Billion dollar adventure: Meeting Mr arrogant

Chapter 20 : Unraveling The Threads

The next morning, Lucy awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. The sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting delicate patterns on the polished wooden floor. But despite the beauty surrounding her, an unease settled heavily in her chest. Ryder’s revelation from the previous night replayed in her mind like a broken record: the threats, the letters, and now, her name mentioned.

She slid out of bed, her feet hitting the cool floor, and moved to the kitchen to brew coffee. As the aroma filled the air, she considered how much her life had changed in such a short time. Just a few weeks ago, her primary concern had been perfecting a new cupcake recipe, and now she was entangled in a web of danger that felt both thrilling and terrifying.

The lavish kitchen of the estate felt foreign to her, filled with high-end appliances and marble countertops. She busied herself with making breakfast, a routine she found comfort in, even amid chaos. As she whisked eggs, thoughts of her aunt’s struggling bakery flooded her mind. What would happen to the business if she became too preoccupied with Ryder's issues? Would she still be able to help her aunt if her life became consumed by shadows and secrets?

Once breakfast was ready, Lucy set the table and waited for Ryder. She had no idea how he would react after everything that had happened. A part of her wanted to ask him more about his business, his enemies, and the mysterious figure from last night. But another part was afraid of what those revelations might entail.

Ryder arrived, looking weary yet determined. He was dressed in a tailored suit, exuding an air of authority that was hard to ignore. But his eyes—those striking blue eyes—held a flicker of vulnerability that made Lucy’s heart ache.

“Good morning,” he said, taking a seat across from her.

“Morning. I made breakfast,” she replied, trying to keep her voice light. “I figured we could use a little normalcy.”

He nodded, his gaze searching hers. “Normalcy feels like a luxury right now.”

They ate in silence, the tension thick between them. Lucy wanted to reach out, to bridge the distance that seemed to grow with every unanswered question. But she didn’t know where to start.

After they finished, Lucy cleared the table and took a moment to gather her thoughts. “Ryder, about those letters… we need to talk.”

He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “I know. I just don’t want to involve you more than necessary.”

“Too late for that,” she shot back, trying to keep her tone light but failing. “I’m already involved, whether I like it or not. You said I was in danger.”

Ryder sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re right. I’m just trying to protect you.”

“I can handle myself,” she insisted, feeling a surge of frustration. “If we’re going to get through this, we need to be honest with each other.”

“Fine,” he relented. “After Sophia’s death, I received those letters. They started vague, hinting at things I didn’t understand. Then they escalated. Someone is out to ruin me, and I don’t know why.”

“Could it be someone from your business?” she asked, setting down her coffee. “A rival or a disgruntled employee?”

“Possibly, but it feels personal,” he replied, his voice tight. “I can’t shake the feeling that whoever is behind this knows me intimately.”

“What do you mean?”

He hesitated, looking down at his plate as if the answers were etched there. “There are things in my past—decisions I made when I was starting out—that I’m not proud of. Things that could come back to haunt me.”