Chapter 12

Ethan Winslow suddenly burst into laughter, the sound as grating as nails on glass.

"Ryan Gallagher, what a coincidence," he drawled deliberately. "Even after losing your job, you still come to a high-end hotel like this. Don’t tell me... you're here to borrow money?"

My fists clenched. Vivian Lancaster’s gaze cut through me like a blade.

"You’ve changed," she said, shaking her head, her red lips pressed into a thin line. "You never used to lie."

An explanation? Pointless. I knew that look all too well—it was the way she eyed a fraud.

Ethan seized the moment to fan the flames. "Ms. Lancaster, just look at what he’s wearing..." He gave a pointed glance at my shirt.

Vivian sighed, her tone softening unexpectedly.

"Ryan, actually..." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I’ve been waiting for you to come back."

Ethan’s face twisted in alarm, his hands fidgeting. "Ms. Lancaster! A freeloader like him—"

"Enough!" Vivian snapped, then turned back to me with a condescending smile. "If you’re willing to admit your mistakes, I can—"

I nearly laughed. She was always so self-righteous.

"You know what?" she continued. "Everyone says I’m a fool, that I should find someone of equal standing." She lifted her chin. "But I’m still giving you a chance."

I watched her performance in silence. How familiar—this act of trampling on someone’s dignity under the guise of generosity.

"Ryan!" A friend’s voice suddenly cut in. "Who are these two...?"

Vivian’s expression froze. She finally noticed the group of sharply dressed corporate executives behind me.

Ethan’s face went pale, sweat beading on his forehead.