Chapter 222 They Are A
Perfect Match
Upon hearing Laurie address Renee as her sister–in–law, Esme’s expression soured.
With a smirk that didn’t reach her eyes, she said, “Laurie, you’re still young and too trusting. Sometimes you need to be more careful about the people around you. You never really know one’s true colors.”
“What?” Laurie blinked, confusion flickering across her face. “What do you mean by that?”
Renee let out a soft chuckle, her expression unreadable. “Mrs. Mitchell is just giving you a friendly warning about keeping your distance from bad people.”
Laurie frowned. “Bad people? Who?”
Before she could press further, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. William approached, and a flicker of discomfort instantly passed over Laurie’s face. She glanced at Esme, offering a small, uncertain smile. “Even though William and I didn’t end up getting married–and I know his last–minute change of heart upset you–does that really make it okay to call your own son a bad person?”
Renee looked surprised.
Esme’s expression darkened. “That’s not what I meant—”
Renee met Esme’s gaze, waiting, as if daring her to say her name. But Esme hesitated, likely remembering Renee’s connection to Ryder.
Before the silence could stretch further, William strode up, his voice calm
but firm. “Nene, let’s go.”
He didn’t even glance at Esme.
Her frustration shifted in an instant. She turned on him, her tone ice–cold. “William, you and Laurie are the center of celebration today. How can you just walk away from your own guests?”
William finally turned to her, his expression unreadable, but the tension in his gaze was unmistakable. “Mom, the real hosts today are you and Dad. You invited these guests–I had no idea this was even happening.”
Esme stiffened at his thinly veiled accusation.
Ignoring her reaction, he took Renee’s hand and turned toward Laurie. “Laurie, we’re heading out. You should take my wife shopping sometime- I think you two would get along.”
Laurie’s face lit up. “Really? I’d love that!”
Renee smiled warmly. “Me too! Laurie, let’s plan something soon.”
With fingers intertwined, William and Renee walked out of the banquet hall, their effortless elegance drawing the attention of nearly every guest.
They really did make a striking pair.
“They’re such a perfect match.”
“You can just tell when a couple is real!”
Amidst the murmurs of admiration and envious glances, no one noticed the way Ryder’s eyes dimmed ever so slightly.
The Chadwick family members made quiet efforts to stay in his good graces, and the other guests followed their lead, offering him warm smiles and polite conversation.
To them, Ryder was the picture of composure–poised, distinguished, unreadable. But beneath the surface, disappointment settled deep in his
chest.
His thoughts trailed after Renee, replaying the way William had taken her hand so effortlessly, the quiet certainty in that gesture.
Ryder had always prided himself on his self–control, on his respect for all her choices. Yet, just moments ago, all he had wanted was to pry those interlocked fingers apart and snatch Renee from William’s grip.
His pride in his self–control lay miserably in ruins.
Without a word, he pushed back his chair and stood abruptly.
Beside him, Austen flinched before quickly rising to his feet as well. “Ryder, what’s wrong?”
Despite being the elder, there was an undeniable deference in his tone when talking to his nephew.
“I have something to take care of. I’m leaving,” Ryder said, his voice clipped.
Austen hesitated, watching him closely. “Are you staying in Tofral for a few more days? I can arrange things for you during your stay.”
“No need,” Ryder replied, already turning away. “I’m leaving tonight.”
After a few steps, he stopped short, something clicking in his mind. He turned back to Austen. “Renee is… kind of my student. Look after her for
me if you can.”
It wasn’t until Ryder had disappeared down the path that Austen put the pieces together—Ryder did care so much about Renee.
