Chapter 780

My heart skipped a beat, and I blurted out, "Why would I want to see him? I'm done with him."

"He's divorced," Edward's tone grew agitated. "He couldn't even make it a year. Who's going to trust him with their precious daughter now?"

I was stunned. "Wait, you mean Ryan's still going to get pulled into marriage alliances?"

Edward replied calmly, "Unless Ryan's at the very top, families will keep trying to set him up with their daughters."

So Ryan's still the dream guy for all those rich girls, huh? As long as he's never short of women to marry, I've got nothing to worry about.

"The Chamberlain family was all over us before – how come they just up and agreed to the divorce?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Edward replied in a low voice, "That rising star in the Chamberlain family must've pissed off the wrong people. They teamed up and got him kicked to some dead-end position. He still has the status, but all the real power's gone."

I never really got all that political stuff, but if Edward said so, it meant the Chamberlain family couldn't keep Ryan on a leash anymore.

"Do you think Ryan was stirring up trouble behind the scenes? Is that why the Chamberlain family crashed and burned so fast?" I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

Edward's eyes flashed with surprise, then he let out a laugh. "Guess I really underestimated that kid. He's mastered all the tricks my dad used in politics."

"If he wants to survive in this game, he's got to know how to play by the rules," I said, thinking Ryan definitely needed some tricks up his sleeve if he wanted to stay on top.

"That's right. He's the heir the Jennings family has been grooming–his career can't afford any mistakes," Edward said, lowering his gaze to me. "Now that Ryan's divorced, if he comes to find you, would you meet him?"

My chest tightened with annoyance. Ryan had deliberately waited for me downstairs at the office today, knowing I'd cave under pressure and let him ride in my car. His scheming was getting even more sophisticated.

"I won't see him," I replied calmly.

"Really?" Edward asked.

I sat up in a flash, and the blanket slid down, baring my shoulders. Edward's gaze dropped, following the movement.

The view was more than enough to make his breath hitch, and he immediately reached out for me.

"If you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do," I said, about to get out of bed.

But Edward pulled me right back, so I was sprawled on top of the covers, pressed up against him. His hands started to wander, but his voice stayed soft. "Alright, I believe you. Don't be mad."

"I'm really not mad," I said, meeting his eyes.

"Can we go again?" he begged, his voice low and husky.

I played coy, but this time I took the lead – my request was simple: the blue ribbon went over his eyes instead. Seeing him like that was a whole new view for me.

Edward looked completely helpless against me, but honestly, I was having way too much fun with it.

The next morning…

Ryan actually drove over to the villa first thing in the morning. I was downstairs in my pajamas, eating breakfast, when he walked in, standing tall and looking sharp. When he saw me, his eyes sparkled with amusement, and he looked me up and down without a hint of restraint.

I quickly put down my half-eaten oatmeal, tidied up my pajamas, and headed upstairs.

On the stairs, Edward was coming down, dressed in suit pants and a crisp white shirt. He must've spotted Ryan's car from the second floor, which is why he came down.

"Why don't you go change first?" Edward said softly.

I nodded and hurried to my room.

When I came back downstairs, Edward and Ryan were still there on the sofa, having tea and talking.

"I'm heading to the office," I said, glancing at Ryan – since he was here, I really didn't feel like hanging around.