This was the first time Frank showed such an expression.


    It was hard to say if it was nervousness, excitement, or anxiety...


    In any case, it waspletely different from his usual rebellious demeanor.


    At that moment, it felt as if I saw a glimpse of the old Ryan in him.


    Suddenly, I became even moreposed, almost cold-hearted, suppressing all the emotions that almost burst forth, and turned decisively.


    "Yeah, go on."


    Before Frank could hang up the phone, he stepped forward, wrapped me in his arms with one hand, and no matter how much I struggled, he held me tightly.


    On the other end of the line, there were a few more words exchanged. He then said calmly, "Be more careful and don''t let anyone lead you astray. I''lle over after I finishforting someone."


    With that, he ended the call, shoved his phone into his pocket, and squeezed my face with hisrge hand, deforming it. He looked at me with a hint of grievance. "Why are you running away? Didn''t you hear what! just said?"


    "Let me go."


    "Ahem." Perhaps my expression, with him pinching my cheeks, looked somewhatical. He chuckled and, ignoring me, pinched my cheeks again. "Answer me first. If I''m satisfied with your answer, then I''ll let go."


    I pped his hand away, forcing him to release me, then gently pressed my lips together, suppressing the bitterness. "Frank... Mr. Smith, I''m not like you. I don''t want to y games, and I can''t afford to." "y games?" Frank''s expression changed slightly, and he clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction. "Do you think I''m just ying around with you?"


    "Isn''t that so?"


    Snowkes were falling softly. I shivered and hunched my shoulders. "Just like you said, if there''s no news about Miss Shaw in the next two days, you won''t wait anymore. But there''s news now, right? Yet you''re still asking me the same questions. Do you think I''m the backup, or is she?"


    In this context, the backup was obviously me.


    These past few days, both my grandmother and Megan have said a lot to me, and I almost took it seriously. But at that moment, with rity, I looked at the arrogant man before me.


    With his conditions, countless wealthy and beautiful young women would flock to him. It wouldn''t be my turn even in 100 years.


    The gap between us is even greater than it was with Ryan.


    Frank, smelling of alcohol but with an exceptionally clear gaze, pulled at his lips and spoke with his usual indifference, "Do you think I''m Ryan?"


    "I don''t know."


    It was too cold. I sniffled, tightened my down coat, and kicked a pebble, speaking softly, "I only know that you''re a man and you also have a dream girl."


    I was just a substitute.


    Above me, Frank fell silent for à moment. Then, he smiled dismissively and said, "Is it possible that I prefer someone from reality?"


    I paused, instinctively looking up. "Huh?"


    "Oh my god." He flicked my forehead, shoved the night snack into my hand, and said, "I can''t promise much, but Charlotte, I am definitely not Ryan. Alright, go inside.


    "I don''t need your promises."


    I heard too many promises.


    I no longer believed in such intangible and unreal things.


    A promise might be sincere at the moment it was made, just like a fruit that was ripe and sweet the instant it fell.


    But over time, maybe just a few days, rain and sunshine could make it rot and stink.


    The next day was New Year''s Eve.


    The Shaw family''s residence was filled with festive cheer, decorations hanging high and various paper cuttings on the windows. The housekeeper was busy directing servants to decorate the house.N?velDrama.Org content.


    It was very lively and celebratory.


    As soon as I came downstairs, Madam Shaw, in high spirits, waved at me. "Charlotte,e quick. Have some roast chicken." Madam Shaw treated me very well. Sometimes, I couldn''t help but be in a daze.


    It felt as if I had a grandmother of my own.