Clara frowned as she looked at Ryan blocking her path at Nina glaring daggers at her as if she'd done something unforgivable,
She thought her earlier dismissal had made her stance clear, but apparently, they hadn't gotten the hint.
"Thank you, but no," Clara sald cutly, sidestepping to leave.
Ryan wasn't ready to give up. He followed her, speaking quickly. "If you're heading home, let me drive you. It's freezing out, and I don't want you to catch-" "Mr. Chase, there's no need!" Clara's tone tumed sharp, cutting him off.
Byan troze, stunned by het sudden firmness. He had never seen Clara speak so bluntly. His expression darkened, a flicker of anger flashing across his face.
nyan had grown up pampered and used to prople catering to his every whim. No one had ever dared speak to him like that, let alone reject him so directly. He had gone out of his way to please her, and this was how the repaid him. Did she even low who he was? On the other hand, Nina was thrilled to see Clara shut Ryan down. Watching his face darken, she couldn't help but silently gloat. She thought what Clara did wasn't smart enough. She clearly didn't know how to play the game
Ryan wasn't the kind of man who tolerated disrespect. Clara's defiance would only push him over the es
reder,, and Nina wouldn't even need
to litt a finger to take her
"I'm leaving." Clara said without a backward glance. She walked off, leaving Ryan to glare after her, His eyes burned with frustration, his usually composed mask slipping. Gone was the kind, easy-going demeanor he'd been so careful to maintain Nina slid closer, looping her arm through his "See? she clearly thinks she's too good for you. People like her from big cities always act like they're above everyone
"I mean, have
you noticed how cozy she seems with Mr. Stone? She probably already knows who he is. Wouldn't surprise me if she's trying to catch
h his attention
Nina's words struck a nerve. Ryan clenched his jaw tightly.
Despite being in his early 30s, Erlen came from a prominent family and sad the looks and charm to match. His mild demeanor made him a favorite with women, and his wealth only made him more appealing
"she knows he's married," Ryan muttered through gritted teeth, bitterness lacing has voire
Nina replied with a sly smick. "Everyone knows his wife is seriously ill, Who knows how long she has lett?
"And let's be real - Clara's young, beautiful, and has the kind of charm that could sway anyone. It she actually tried to seduce Mr. Stone, he might just tall for it A dupce to murry into a family like his? Who wouldn't jump at that?" Ryan's expression turned even darker. He grabbed Nina's face roughly, forcing her to meet his furious gaze.
"Don't tell me you have your eyes on Ethan, too?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.noveldrama
Panic flashed in Nina's eyes, and the immediately denied it. "Of course not! You know I've only ever cared about you. I gave you everything, including my first time. How could you even think that?*
Even if Nina had once entertained such thoughts, she wouldn't dare admit it. She knew Ryan wouldn't forgive her it be found out
"Good" Ryan Laid coldly, shoving her away. But his thoughts remained fixated on Clara.
Que way or another, fir would have her. He just had to wait for lurt to realize who he really was and when she did, she'd come running to him.
Frank had planned to notify Clara about her visitor a few minutes before class ended but right before the bell, one of the lads fell during recess and scraped his
Pretik jaionitized i the student's cafe and took her to the muse's office. Whethe returned, rushing to find Clara, she was already gone. Instead, he spotted Nina and Ryan leading toward the cafeteria
"M-Chase, Ms Foster," Frank called, tagging them down. "Have you seen Ms. Sallord? Her family is waiting for her at the front gate. I was supposed to let her "Her feily" ingat perled up, his interest piqued. "She just left. She was heading out of the school, so she should run into them soon."