Chapter 10: Only You Have the Right
“Riley, you made it! Come and have a seat.”
Peter greeted her warmly, pulling out a chair for her. Riley sat down, murmuring a thank He ruffled her hair.“Don’t be so formal.”
Menu
you.
Immediately, a cold gaze settled on him. He looked up to meet Liam’s icy stare. Peter shivered, withdrawing his hand.
Riley handed Peter the jacket.“Mr. Brown, thank you for last night.”
Peter glanced at Liam, taking it.“I just did what a gentleman does, haha.” He abruptly stood.“Uh, I need to
use the restroom. I really gotta go.” He left before Riley could react. An awkward silence filled the room. Riley stood.“Well, I’ve returned the jacket. I should…”
Before she could finish, Liam said, “Sit and eat.”
Riley shook her head.“No, I have plans.”
Liam said directly, “Do you have plans, or
do you not want to see me?”
Riley lowered her gaze. Liam sighed.“You haven’t changed at all. You ignore people when you’re mad at them.”
Riley bristled.“What’s that got to do with you?”
Riley realized she was being unreasonable.
Liam stood before her.“Are you still mad about me leaving five years ago?”
Riley interrupted.“Why would I be mad? I have no right to be.”
Liam ruffled her hair, his voice gentle.“Only you have the right.”
Riley didn’t know what to say.
“Okay, sit down and eat. I ordered your favorite squirrel fish.”
Riley remained standing, defiant.“I don’t like it anymore. I haven’t had it for a long time.” Liam paused.“Riley, how have you been all these years?”
“It’s in the past. I have things to do. I’m leaving.”
She turned to leave. Five years of longing, only to find it a deception. She didn’t know how to face Liam.
Meanwhile, in the lobby of the restaurant.
Jake was bored, half–heartedly engaging with the girl opposite him.
“Jake, I heard from your mother that you started working at your family’s company in your sophomore year.”
Jake replied, “My mom arranged it. I didn’t want to.”
Anna sensed his lack of interest and felt deflated. He was everything she wanted. She decided to be proactive.
new movie just came out. Shall we go see it tomorrow?”
Jake recalled Riley mentioning seeing a movie together, but at that time, he went with another
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Chapter 10: Only You Have the Right
girl, leaving Riley to wait. He saw her sitting patiently in the lobby, and then he went to a hotel with that girl and asked Riley to buy condoms.
He couldn’t quite remember Riley’s reaction, only that she’d been angry, Still, she did what he had asked her to do. She was obedient, and he knew she cared deeply for him. But the thought of her agreement with his mother angered him. He’d been cold–shouldering her for days, resulting in their breakup three weeks
ago. It was Unease set in. He regretted listening to his mother and agreeing to this ridiculous blind date. He the longest fight in three years. had no interest in Anna.
He couldn’t bear it anymore. He interrupted her, “Sorry, Miss Fowler, there’s a work emergency. I have to go back to the office.”
He didn’t wait for her reply and stood up.“I’ll pay…”
Then he saw Riley descending the stairs. He blinked, making sure he wasn’t seeing things. It was her.
He smirked, arrogant. She claimed to not care about him anymore, yet here she was. He’d teach her a lesson.
But then, a man approached Riley. Jake recognized him – Peter, the second son of the Brown family. Peter said something to Riley, then affectionately ruffled her hair. This infuriated Jake. Ignoring Anna, he marched towards Riley. He heard Peter say, “Don’t be mad at me. Liam insisted on coming.”
They were already this close? Excellent.
Jake was furious. He couldn’t control his temper, launching into a sarcastic tirade “So that’s why you broke up with me so cleanly. You found someone else.” Riley glanced at him, then looked away.
Peter looked down at Jake, putting an arm around Riley.“Jake, you think Riley’s a pushover, huh? Jake’s eyes narrowed, fixing on Peter’s arm around Riley.“Peter, don’t be fooled by this woman. She’s only after your money.”
Peter was surprised, looking at Riley adoringly.“Riley, is that true? I have plenty of money. Come and cheat me out of my money.”
Riley’s mouth twitched. This guy was an idiot. She dismissively removed his
Jake gritted his teeth. This was ridiculous.
Before Jake could speak, Peter boldly said, “Riley, I’m different from those stingy jerks. He provocatively glanced at Jake.
Riley responded dismissively. “Yes, yes, you’re different. I’ve gotta go. See you next time.” Ignoring Jake, she walked towards the exit. Jake’s face darkened. She’d gotten bold. He glared at Peter and chased after her.
Peter watched Jake go, thinking. Something must have happened between the two of them.
