His response proved Madeline right.

She rushed up to him in infuriation. “Is there even a shred of conscientiousness within you, Ryan? Does tormenting the people around me bring you glee? Just what did I do to offend you?”

“Who said you offended me at all? In fact, I admire you a lot.” Ryan slowly got up, his lean figure and immense aura towering over Madeline’s petite frame.

“The only mistake you made was falling in love with Jeremy Whitman.” He took off his glasses, the dark swirls in his eyes becoming more evident without a layer in between. “It must feel horrible to lose the person who matters the most to you, huh? Then blame the Whitman family.”

Whitman family?

Madeline did not understand. She wanted to know more, but Ryan did not seem to have the intent to explain further.

He quirked the corner of his lips and stared at the sharp glint in Madeline’s eyes. All he wanted to do at that moment was to extinguish that light.

“You overheard my call in the study this mornin