<b>Chapter </b><b>256 </b>


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    <b>C38 </b>11


    Looking at Ryan’s innocent face, rage bubbled up inside me. I sneered, “You lied to me so easily, just because you liked being taken care of by me?”


    Ryan said, “No, I’ve always felt guilty. I’ve always wanted to do something to make it up to you, but in your eyes, I’m just a poor kid. And I did get the bonus you sent me. Thank you, Victoria.”


    “What did you just call me?” I asked.


    Ryan replied, “I’m not going back to work, and you probably don’t want me around anymore. So I won’t call you


    Ms. Murphy. Since you already knew my feelings, it just feels right to use your name.”


    “No, don’t call me that. I’m three years older than you. Show me some respect,” I said.


    Ryan said, “You know what they say–if a woman’s three years older, she’s a treasure.”


    I had been angry, but now I couldn’t help butugh. I said, “Ryan, I’m not into younger guys. Don’t waste your


    time.”


    As I spoke, I sized him up. He was good–looking and in great shape, but the fact that he was younger than me just


    didn’t sit right with me.


    Ryan said, “How do you know I’m too young for you if you haven’t even tried? What’s wrong with being a bit


    younger? I can bring you emotional value. I won’t piss you off like Jared does. I’ll only make you happy.”


    My eyes widened in surprise as I looked at him. Only now did I see that all his innocence was an act. Beneath that


    beautiful face lurked one sly fox.


    Ryan held my gaze and said, “I know you divorced Jared.”


    I narrowed my eyes, and just then, my phone rang. It was a call from Jared. I walked over to the floor–to–ceiling


    window and answered, “What’s up?”


    Jared said, “I found out why those state–ownedpanies signed a deal with the hotelst time.”


    “Whose connection was it?” I asked.


    Jared said, “They said the guy’sst name is Jennings, and he’s got ties in Braylin. Victoria, when did you go and make a connection that strong without me knowing?”


    I turned to look at Ryan, who was leaning against the door.


    At that moment, Ryan looked like a puppy, giving me those soulful eyes, his long fingers twisting together.


    “Are you sure hisst name is Jennings?” I asked, already having a pretty good idea who it was.


    “Yeah, I’m sure. Who is this guy? What kind of deal did you make with him?” Jared pressed.


    12:07 Thu, 21 Aug 9


    Just then, Ryan came up behind me and asked, “Victoria, want some midnight snacks?”


    I didn’t see thating at all, and before I could stop him, it was already toote–Jared had heard his voice.


    Jared instantly demanded, “Is there a guy with you?”


    I shot Ryan a re, and he just blinked back at me, all innocent.


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    39


    I replied, “Alright, let’s talk about this when I’m back in Hachester. I’ve got things to handle here, so I’m hanging up now.” With that, I ended the call and turned, fixing my gaze on Ryan.


    Ryan looked at me, ying innocent. He said, “Victoria, does Jared think you can’t find anyone better than him


    now that you’re divorced?”


    “Ryan, just tell me–did you have anything to do with those state–ownedpanies in Hachester suddenly teaming up with the hotel?” I asked.


    Ryan yed dumb. He said, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”


    I said, “If you don’t tell me the truth right now, I’ll not only fire you, but we’re done being friends.”


    Ryan’s eyes flickered, and he lowered his head. He said, “Yeah, I called in a few favors. Victoria, I couldn’t stand


    people looking down on you.


    “I’ve overheard them bad–mouthing you–saying you only got the job because you’re Jared’s wife, that the hotel will crash within a year. So I made sure they signed a three–year contract.”


    I was honestly stunned. I never imagined Ryan would go this far to help me.


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