Chapter 211 The Goofy Ryland
“Renee!”
Hearing the shout, Renee looked up and saw Marvin across from her on another boat, with Jarrod and Sylvia by his side.
Her heart skipped. Sylvia? What was she doing here?
Sylvia’s expression was unreadable, her gaze steady and distant.
Renee decided not to dwell on it. She turned to Marvin instead. “Why are you here? Where’s your uncle?”
Marvin’s laughter carried a note of relief. Seeing Renee safe and sound lifted a weight off his chest. If something had happened to her, he knew he would’ve carried that guilt forever.
“I was worried about you! My uncle locked me up, or I would’ve had the ship turn back to find you sooner. As soon as I got off, I asked my brother for help to come back and rescue you. Renee, I’m so relieved you’re safe!”
Renee offered a genuine smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
She was certain Marvin had no idea about Shaun’s deeds. Still, their bond as uncle and nephew ran deep. If she was going to confront Shaun, staying friends with Marvin was impossible.
“Thanks, Mr. Doyle, really,” she said, her voice steady but distant.
- After that, she caught Jarrod’s gaze as he stood beside Marvin. Their eyes met, charged with unspoken tension. It was as if he’d read her mind. He gave a subtle nod and pulled his brother away, though Marvin looked like he wasn’t ready to leave.
“Jarrod! I’m not done talking to Renee,” Marvin protested, his tone sharp.
“Cut it out,” Jarrod shot back. “Didn’t you see her man getting jealous? Or are you not afraid of Mr. Mitchell now?”
At the mention of William, Marvin’s defiance faded. He clamped his mouth shut and backed down.
Sylvia glanced at William, catching something unreadable in his expression, and then quietly headed back to the cabin.
“When did Sylvia start hanging out with the Doyle brothers?” Ryland asked, curiosity sparking in his voice.
Renee’s voice was quiet. “She seems different now.”
Ryland’s brow furrowed as something clicked in his memory. He turned to Renee, studying her with newfound curiosity.
“Wait–why did that special forces guy seem awfully familiar with you? What’s going on here? And how did you get so impressive?”
Renee’s lips curled into a proud smile. “What are you even talking about? I’ve always been impressive, haven’t I?”
That much was true.
Ryland let out a light chuckle, relief softening his features. As long as Renee was okay, nothing else mattered.
Then Claude approached, his face set in rare seriousness.
Renee’s brow furrowed as she waited, wondering what he was about to say.
Ryland’s instincts kicked in–Claude’s serious look like that usually spelled trouble. Without hesitation, Ryland tugged at his sleeve, shooting him a pointed look.
“Claude, don’t,” he warned under his breath.
But Claude shrugged him off, stepping forward with a determined stance.
Ryland clenched his jaw, ready to lose it. But before he could, Claude did the last thing anyone expected. He bowed deeply, shoulders stiff with purpose.
Ryland’s eyes went wide, disbelief plastered across his face.
Renee blinked, equally stunned as she stared at Claude.
“Thank you, Ms. Carter,” Claude said solemnly, his voice steady.
Ryland was dumbfounded.
“What… what are you doing?” he stammered.
This was the last thing he’d expected.
Renee frowned, just as confused. Why was Claude doing this?
“Thank you for saving Ryland,” Claude said earnestly.
Ryland’s chest tightened, his usual bravado faltering.
Renee felt warmth bloom inside her, touched by how much Claude valued Ryland.
“It’s me who should be thanking you,” she said softly.
Claude straightened, his steady gaze fixed on her, waiting for her to continue.
“Thanks for putting up with how goofy Ryland is,” Renee said with a warm smile. “We grew up together–he’s like family. I’m glad you treat him so well. Really, thank you, Claude. And from now on, just call me Renee like he does.”
Ryland’s eyes welled up before he burst into tears. “Renee…”
The heartfelt moment shattered, leaving Renee both amused and
exasperated.
“See? He’s so goofy, and a crybaby! Yet you still don’t mind. I should be the one thanking you.”
Claude glanced at Ryland, his expression softening with genuine affection. “No, I don’t mind at all.”
