“And I’m glad you have your business, Cora. I truly am. But?—”
“But what?” I say, anger flaring. “You think I’m just playing at being an adult? This is my life, my passion. I work hard every day to succeed on my own merit.”
Dad sighs, running a hand through his silver hair. “Without my support, you’d have nothing. No roof over your head, no startup capital for your business. If I ask for my money back, where will you be?”
His words hit me like a physical blow. “I can’t believe you said that. You know my business is growing and that it takes time. Maybe I’m not making millions yet, but I’ll get there. I thought you supported me.”
Ryder places a steadying hand on my arm. “It’s not worth it,” he murmurs. “Don’t burn bridges for me.”
Dad nods at Ryder’s words. “At least he understands what’s at stake. If you show your face here again,” he says to Ryder, “I’ll make sure Mercer’s company crumbles. I have the power to do that, and I’ll use it to protect my daughter.”
“Stop!” I burst out, tears stinging my eyes. “Is money allyou care about? Is that all I am to you? An investment to be protected?”
Dad’s face softens, pain evident in his eyes. “Everything I’ve done, my whole life, has been for you and your brothers. Is that what you think? That all I care about is money?”
I turn away, unable to face the hurt in his eyes. Memories of lonely nights and missed birthdays flood my mind. “Maybe it would have been better to be poor with a father who was actually there for me after Mom died.”
The silence that follows is deafening. When Dad speaks again, his voice is tight with emotion. “Alright. If this is how you want it, you need to decide now. If he stays, I’m leaving. And everything comes with me.”
Ryder meets my gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and resignation. “I can’t let you do this,” he says. “I won’t be the reason you lose everything.”
“Ryder, no,” I plead, reaching for him. But he steps back, maintaining the distance between us.
His phone rings, shattering the tense silence. Ryder glances at the screen, his jaw tightening. Without a word, he walks out to the front porch. I follow, my heart pounding.
“Yes, it’s all true,” Ryder says into the phone. “I’m not apologizing, Mercer.”
Of course. Dad already called Storm Security.
There’s a pause as Ryder listens. Then, “I love her.” He turns to me, his eyes conveying everything words can’t express.
“If you need to fire me to save the company, do it. Do what you have to do.” He hangs up, his face a mask of conflicting emotions.
“Ryder,” I whisper, “what’s going to happen?”
He shakes his head, looking lost. “I’m not sure. But Mercer’s furious, and that’s never good for anyone.”
“Shit. I can talk to him. I can explain,” I say, grasping at straws, my voice trembling with desperation.
“No.” Ryder’s voice is firm, a steel wall I can’t penetrate. His eyes, usually so warm, are now hard and unyielding. “You stay out of this. You did nothing wrong. This was my choice. I knew there would be consequences.”
“It wasn’t just your choice. We’re both in this relationship.” I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms. “I caused this mess. Let me try to fix it.”
“No. Don’t interfere. You hear me? Just don’t.” His eyes bore into mine, intense and uncompromising. I drown in their depths, lost in the storm of emotions swirling within them.
I swallow hard, fear clawing at my throat. “What happens now?”
Ryder’s jaw tightens, a muscle ticking in his cheek. “He’s going to send a replacement, as per your father’s request.”
“No.” The word comes out as a strangled cry. “I don’t want a replacement. I want you.” My voice cracks, desperation seeping through every syllable.
“He’s right.” Ryder’s voice is low, filled with self-loathing. His shoulders slump, the weight of his perceived failure visible in every line of his body. “I crossed a line. You’re not safe with me. I’m not objective anymore. It’s rule number one in being a bodyguard, don’t get emotionally involved. I might miss things.”
“I’m safest with you,” I insist, reaching for him. “I trust you. I don’t want someone else.”
“It’ll be okay, Cora.” His use of my real name hurts. “Do what your father wants. Don’t complicate things because of me.”
I step closer, my hand reaching for his face, desperate toreconnect. He takes a step back, and the distance between us feels like a chasm.
