may not be the best, and you-”

“I indulged you!” He didn’t look at me, sighed wearily, and said, “Alright, I’ll go back to Bibury. I’ll bring Joyce with me.”

He seemed to firm up his decision.

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“Then I’ll take you to the airport tomorrow,” I quickly replied.

“Why do I feel like something’s off about what you say?” He looked at me, displeased. “It sounds like you’re afraid I won’t leave!” I burst into laughter.

Ryan put on a serious expression. “Is there anything else that needs my attention in our hometown?”

I shook my head without saying anything. I only knew a handful of people there, and it felt uncomfortable. I didn’t know where my roots were anymore.

When I thought about Nocturnia, it was a complete blank, a completely unfamiliar place.

But what about Bibury?

It didn’t feel like it either. In my memory, Bibury was only three years of high school. For me, Foswood carried ten years of memories. It was the longest time in my recollection, but I felt that it sometimes rejected me, becoming unfamiliar and lacking warmth.

I didn’t respond to his question, so Ryan seemed to understand my inner thoughts and suddenly changed the subject. “How are things with Matthew going? Have you handled them?”

I regained my composure and said, “We’re just waiting for the investigation results. I’ve let Adrian take over his case. Grace’s dying wish was that I wouldn’t harm him. I can only do my best to ensure his freedom. The rest, he has to navigate alone.”

I truly felt uneasy. Despite Matthew being a thing of the past, he was still someone in my memory.

“Do you still hate him?” Ryan asked me.

I shook my head. “No. The love is gone as well. His life was his choice, and perhaps people make mistakes. Maybe this is fate. I’ve had my share of trials.”

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“It seems Atlas is indeed worth entrusting. I can only wish you well.”

I glanced at him and pouted. “You sound so reluctant!”

Ryan chuckled. “How could I not be reluctant to see my favorite girl marrying someone else? Only I know how reluctant I am. Now that she’s finally free, her true love appears. My romantic journey is full of twists and turns. The heavens are unfair.”

“How dare you say such heartless things?” I stared at him with widened eyes, scolding him, “You have a good woman who’s patiently waiting for you. How dare you say that? If you keep talking like this, be careful that the heavens might grant her to someone else.”

Ryan nodded. “Yeah. After working together, I’ve realized that we have great chemistry.”

“That’s right, Ryan. Think about the parents in Bibury. Don’t let me feel guilty anymore,” I said with a touch of grievance.

He ruffled my hair. “You rascal. You’re the only one I enjoy listening to. Alright, I’m going back now. I need to sleep.”

I looked at him. Indeed, he looked tired, and I knew he really needed rest.

After sending him home, my phone rang. It was Atlas calling.

“Why haven’t you come back yet?” His voice echoed in my ears.

“I just sent Ryan home, and I’m on my way back!” I sweetly smiled, “Are you home?”

“Not yet. Come to my company. I’m waiting for you. We’ll go home together,” he said over the phone. “Call me when you’re downstairs, and I’ll come down.”

“You’ve been waiting for me all this time?” I asked in astonishment.

“Yeah! I might have to go to Solaris for business in the next few days!” He casually mentioned.

“Okay, I’ll be right there.” I hung up the phone, looked in the direction he mentioned, and headed straight for ATL Empire.