Chapter 693

Edward looked conflicted, not answering the call. In a low voice, he said, “He might know something.”

“Then go talk to him,” she suggested. If you can’t avoid it, just face it, she thought.

Edward nodded, picked up his phone, and walked out of the restaurant.

I leaned back in my chair, gazing up at the endless stars, hoping Ryan wouldn’t take it too hard.

He was already married to a gentle, loving wife, and his career was going smoothly. His grandfather surely hoped he’d have a smooth path in politics and keep climbing the ladder. The Chamberlain family must have given him plenty of support, too. All Ryan had to do now was follow the elders’ plans and keep moving forward, step by step.

As for love…

In families like this, it was never really that important anyway.

More than ten minutes passed, and Edward still hadn’t returned.

My peace was suddenly disturbed, and before I knew it, I found myself getting up and heading outside.

As soon as I reached the door, I heard Edward’s voice, low and serious. “You’ve been broken up for almost six months. Are you still trying to control her life?”

“Keeping your own family stable is what really matters for all of us. Ryan, you should know where your priorities lie,” he continued.

“No point in obsessing over who started it…”

Edward seemed to notice me standing by the door and cut himself off. “I’m hanging up. We’ll talk face to face.”

With that, he ended the call.

I stood frozen by the door as he walked over, reaching out to gently touch my hair. “Let’s go back and eat a little more.”

“I can’t,” I said, just not in the mood. It just feels like something’s really wrong, I thought.

Seeing how troubled I was, Edward finally came clean. “Ryan’s pissed off.”

“Why is he mad?” I asked, genuinely surprised.

“He doesn’t love Fiona Chamberlain,” Edward said, locking eyes with me. “He’s always been stubborn. Once he sets his mind on something, nothing can make him budge.”

My chest tightened. Having spent time with Ryan, I knew all too well–when he set his mind on something, he could really dig his heels in.

“Then what should we do?” I asked, a hint of worry flickering across my face.

Edward let out a low chuckle. “Honestly, I thought you’d break up with me and walk away on the spot.”

My eyes went wide in surprise.

There was a gentle warmth in his gaze. “It means a lot to me that you’re willing to stick with me and figure this out together.”

Is he seriously getting all sentimental at a time like this? I thought.

“Edward, this is serious. What if Ryan kicks up a fuss? How would we handle it?” I asked, my tone grave and earnest.

But Edward remained perfectly composed. “He won’t dare.”

“Why are you so sure?” I asked, my eyes widening in disbelief.

“Because someone already served as a warning for him, and he won’t make the same mistake twice,” Edward said, his gaze turning icy. “I’m living proof of that.”

“When I found out about the arranged marriage, I bolted. First to Highland, hiding out there, then off to Iceland. I felt like the world was closing in on me, like my whole life was about to be taken over. But I didn’t get far–my mom’s relatives started getting threatened at work, some were fired, some forced to resign… their shares were taken away. Everything I’d ever gotten from the family was about to be snatched away in a heartbeat.”

I stared at him, shaken, seeing Edward like a wounded wolf, pain and defeat swirling in his eyes.

“After everything that happened, you still dare to be with me?” I blurted out, suddenly realizing Edward was really tempting fate, dancing right on the edge of disaster.

“No, things are different now,” Edward said, gripping my shoulders. “I’ve got control of the company, and my dad’s getting old. That marriage back then? It was just a business move to restructure things. Now, both my ex-wife’s family and mine have locked down our places in the business world. Divorce was bound to happen, and I’m strong enough to stand my ground now. When I came back, I told my dad straight up: the woman I marry is my choice. He said yes. And you know my dad–once he promises something, not even he can take it back.”

I stared at him, eyes wide and a little dazed, just taking in how sure of himself he looked. It must be something else, being able to run your own life, I thought.