âAt this hour?â Gregory looked at the time and frowned. âHe should know that Justin isnât home, and itâs
almost dinner. Why did he come at-â
âOh, Greg. Ryan doesnât pay us a visit every day. Donât read too much. into it. Ryan could be here for
Bethany, for all we know.â Shannon clung to Gregoryâs arm.
âShannon, are you saying that Bethany and Ryan areâ¦â Gregory was surprised.
âYouâve been too busy with work to pay attention to your daughter. doubt you know whatâs going on
with Bethany.â
Shannon poked her husband on the arm and said with a pout, Bethany has always had a crush on
Ryan.â
Gregory was shocked. âSo Bethany likes Ryan? I couldnât tell at all.â
âGirls can be shy. Itâs not something sheâll talk about openly.â
Shannon looked abashed for her daughter.
âItâs not something to tread lightly on. Bethanyâs marriage is essential to our familyâs future.â
Gregory turned solemn. âBethany is my first daughter and the apple of my eye. Itâs imperative that she
marry into the right family. She must pick one of the finest men in all of Savrow.â
Shannon said, âThe Hoffmans belong to a handful of the rich and powerful in Savrow. Plus, Ryan is
Loganâs only grandson. Even thought
Ryan has an uncle, the man is too old to have children. Itâs only a matter of time before the family
business is passed down to Ryan.â
She had everything figured out. âBesides, Ryan is close with Justin. Our families will be brought closer
with Bethany marrying into the Hoffmans.â
Gregory eased his frown as Shannon convinced him.
Although Ryan had a reputation for being a playboy, he was just playing the field, just like most guys
do, especially when they were used to getting whatever they wanted.
Gregory had been there and done that. Ryan would focus on family life when he had enough of
following the teenage playbook. Bethany and Ryan were in the same social class. When they married
each other, the Salvador family could keep Ryan in line, away from his wandering eyes.
Ryan sat in the living room.
He had playdates with Justin at Tideview Manor when he was a kid, so he felt very much at home.
Ryan went ahead and poured himself a drink instead of waiting for the maids.
âWhat brings you here today, Ryan?â
Gregory and Shannon came to welcome him, even though Gregory did not usually show his face.
However, after a conversation with his wife, Gregory felt he should be there.
âSorry for the spontaneous visit, Uncle Greg.â Ryan appeared close to
Gregory, seeing that they were on a first-name basis.
âWe were just getting ready for dinner. Why donât you join us?â Shannon extended the invitation.
âI wonât be staying for dinner.â
Ryan declined and added, âIs Bethany home? I need a word with her.â
Gregory and Shannon exchanged intriguing looks.
Upon learning of Ryanâs presence, Bethany could not wait to see him.
Nevertheless, her mother once reminded her to play hard to get, so she resisted meeting Ryan
recently.
It never occurred to her that the approach worked, and Ryan came to her house to see her.
Bethany walked into the room with her heart pounding out of her chest.
âYou wanted to see me, Ryan?â
Ryan clutched his glass and took a sip nonchalantly. âYeah.â
âWhatâs the matter?â Bethany sat across from him coyly, looking rather shy.
âDo you have anything to say for yourself about the incident at ACE last night?â Ryan fixated on her
coldly and cut straight to the chase.
Bethanyâs heart dropped. âWhat happened last night?â
âCarrie doesnât leave her home. How did her teddy end up dumped at ACE?â
Ryan slammed his glass, his eyes piercing. âYou went too far with your little fun and games. You were
out of line yesterday, Bethany.â
Bethany turned as white as a sheet, apprehension washing over her.
âI think you got the wrong idea, Ryan.â Her eyes welled up in fear. Using tears as a weapon, she played
the victim.
âCarrie didnât even shed a tear, even when you played her. What are you crying about?â
Ryan could not even look at Bethany because those were simply crocodile tears. âI came here to tell
you two things. One, stop picking on Carrie. Iâll have her back from now on. Think twice before you try
to pull another stunt on her, Two, stay away from my sister. Sheâs an innocent girl. I donât want you to
be a bad influence on her.â
The man stood up and walked away without looking back.
Bethany stared vacantly as the door slammed shut, her body sliding to the ground from the sofa..