After a long pause, he murmured, âYou still blame me for what happened, donât you? But Melissa, it was my backing off that led you to Marcus.
If I hadnât let go of us, what would you have done?â
âThis is pointless.
â
Melissa tossed her briefcase into the white Bentley and moved to get in.
But Ryan grasped her hand suddenly, leaving her stunned.
He released her hand quickly, a bitter smile on his lips.
âIâm leaving the country and will be transferred to some remote place.
I heard it was Marcusâ idea and that it was arranged through HR.
I think itâs because of that wedding gift I gave you.
Melissa, Iâm not out to cause trouble.
I just need a chat.
Thereâs stuff you might not know, like what went down with Shawn last time.
Doesnât it seem fishy? Howâd he score that gig and cash? And hooking up with his bossâ girl? Plus, whoâd go for him with that mug?â
Melissa asked icily, âWhatâs your point?â
Finally seated in a cafe across from her workplace, Ryan passed her a recorder pen.
He grinned, saying, âGot a good rapport with Mr.
Roger Hill from Fowler Group.
I recorded him blabbing while he was sloshed.
Turns out, Marcus set Shawn up from the get-go.
Even arranged for Shawnâs fling with that woman.
And when Shawn got busted, Marcus bailed him out big time.
â
Melissa gazed at Ryan in silence for a moment, and then flicked on the recorder pen.
She recognized Rogerâs voice, though it came in bits and pieces.
Yet, the message was clear.
Finally, Roger stuttered, âShawnâs like a puppet in front of Marcus Fowler.
Marcus handed him twenty million as hush money but Shawn kept tight-Lipped.
He tried crawling back to his wife but she wouldnât have a bar of it.
â
Ryan smirked, remarking, âDo you hear that, Melissa? Your man isnât what he seems.
Heâs just a slimy snake, willing to do anything for your forgiveness.
â
With a sigh, Melissa switched off the recorder and slid it across to Ryan.
Ryan looked stunned.
âArenât you mad? Donât you want to grill him on this?â
Melissa replied calmly.
âThis is between us.
None of your business.
â
She rose to leave but Ryanâs voice stopped her in her tracks.
âIf I swapped places with Marcus, would you still love him? You wouldnât, right?â
Melissa hesitated.
Then she answered.
âThe truth is, I never loved you.
â
Ryanâs face paled, his body seemingly crumbling.
He didnât know why heâd done this.
Even if he could play dumb, heâd still angered Marcus.
He had no clue what repercussions awaited him.
Perhaps he wasnât ready to let go just yet.
He envied Marcusâ seemingly perfect life.
Ryan wondered, if he had it all, would Melissa choose him instead?
Melissa slid into her car.
After a moment of silence, her phone buzzed.
It was Marcus calling.
âYou had coffee with Ryan?â
âYeah.
I see youâve still got your guys tailing me.
No one likes being watched, Marcus.
â