Regrt 98

Chapter 98

+15 BONUS

The next day, when the servants blocked me at the gate of the old mansion, not allowing me to step out, I understood.

Last night was indeed just a notification.

I knew this was Ryan’s idea; it had nothing to do with the servants. I patiently asked, “Where is Ryan?”

“Master left before dawn.”

“Did Albert return?”

“Not yet. Albert is handling the arrangements after Master’s passing

I calmly said, “What if I insist on going out now?”

“Madam, you can’t leave.”

The servant pointed to several black–clad bodyguards standing outside the French windows,

I couldn’t help but freeze.

In these three years, Ryan’s hypocrisy hadn’t changed at all. Clearly, he told me to stay here for just one night, but now he wouldn’t even let me step out of the main gate.

For a moment, I even wondered if he was ever the same boy who used to kindly take me to the school clinic, who always tried to respect my dignity and invited me to dinner.

Could eight years really change someone so drastically?

In the morning, my phone received numerous WhatsApp messages, almost all offering condolences for Grandpa’s passing.

Jane and Jack presented the starkest contrast.

Jane sent several messages in a row, while Jack only wrote a simple sentence: “Charlotte, my

condolences. Take care of yourself.” 1

In terms of concern, it was hard for me to distinguish between sincerity and formality.

Apart from Jane, only Jack reminded me to take care of myself. Many others seemed to be using this opportunity to get closer to the Frost family.

For the time being, I only replied to Jane and Jack’s messages before calling Ryan.

I

But it wasn’t him who answered.

Gary respectfully said, “Madam, there’s an issue at the overseas branch. The chairman is in an emergency meeting. I’ll inform him as soon as it’s over.”

“Never mind.”

I closed my eyes briefly. “That’s fine.”

With Grandpa’s passing, the group would surely be in turmoil.

Ryan was busy and stressed now, unable to spare a thought for me.

+15 BONUS

I dialed another number. “Hello, Jelaston Police Station? I’ve been unlawfully detained.”

When the police arrived, Ryan’s car pulled up at the same time.

He got out with a dark expression, dismissed the police with a few words, and then strode over to me. His eyes were bloodshot from a sleepless night, and his oppressive aura was even stronger. “You want to leave me just like that?”

I nodded without hesitation. “Yes.”

I didn’t want to be trapped in this marriage that could break apart at any moment.

Nor could I accept my husband waiting on someone else.

A cold smile played on his cool lips. “I won’t allow it.”

“Does it matter?” I felt utterly exhausted. “Acting like this will only make me look down on you.”

“I don’t care!” Suddenly, he raised his voice, exuding a paranoid and belligerent air. “As long as you’re the lady of the Frost family, Grandpa can rest in peace!”

His intensity startled me, and I instinctively stepped back. “Ryan…”

Seeing the tremor in my voice, he seemed to regain a moment of clarity. His large hand landed on top of my head, his voice gentle. “Charlotte, we can start over. Trust me.”

“I told you last night, it’s impossible.”

I looked at him in despair, making the most unlikely request. “Ryan, can you break off with Jessica? If you can do that and never see her again, then I might consider.”

He surely couldn’t do it.

Unexpectedly, he agreed without hesitation. “Okay.”

For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. He seemed almost crazed.

Perhaps Grandpa’s passing had dealt him a severe blow, and he would recover once he got through it.

D