Chapter 81
Chapter 81:
Ryan’s concern deepened, and he supported her with gentle hands.
“Could it really be that severe p>
Through her tears, Maisie managed a feeble glance at Ryan.
“I’m afraid I can’t endure the party any longer,” she murmured, her voice weak.
“Ryan, I might need to return home to recover. Could you escort me p>
With a feigned expression of regret, she added, “I’m sorry to trouble you p>
Her words tugged at Ryan’s sympathies even more.
Moved by her plight, Ryan carefully lifted her in his arms and made for the exit. Their departure didn’t go unnoticed.
“Mr. Haynes is truly in love with Miss Powell p>
“Indeed. He is utterly charming. How I wish to find a man like him p>
From Ryan’s arms, Maisie threw a triumphant glance over her shoulder at Jenessa.
She was dead certain that Jenessa was no match for her. Watching Ryan’s tender care for Maisie, the sharp pang of heartbreak in Jenessa dulled. Convinced there was no longer any reason for her to linger, she turned to leave.
Outside the hotel, Ryan carefully placed Maisie into the car before turning to address the chauffeur.
“Take her p>
Surprised by his decision, Maisie quickly asked, “Ryan, aren’t you coming with me p>
Lɒtєѕτ чhɒρτєrѕ ιn gɑl𝑛οvєlѕ.сo𝓂
Ryan’s face retained its gentle expression.
“I need to take care of a few things here. You should head back and rest p>
A wave of panic washed over Maisie. If Ryan returned to the party without her, Jenessa would certainly seize the chance to get close to him!
“Actually, Ryan, the pain isn’t too bad,” Maisie said hurriedly.
“It might be difficult for you here without a companion. I should stay by your side p>
Ryan responded with calm assurance.
“Jenessa is still here, there’s no need to worry p>
He closed the car door firmly before she could argue further and gestured for the chauffeur to drive away.
As the car pulled away, Maisie stared out the window, her face twisting in frustration and anger. Her scheme to lure Ryan away had utterly failed. Now, Jenessa would surely take this opportunity to charm Ryan and possibly speak poorly of her.
Back inside the hotel, Ryan scanned the room quickly but saw no sign of Jenessa. His frustration grew.
He started asking attendees if they had seen her.
“Jenessa Wright? She left a little while ago,” someone informed him.
Hearing this, Ryan’s usual composure cracked and his expression turned stormy. That infuriating woman had disappeared without so much as a word once again!
Night had enveloped the city. Jenessa, having just left the hotel, walked alone, her dress whispering against the cold pavement. The streetlights cast pools of light in the darkness, yet few souls ventured to walk among them.
Her thoughts weighed heavily on her, dominated by the image of Ryan defending Maisie earlier. A bitter smile played upon her lips as she reminded herself once more to release her grip on hope. It was clear: Ryan’s heart was forever tied to Maisie. Despite her deepest yearning, Jenessa knew she stood no chance of capturing his affection. The baby she carried would remain a secret, never to be embraced by him.