Chapter 99 Win You Back
Orlando and his wife, now realizing the gravity of their earlier actions, were deeply regretful. What began as a simple squabble between two children had spiraled into a dangerous confrontation. Orlando’s mind raced with concern over whether his position as Chief Inspector would remain intact after this disaster.
With Ryder’s team now handling the situation, Renee decided to leave the aftermath to them and focused on getting Ryland to the hospital.
Ryland winced in pain, clutching his stomach as he grimaced. He handed the car keys to Renee, suggesting she drive. Meanwhile, Felix, still shaken by the events, had been exhausted and fallen asleep in Renee’s arms, his tiny hands clutching her clothes with
a tight grip.
“Hey, let me drive you,” Derek offered, his voice sincere.
Before Renee could respond, William stepped forward, his tone firm and commanding. “Thank you, but there’s no need.”
Derek hesitated, his expression faltering. “But…”
Renee, aware of the delicate dynamics between her and William, politely declined
Derek’s offer.
“Thank you, Mr. Garza. You must have things to manage here. We’ll handle it from
here.”
The group got into William’s car. After leaving the army, he had switched from his usual jeep to a sleek sedan. With Felix still in her arms, Renee settled into the backseat, while Ryland took the front passenger seat.
Sitting next to William, Ryland couldn’t shake off the nervous tension in his chest. The silence between him and William felt like an impenetrable wall. He didn’t dare speak a word, knowing their last exchange had been anything but amicable.
Renee, too, kept her silence. There was nothing left to say between her and William. She didn’t want to speak to him at all, and he, sensing her distance, was careful not to upset her further.
“Felix called me,” William said softly, breaking the silence. “How about I find someone to take care of you both? After today… I think it’s the least I can do.”
“No need,” Renee cut him off, her voice icy. “I can’t trust anyone from the Mitchell family,” she added, her words leaving no room for argument.
Continuing the conversation would only deepen the rift, so William remained silent.
They arrived at the hospital, and after a series of tests, it was determined that Ryland’s injuries weren’t as severe as they seemed. He got his wounds treated and picked up his medication, and as they exited, he noticed William still waiting at the hospital entrance.
Ryland was taken aback. Leaning toward Renee, he whispered, “Renee, your ex- husband’s acting different. When did he ever wait around like this? Do you think he’s trying to win you back?”
Renee scoffed, her voice dismissive. “What does that have to do with me?”
Ryland, who had seen how much Renee had once cared for William, couldn’t help but get a bit carried away. “Well, look at that! He’s finally showing some interest in you. Aren’t you even a little tempted?”
“No,” she responded, her tone firm and unyielding. She glared at Ryland, making it clear that this wasn’t a topic for debate. “Don’t ever suggest we get back together. It’s impossible. The only way I might even consider it is if he personally locks Esme away in
prison.”
Ryland was taken aback. He knew Renee and Esme had never seen eye to eye, but the idea of putting Esme in jail still seemed… extreme.
Meanwhile, Renee’s voice dropped to a chilling tone as she said, “Do you know who hit Felix? It was Esme.” Renee’s voice turned icy, her eyes hardening. “Do you really think I’d let her walk away without consequences?”
“What?! It was her?!” Ryland’s eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth hanging open. “How could she…?”
Renee let out a sharp, cold laugh, her gaze unwavering. “So, do you still think there’s any chance of me fixing things with William?”