Chapter 445
My gaze followed her finger.
The man sat hunched slightly in his chair, hood pulled up, arms crossed tightly over his chest. Reese sat beside him, speaking animatedly but Alex didn’t look like he was listening at all,
“That’s… Rhys?” I swallowed. “He looks angry,” I added quietly.
Ramsey and Riley laughed.
“He’s not angry,” Riley said. “At least he wasn’t before you and Reese arrived. He’s just hurt p>
“Hurt?” I echoed.
“Reese left for Philadelphia without telling him,” she explained. “Didn’t call. Didn’t say goodbye p>
Ramsey nodded. “They’re thick as thieves. Closest of the lot. He loves Reese a whole lot p>
“Oh,” I said softly. “I really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover p>
“You really shouldn’t,” Ramsey said gravely. “That’s bad p>
Before I could respond, the doors swung open. And every voice died instantly.
“Oh boy,” Riley whispered, shoving her phone and headphones away from the table. “Here comes the big boss. ”
My gaze drifted instinctively to River.
She was already fixing her hair, smoothing her dress, sitting straighter than she had all night.
Then he entered. The General. Reginald Blackwood.
He walked in with Cassandra at his side, followed by at least half a dozen men.
suits.
Bodyguards. All of them intimidating. All dressed in black
All except one.
He wore a fitted black shirt and black trousers. No jacket. No tie. And he looked… familiar. Uncomfortably familiar. He took his place directly behind the General, expression blank, posture rigid, holding a tablet to his chest.
One of the guards behind Reginald was a young, tough looking guy with bulging biceps and the overall build of a soldier. I could bet he was definitely a man in uniform.
1/3
9:58 Tue, Jan 13
Chapter 445
1923
Three guards stood by the door. One stood by the right behind Reese. The other stood behind us on the left behind Rosalie,
Why does Reginald need this many guards? I wondered. For a family dinner? You don’t feel safe enough to have dinner alone with your
own kids? That’s so weird.
As if on cue, everyone stood. Everyone. Including Reese. I was the only one still seated.
The room went still as every gaze turned toward me. Including the General’s. Including the man in a black shirt. Looking at him, he looked like… Roman? Reginald? I don’t know.
He had the same dark hair. The same sharp jawline. The same eyes. Only difference–he wore glasses.
Ramsey leaned toward me and whispered urgently, “Ma’am, you might want to stand p>
Heat crawled up my neck as I stood slowly.
Satisfied, the General moved to his seat at the head of the table, unhurried, taking his time. Only when he sat did everyone else follow.
Cassandra took the seat to his right. River beside her. The man in black sat next to Reese. My mind raced.
Why does he look so familiar?
The silence stretched painfully. Then Reginald cleared his throat.
“Randall has an important task to handle,” he said evenly. “But he will be present for breakfast in the morning when Hudson takes over
the cameras. ”
Who is Hudson? That doesn’t ring a bell. And I’m certain it isn’t one of the Blackwoods because that name doesn’t start with their favourite letter R.
The room remained deathly quiet.
“And speaking of important tasks,” he continued, “Ryan here has been tasked with managing Roman’s companies. His businesses. Investments. Contracts. Partnerships. General affairs. In his absence p>
The world tilted.
Ryan. Gerald. Emily’s father. All one and the same.
This was the man who lied about who he was. The man who impregnated my sister under a false name. The man who kept his wife barren while hiding the truth.
Evil.
2/3
9.50 Tue, Jan 13
Chapter 445
I didn‘! 1 were at To 12, fie was the worst of them all.
My este trapped to tum. Its was already Tanking at me. And that look… It wasn’t friendly at all. It was challenging, in a way.
Ryan fist proven himself time and time again,” Reginald went on. “In business. And to the family p>
My fingers curled into fists beneath the table. I raised my hand.
The tom froze.
“Do you have something to say, Miss Hart p>
I stood. “Yes,” I said calmly.
Rosalie snickered. “Here comes drama p>
I didn’t look at her.
“I have something to say,” I continued. “About Ryan p>
Comments
5 3
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.