Chapter 729

I looked at Edward, confused. When he said, "the one you love," I was honestly taken aback.

"But do you even know what it means to love someone?" I teased him with a smile.

Edward, tall and lean, lounged lazily on the sofa, looking completely at ease as he listened to my question.

He tipped his head back a little, his Adam's apple bobbing in a way that was oddly attractive.

"Growing together, weathering the storms, living life side by side, and growing old together," Edward replied simply.

I stared at Edward, my eyes flickering with surprise. I honestly hadn't expected him to grasp the true meaning behind loving someone.

‘So he actually gets it,’ I thought, a little stunned.

"It’s not just about me loving you–you have to love me back too. Otherwise, it’s just one-sided, wishful thinking. That’s not what being in love means," Edward said, suddenly sounding serious.

I pressed my lips together, trying to hide a little laugh. "Well, that’s pretty much how I see it too."

Edward gazed at me, his eyes tinged with a kind of wistful resentment. After a long pause, he said, "I suspect Ryan and Fiona have struck some sort of mutually beneficial arrangement."

"What do you mean?" I asked, surprised.

Edward let out a self-deprecating laugh. "Ryan’s got more backbone than I do when it comes to pushing back against all this."

I frowned, not quite following what he meant.

Edward’s gaze grew complicated. "Fiona Chamberlain’s been moving up at work lately. No doubt Ryan’s been helping her out behind the scenes."

I shrugged. "They’re married now, basically a team with shared interests. Miss Chamberlain getting promoted is pretty much expected."

"Yeah, but the Chamberlain family only just got their big break, and they almost got investigated right after. Their position is shaky, far from secure. Ryan probably only realized after the wedding that the Chamberlains had tied themselves to the Jennings family, using us as their pillar," Edward said, his eyes darkening. "At first, everyone kept their cards hidden, thinking the other side was holding all the trump cards. But once the cards were revealed, the Chamberlains have been laying low ever since."

I was starting to get the picture. This marriage alliance was nowhere near as flawless as everyone thought.

"Let’s not talk about this anymore. It doesn’t really have anything to do with me," I said quietly, trying to change the subject.

"No, it has everything to do with you!" Edward shot back, getting up from the sofa and heading out to the balcony. Sunlight spilled over him as he crossed his arms, staring down at the street. "Ryan’s definitely taking advantage of the Chamberlains‘ shaky position, using it as a bargaining chip."

My heart skipped a beat. Ryan’s scheming and dark calculations were way beyond what you’d expect from someone his age. ‘Has the Chamberlain family already become a tool for Ryan? And where does that leave Fiona?’ I wondered.

‘I couldn’t help but wonder if there’s something else behind Fiona’s sudden promotion,’ I thought.

"My mom’s coming to Hachester tomorrow. Want to grab lunch together?" Edward turned to look at me, his face half-hidden in the shadows, sunlight making his eyes hard to read.

I’m still a bit sensitive about meeting someone’s parents.

"Edward, is it really necessary? I’m just not sure…" I hesitated.

"If it feels like too much pressure, just treat it like you’re hanging out with a friend. Just come have lunch and chat with my mom," Edward said, noticing my hesitation. He didn’t get upset or try to force me, just asked softly.

"Alright," I said, honestly a little curious. I kind of wanted to meet the woman who managed to raise someone as considerate as Edward.

When I agreed, Edward visibly relaxed.

"Don’t you have anything else to do today?" I asked, remembering how busy he usually was with work.

Edward smiled. "My dad’s former mentor lives in this area. I’m going to pay him a visit."

"Are you heading over now?" I asked.

Edward checked the time. "We’re meeting at three this afternoon, and I might have dinner with him later."

I glanced at the clock. It was about time for him to head out.

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and his bodyguard brought in a fresh set of clothes.

Once Edward changed into the casual outfit, he looked a lot younger–way more relaxed and approachable than when he was all buttoned up in his usual business suit.

"You’re not still running a fever, are you?" I asked, concerned.

Edward shook his head. "I’m fine now. Don’t worry."