I


    In addition to the scandal involving Jessica and John, Ryan had to be cautious. Any small misstep could lead to countless people taking advantage of his vulnerability. When Madam Shaw criticized him, Ryan probably had to endure it.


    Unexpectedly, he didn''t show the slightest difort. His expression remained inscrutable as he said calmly, "I''ll prove to you if I''m qualified or not."


    "Grandma." Bethany was overjoyed. "Just listen to him, aren''t you satisfied now...


    "To you, he''s naturally qualified, and there''s no need to prove anything."


    Madam Shaw sat with perfect posture, her demeanor impable, "As long as you and your mother are satisfied."


    The first part was a rejection, but now she agreed without hesitation.


    Bethany was bewildered. "What do you mean..."


    "If he were to be a husband for Lily, he would fall short! Madam Shaw looked at her steadily. "For you, he''s more than enough."


    Her tone was calm,cking any hint of disdain.


    But it was like a massive p to the face,nding heavily.


    "You always think I''m inferior whenpared to her! How can you be like this, Grandma?"


    Bethany was humiliated in front of Ryan. Her face turned bright red, and she abruptly stood up and ran out, heading toward her courtyard.


    In her anger, she even forgot about Ryan.


    Ryan''s dark eyes swept over me, revealing restrained and somber emotions, but he said nothing in front of Madam Shaw.


    Madam Shaw patted my hand gently. "Charlotte, go have some breakfast. The restaurant is to the right after you go out of here. If you can''t find where it is, ask a servant." "Alright." It was clear she wanted to speak with Ryan privately.


    I pretended not to notice Ryan''s gaze and went outside.


    As I passed by the window, I vaguely heard a voice.


    "With no one else around, Mr. Frost, please be honest. What does the Shaw family gain from this marriage?"


    I instinctively stopped.


    I thought it would be a matter of mutual benefit.


    Then, I heard Ryan''s calm voice. "That''s not true, Madam Shaw. We''re together because we have feelings for each other."


    "Feelings for each other."


    +25 BC


    I lowered my gaze. After being married to him for over three years, I had never seen him show any affection. Yet, he had only known Bethany for a short time and already had feelings. Love really was a product of a moment.


    Madam Shaw sighed. "You and your grandfather are nothing alike."


    "You... knew my grandfather?"


    "Now, can you be honest with an olddy like me?"


    Ryan was silent for a long time. His voice, tinged with bitterness, finally spoke, "I have things I want to protect..."


    Suddenly, a handnded on my shoulder.


    I jumped in surprise and turned to see Frank cocking his brows. "Charlotte, do you have a habit of eavesdropping?*


    "WTF?"C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    I red at him in annoyance and whispered, "Did you install surveince on me or something?"


    What kind of curse was this?


    Whether I was peeking or eavesdropping, he would always appear whenever something rted to sneaking" was involved.


    It was faster than the police catching a thief.


    Frank tilted his chin toward the room, a smirk ying on his lips. "You''ve already got the divorce certificate, yet you''re still so obsessed?"


    "Who''s obsessed?"


    I shot him a sidelong nce and headed towards the restaurant.


    I was just curious.


    Curious about what made me lose so utterly.


    Frank didn''t follow, only dragging his tone as he said, "You really are a pair of ill-fated lovers."