Chapter 155

A White Lie This was the most joyous dinner ever since I moved here. My parents hadn’t laughed so heartily in a long time.

My dad even drank a can of beer. I was worried, but he insisted it was okay.

After dinner, Ryan stayed with us for quite a while before he got up to bid farewell. I offered to give him a ride home, as the apartment unit he rented wasn’t too far from my place.

As we walked to my car, Ryan asked, “Would you like to take a walk? I’m too full, and you can tell me what Josh did.”

I said yes, and we walked out of Amethyst Apartments. I brought him up to speed. Since I brought Ryan into the company, I considered him my partner, so I didn’t want to hide things from him.

My phone started ringing in my pocket, and I took it out to see who the caller was. It was Atlas.

I rejected the call, continued our walk, and talked about the company. That was what we had in common.

The phone rang again and Ryan looked at me. “Why don’t you answer it?”

I smiled and did so. Atlas’s voice rang out, “So lost in the moment, huh?”

Stopping in my tracks, I looked around. “Where are you?”

A car pulled over beside us, and his upset voice came from inside, “Get in the car.”

I lowered my phone and grew somewhat angry. He was being a dick. Couldn’t he see I was with someone?

Ryan saw my expression and glanced at the car. Catching on, he asked, “You have to go, right?”

I nodded apologetically. “Yeah, I was supposed to meet him but forgot.”

To avoid awkwardness, I made up a white lie.

Then go. Just look after yourself and call me if you need anything,” he said, trying to be considerate.

“Take a cab home, okay?” I said,. “And don’t worry about me.”

Ryan nodded. “Just go. I better walk home. I ate too much.”

I looked over my shoulder at Ryan as he left before I got into Atlas‘ car. I noticed the privacy partition in front was raised, and I was suddenly pulled into Atlas‘ chest.

Why didn’t you answer my call? His voice was cold and upset.

I struggled free from his arms and sat up. “Can you stop being a jerk about it? You called at a bad time.”

Hell, why must I pick up his calls?

“Give me a reason!” he said, sounding sterner. “Why was it a bad time?”

I was speechless as he snapped, “Tell me!”

“We were discussing stuff about the company. He had been trying to secure suppliers and had only just returned after more than 20 days-”

“Hadn’t you talked enough over dinner? Have you really got so much to say to him? You’re never that talkative when you’re with me,” he said with a hint of frustration.

Over dinner? How did he know we just had dinner?

I could tell he looked upset when the intermittent light shone on his face. “You were following me?”

He asked without hesitation, “So what if I was?”

The CEO of ATL Empire was following me? What the hell?