Chapter 793

Just now, as I looked back on my life since coming back, I realized that the real reason I was reborn was to live a long, meaningful life–one with both quality and quantity, and to enjoy a peaceful old age. It wasn’t about chasing after some fake, fleeting romance.

Especially now, this new business venture had given me fresh hope. My streaming career hadn’t taken off yet, but thanks to the booming economy, the homestay and restaurant businesses were already bringing in real profits.

I knew the economy would start to slump after 2021. So if I hustled and made a pile now, then cashed out at the peak, wouldn’t I be able to live however I wanted?

“Vic, are you finally breaking up with Uncle Ryan?” Ryan totally got the wrong idea.

He thought I was leaving Edward just to be with him. Sometimes, this guy was so innocent when it came to love–it was almost too easy to fool him.

“Yeah,” I replied. I really needed to end this tangled mess. Edward was a good man and had helped me a lot, but if being with me would drag his career and the Jennings family into trouble, then this relationship just wasn’t allowed to exist.

It wasn’t about what I wanted or what was right. I simply had no choice.

Ryan’s eyes glimmered with a teasing smile. “So, how are you going to break it to Uncle Ryan? I know what he’s like–if he’s into someone, he’s not the type to let go easily.”

“Do you really think either of us gets a say in this?” I sneered, looking at Ryan. “You said it yourself–the Jennings family is facing bigger problems, and his career’s a mess. Neither of us really has a choice, do we?”

Ryan was momentarily stunned. “I just don’t want you to get dragged into this mess and end up hurt.”

“Thanks, I know you mean well. I don’t blame you. If anyone’s at fault, it’s me for choosing such a hard road from the very beginning,” I added with a self-deprecating laugh.

“Vic, why don’t you blame me?” Ryan took two steps closer, his face unreadable. “If anyone deserves your blame, it’s me. All this happened because of me.”

“No, I don’t see it as something bad that happened to me. It’s not a disaster–it’s just part of growing up and gaining experience. You’re a good guy, and so is Edward. Both of you have helped me and taught me a lot. The way I look at things now, it’s all thanks to what I’ve been through.” I shook my head. Honestly, I haven’t really lost anything. If anything, I’ve gained so much more. As for the stuff between men and women, we all enjoyed ourselves–how could that be called a loss?

Ryan looked at me, his eyes a little dazed and conflicted. “Vic, you really don’t hate me or Uncle Ryan? We never promised you anything, and we didn’t give you a happy ending. You used to want to marry him so much, and I ruined it for you. I admit it—I was selfish, maybe even a little spiteful. I’m not exactly a good person.”

“That’s just how people are,” I said, my eyes drifting to the crystal chandelier above, lost in thought. “At least I’m only twenty-seven, not fifty-four. That’s something to be grateful for.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t get it,” Ryan said, looking genuinely puzzled.

I glanced at him and gave a small, tight-lipped smile. “If you don’t get it, that’s fine. It’s just something personal I’ve been reflecting on.”

Ryan turned and grabbed a first-aid kit. “Since you seem calm now, go ahead and take care of that wound.”

“I can handle it myself,” I said, reaching for the antiseptic and cotton swabs he was holding.

Ryan stood nearby, watching me. “Are you really not leaving?”

“If I stay here and Edward finds out, what do you think he’ll do?” I looked up at Ryan. “Was this your plan all along–to keep me here so he can’t find me? Or maybe you just wanted him to know I spent two whole days and nights with you, just to mess with him and make him jealous?”

Ryan didn’t even flinch. “Yeah, I just wanted Uncle Ryan to know how betrayal feels.”

“Looks like I can’t win, no matter what I do,” I said with a self-deprecating laugh.

“Vic, if Uncle Ryan asks, just say I forced you to stay. You won’t be the bad guy–let me be the one who takes the blame.” Ryan sat down next to me, staring up at the ceiling. “After all this, my relationship with Uncle Ryan…”

I didn’t want to hear the rest. Right now, I felt like I was the one to blame for everything.