The first floor went silent.[]

    The staff exchanged nces, nobody daring to speak.[]

    I silently returned to the coffee table, picked up the broken pieces from the floor, and threw them in the trash.]

    But Wren immediately turned red with anger.[]

    “Stop pretending!”

    I said nothing.

    Ryder snapped back to reality and ran over, but inexplicably the first thing he did was me me, “Rider didn’t mean it!“[]

    The dog’s name was–Ryder?]

    Wren immediately realized something was wrong and tugged at his sleeve.[]

    “Mrs. Hawthorne, don’t misunderstand. My little dog is named Rider, R–I–D–E–R…“[]

    “Ryder gave him to me when we set our wedding date because he was afraid I’d miss him and cry.“[]

    Hearing this, Iughed mockingly to myself.[]

    It was my mistake.[]

    I shouldn’t have had confidence in this rtionship from the beginning.

    It was wrong from the start.]]

    Then I walked to the sofa and slowly took the bracelet from the gift box, sliding it onto my wrist.]

    “Mom, we’re even for all the ridiculous things Ryder has done.“]

    Ryder’s gaze fell on my wrist.[]

    His expression suddenly froze, and he looked at me in disbelief-]

    “Even? What do you mean, Jessa?“]

    Meeting his gaze, I smiled slightly.]

    “An eight–million–dor bracelet. Ryder, I hope you keep up the good work.“]

    The Hawthornepany’s new productunch wasing up.]]

    My mother–inw’spensation was quite the generous gesture.[]

    I really was too naive–a businesswoman trying to find genuine emotion.[]

    I grabbed my purse to leave.[]

    Ryder immediately chased after me.]

    “Jessa, what do you mean ‘even‘? Exin yourself!“]

    I showed off the eight–hundred–thousand–dor bracelet.[]

    “The bracelet’s lovely. Tell Mom I’d prefer cash next time.“]

    His face darkened.]

    “Do you have to turn Mom’s gift into hush money?“[]

    “Since we got married, I’ve kept my distance from Wren–way more distance.“[]

    “Can’t you watch your mouth in front of the elders?!“||]

    He lowered his voice: “Yesterday was just a game–I didn’t actually do anything to betray you!“[]

    I ignored Ryder following behind me and just walked straight to the front door of the estate.

    At that moment, Wren came chasing after us, holding the dog and looking anxious.]

    “Ryder, help!“]

    “Something’s wrong with baby Rider–I think he’s traumatized!“]]

    Her voice broke, “I’ve already put up with so much… can’t I even keep one baby dog…?“]

    I turned around and approached her step by step.[]

    “What would make you feel less wronged? Having Ryder by your side 24/7? Or should I gift you a blood–rted real ‘baby‘?“]

    “Tell me, I’m listening.“]

    “If you can cough up eight hundred grand too, maybe this legitimate wife might consider your application.“]

    “Jessa!” Ryder raised his voice, “This isn’t the time for that shit! Dog’s a living creature!“]

    With that, he grabbed the dog and rushed to start his car.]]

    Wren followed, yanking open the passenger door and looking back at me.[]

    She smirked slightly.

    Her lips formed the words-[]

    “You lost to a dog. BITCH.“]

    bChapter /b4

    The family estate was in the suburbs.]

    Now that Ryder had taken off with the car, I could either go back and y the victim with my mother inw, or figure out my own way home.

    After a moment’s thought, I contacted my still single childhood friend.[]

    The shy Ferrari arrived quickly.[]

    Opening the passenger door, I saw a bouquet of flowers and some balloons on the seat.[]

    I frowned, “What’s this about?“]

    “Celebrating you being done with that scumbag!“]

    I didn’t say anything, just moved the flowers and balloons to the back seat.]]

    Kade Lawson handed me a cigarette, “Come on! You wouldn’t have called me to pick you up bif /byou weren’t done with him.“]

    I didn’t take the cigarette.

    He lit one himself and stuck it between my lips without asking.[]

    Seeing me frown, he pressed his finger to my mouth, “Since you’re done with him, this doesn’t count as crossing lines.“[

    Kade smiled, “I told you before–rich boys who stay clean and only get close to you, like me? We don’t exist.“[]

    I smacked his arm.

    “Cut the crap. Take me home so I can sort through the Hawthorne business partnerships.“]

    He looked thrilled.]]

    “Yes ma’am!”

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