In an instant, Carrie''s heart started racing, and she quickly shriveled into a trembling ball. Her initial rosyplexion suddenly turned pale, like a startled bird perched unsteadily on a branch. She bit her lip, subconsciously letting go of Ryan''s hand.


    Ryan''s breath caught, and he tightened his grip on her hand until it felt like her fingers were losing blood cirction.


    "What''s wrong with being with me? Does it concern you?" Ryan raised his brows, ring coldly at Bethany''s cocky face. "Ms. Bethany, I never realized that you were so old-fashioned. It''s quite contrary to your usual style."


    Bethany''s heart pounded violently, and her face turned pale. "W-What nonsense are you talking about?!"


    "Am I spouting nonsense? Once we leave Tideview Manor, all we have to do is ask someone in Savrow''s high society about your reputation, and everything will be crystal clear."N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    Ryan''s sly grin slowly spread across his lips. "I have several friends around me who have yed with you before. If you''ve forgotten, I can remind you who they are. I bet Chairman Salvador knows them too."


    Gregory rubbed his temples, his eyes filled with hidden frustration, as he red at his rebellious daughter.


    "Dad... That''s not true. He''s lying! He''s bullying me!"


    Bethany''s forehead broke out in a cold sweat, and she almost lost her bnce, nearly falling down the stairs.


    She used to be caught up in wild parties, hanging out at hotspots like the VIP section of the host clubs. This earned her a notorious reputation as a slut in the upper circles of Savrow. Her reputation had been damaged for quite some time because of her behavior.


    Bethany had always presented herself as an innocent and obedient girl in front of Gregory. But now, Ryan had exposed the facade she had painstakingly built over the years, leaving her in a state of panic. Gregory did not have time to deal with Bethany at the moment. Instead, he redirected his attention to his youngest daughter. "Carrie,e here."


    His words were brief, but they conveyed great power.


    "Dad..." Carrie''s voice was soft and weak, and her feet were hesitant to move forward.


    Gregory''s gaze darkened, his tone stern and unwavering. "Come here."


    "Chairman Salvador, I''m here to talk about something really important," Ryan said with an intense gaze in his eyes.


    "Mr. Hoffman, whatever you have to


    say, say it here," Gregory said with a


    Yel


    condescending look, not even bothering to offer him a seat. "But you''d better make it short and simple. Don''t dy our family dinner."


    His attitude had gone beyond ignoring Ryan to outright scorn.


    Bethany hid behind her father, smirking quietly, feeling a release of pent-up frustration.


    At the Reeds'' party, Ryan


    embarrassed Gregory in front of everyone to defend Be, clearly drawing a line between himself and the entire Salvador family. This incident had spread widely among Savrow''s social circles.


    Men valued their pride above all else. Gregory had been humiliated by


    Ryan before, so it felt like kan ne


    when Ryan ended up being


    humiliated as well.


    "Chairman Salvador, I am here to officially ask for Carrie''s hand in marriage."