chapter 3
Fifteen minutes later, Rylee and Finley returned one after the other.
The two kept about a meter of social distance, as if they were just coincidentally heading the same way.
Who would have thought that just moments ago, they were privately discussing how to have a love child?
Seeing me talking with Gideon and Bailey, a trace of jealousy flashed across Finley's face, but it quickly disappeared, replaced by a sorrowful and aggrieved expression.
He humbly said, "Dad, Mom, I'm sorry I haven't helped you prepare for the banquet these past few days."
"I made a joke earlier that upset Ivan, and I've been too scared to come home."
Gideon, expressionless, told him to follow him to the upstairs study.
Finley's heart tightened. Normally, Gideon would pat his shoulder, say a few comforting words, or even scold me a bit on his behalf. Why was he so indifferent instead?
He was full of doubts, but what he didn't expect was that as soon as the study door closed, Gideon gave him a hard slap!
His cheek went numb, followed by sharp pain.
Rylee, shocked and anxious, tried to separate the two.
But before she could speak, Bailey grabbed a hardcover book from the shelf and hurled it at her.
Rylee hurriedly dodged, her face full of grievance.
Gideon's eyes were bloodshot as he pointed at her and roared, "I told you to take care of your brother, and now you're taking care of him by having an illegitimate child?"
"Shameless thing! You and Finley have completely disgraced the Lynch family!"
"How do you expect the Barnes family to see us?"
Rylee's eyes turned red, her lips trembling as she glared at me with hatred. "You all know? Spying? Surveillance? Ivan, its you behind this, isnt it?"
I smiled and showed the phone screen. "You're my fiance, of course, I have to fulfill whatever you want."
"But the more, the merrier. Let your parents watch the live stream and brainstorm together!"
Rylee gritted her teeth, almost spitting blood.
Her eyes shifted, and she surprisingly held back her anger, instead smiling at me with grace and gentleness. "I'm sorry, Ivan, I didn't consider your feelings."
"Finley and I are just like siblings, you don't need to worry. You are my only husband."
"I promise, it will never happen again. Once we officially marry, I will arrange for Finley to study abroad."
"Rylee!" Finley blurted out, looking at her in disbelief.
Rylee slightly shook her head at him.
Finley suddenly turned to me, wishing he could tear me to pieces.
I gave him a bright smile.
I'm a good person, wholeheartedly trying to please both of them.
Aren't they close? What's there to hide?