At the very same time in Ryley's penthouse, a sharp gasp split the silence as Oliver laid bare what Ryder had promised—the truth.
The sound tore out of Ryley before he even realized it. His knees nearly buckled as he staggered backward, the color draining from his already pale face.
Oliver and Soren both reached instinctively to steady him, their hands firm on his arms, but the blond shook them off with trembling fingers, as though their touch only made it harder to breathe.
Oliver hesitated, his eyes flicking briefly toward Soren before he pressed on.
"I wasn't supposed to tell you until the Sovereign and Mr. Ryder had secured everything. That was the plan." His tone hardened, subtle guilt laced beneath. "But since Mr. Soren showed you the truth about the forged letter…"
With faltering steps, Ryley pulled away, needing distance, even as Oliver's voice pressed forward like iron.
