Chapter 1291

The last thing Madeline expected was for Ryan to suddenly appear before her eyes.

He clearly said that he had something to do. That was why he called the driver to send them out instead, so why was he here now?

Ryan’s thin lips curled into a smile as he watched the colors drain from Madeline’s face. “You must be surprised, aren’t you?” He smiled. “I’m surprised too. Who would’ve thought that you’d be so smart?”

“Ryan!” Jeremy ignored his injuries and rushed to stand in front of Madeline, suppressing the pain from his wounds as he protected her behind him.

His sharp eagle-like eyes bore into Ryan.

“Fight me like a man. Don’t threaten me with my wife’s safety.”

“Your wife?” Ryan scoffed, his tone mocking. “You must’ve forgotten, Jeremy Whitman, but Eveline Montgomery is my wife. She has been for more than half a year.”

Madeline had to admit that when she came to know that Jeremy was the one who set fire to Montgomery Manor and killed her parents, she was determined to sever all ties with Jeremy no matter how he begged.

Then, Ryan appeared. The man helped her and gave her warmth. When he proposed, she agreed.

Now that she thought about it, be it his kindness or his full-round care, everything the man did was to achieve his ulterior motives.

Ryan said he liked and fancied her, but it would be more accurate to say that he was using and controlling her.

The light in Madeline’s eyes darkened as she walked toward Ryan fearlessly. “What do you want, Ryan? Why do all of this? Let’s all just lay everything on the table. There’s no point beating around the bush anymore.”

“Come back, Linnie.” Jeremy took Madeline’s hand and pulled her back to him.

Ryan watched the loving sight, his deep gaze falling on Madeline’s features. “Would you be able to help me if I told you?”

“You have to say it first.” Madeline did not fear him.

Ryan smirked, a cold glint sparkling in his eyes.

“I want Jeremy to die, and I want you to stay by my side forever as my woman, Eveline.”

Madeline was speechless as she did not expect Ryan’s response.

Jeremy was enraged. He could not bear to hear another man think of Madeline like that.

“You must be aware, Ryan, that your actions have long since breached multiple laws. You cannot run forever.”

“Are you trying to urge me to kill you before I get caught, then?” Ryan’s gaze turned frostier.

Physically speaking, Jeremy was not in any condition to fight him, but his aura and the sharpness in his eyes did not dwindle.

There was nothing much he feared anymore. If he were to say something, then it might just be the fear of losing Madeline. He was afraid that she would have to spend every day and night alone without him.

Madeline felt sparks flying in the air, but she was more worried about Jeremy’s current situation.

Jeremy would definitely fall into Ryan’s trap if the latter did anything.

She did not want to see Jeremy more hurt than he already was.

Without hesitation, Madeline stood in front of Jeremy. “I’ll go back with you, Ryan.”

Jeremy felt his heart sink.

“Don’t go, Linnie.” Jeremy tried to hold her back, but he saw the unswayed determination on her face.

“Are you certain? You’ll never get to see him again if you leave with me.” The corners of Ryan’s lips quirked into a shadow of a smile. “If this happens again—”

“If this happens again, then you can shoot me in the heart,” Madeline finished the sentence for him.

Ryan clenched his thin lips in admiration for Madeline’s courage.

He glanced at Jeremy, the latter’s eyes no longer holding the same sharp glint in them, and raised his hand in front of Jeremy to pull Madeline into his arms.

Caught off guard, Madeline found herself imprisoned there and unable to fight her way out.

“Ryan!”