I kept my eyes on Ryder's smiling face, studying him.
He didn't say anything. He just stared back at me quiet, unreadable until his gaze sharpened strangely. "I thought the young lady of the William family would become our sister-in-law," he said slowly. "The actual result was… surprising."
As he finished, a flicker of hostility flashed behind his lazy smile sharp, cold, unmistakably displeased.
I pressed my lips together, narrowing my eyes. "The young lady of the William family? Who is that?"
Ryder stared straight at me, and for a split second, something vicious flashed in his gaze. But just as quickly, his seductive smile returned. "Director Anderson's childhood sweetheart," he drawled. "But since sister-in-law doesn't know… it's better I don't say anything."
Meeting his gaze, I frowned deeply.
This Ryder was definitely not as harmless as he looked. He clearly didn't like me more than that, I could faintly sense killing intent. Every time he called me sister-in-law, it dripped with pure contempt, completely different from Ronan's respect.
But when he mentioned that William girl, his tone was full of devotion and obedience as if he were some brainwashed follower. It was genuinely unsettling.
"If you don't want to talk, then forget it. I'm not that curious anyway."
I met his eyes again, smiling blandly. "There are plenty of childhood sweethearts who don't end up together. Since Director Anderson isn't thinking about her, you, a bystander, shouldn't overthink it either."
He shot me a surprised glance.
In front of Director Anderson I was obedient enough to look like a harmless little rabbit but apparently he had underestimated me. If I could stab Captian before, how could I ever be just a soft little bunny?
Ryder smirked, the smile on his lips impure and mocking. "Sister-in-law really does have a sharp tongue."
A shadow passed through his eyes, turning them darker.
I curled my lips sweetly. "Same to you."
Captian bullying me was one thing but there was no way I'd let one of his men bully me. Too much.
Ryder dragged out a chair, sat down with legs crossed, and stared at me as if examining prey.
His stare made my skin crawl. He was probably mentally unwell. The way he stared was outright rude, I really wanted to gouge out his dog eyes.
I tossed the pillow aside, stood up, and headed for the backyard to find Becgie.
I wasn't afraid of Becgie anymore. We were even friends now. Before, I thought he was vicious but now he just seemed ugly-cute and incredibly dumb.
As soon as I walked out, Ryder stood up and followed behind me, hands still shoved in his pockets.
I brought Becgie out, glancing back at Ryder. My brows knitted in irritation. Was this man dog glue? Why wouldn't he leave?
"Becgie, go bite him."
I crouched and patted Becgie's head.
As if understanding my intentions, Becgie instantly bared his teeth at Ryder, growling with genuine aggression. His black eyes were fierce enough to scare anyone.
Ryder's smile froze. It vanished instantly.
He clearly hadn't expected the same Becgie who treated him like a good buddy before to suddenly look ready to tear him apart. He frowned, glancing at me with a complicated expression.
This woman… could she even tame the boss's dog?
I met Ryder's gaze head-on, smiling with a hint of arrogance. "Ryder, my little Becgie doesn't seem to like you. Maybe you should step aside before something… unfortunate happens."
When I smiled like that open and confident my face became even more beautiful, almost enchanting.
"You little witch…" Ryder muttered under his breath, clicking his tongue before turning around and stalking off angrily.
I hugged Becgie tightly, affectionately rubbing his head. "Not bad at all. You scared the annoying guy away."
Becgie wagged his tail happily, licking my fingers with a silly, affectionate look.
His adorable expression made me laugh out loud. Sunlight poured over my face, making my smile warmer and my eyes sparkle like stars.
After a while, I carried Becgie back into the house.
"Nanny Alley, I'm taking Becgie out for a walk. If Director Anderson comes home, just tell him I brought the dog out."
I called out to her as she busied herself nearby.
Nanny Alley nodded and left it at that.
I put Becgie down, took the leash, and headed outside never sparing Ryder even a glance.
Ryder watched my back with a sharp, contemplative gaze, but soon dropped it and pulled out his phone lazily as if he had nothing better to do.
I led Becgie away from the mansion and toward the noisy, bustling plaza.
Ronan knew I was taking the dog out and wanted to drive me, but I refused. I wanted to walk.
The city of Alchimie was vibrant crowded shops, busy streets, bright lights everywhere.
Maybe Becgie had been cooped up too long because as soon as we arrived, he bolted like a wild horse. Thankfully, I wasn't as weak as I looked or I really wouldn't have been able to hold onto him.
"Stop running."
I crouched and seized one of his fat paws. "If you run around one more time, I'll throw you straight back home. And I won't bring you out again."
Becgie wagged his tail like he understood, pretending to act cute.
The "little leopard" made me laugh despite myself. I gave him a hard bonk on the head and let him go.
Once released, he instantly behaved. It really seemed like he was terrified of losing his freedom and started trying his best to please me. Meanwhile, Captian, the supposed male owner was practically useless and had never taken him out even once.
Seeing Becgie grovel like that made me laugh again. "Becgie, did you gain spiritual intelligence or what?"
The big black dog shook his fur proudly, strutting forward.
We walked around the streets for a long time. The food stalls smelled delicious, so I bought two packs of fried dumplings. Between the two of us, one girl and one dog, we finished it all in no time.
Suddenly, Becgie barked loudly and charged into the crowd. I had only looked away for a second before I was forced to run after him.
He kept running. And running.
I chased and chased, panting hard.
My face flushed, breath coming out hot and uneven. "Becgie, what's wrong with you? Stop running, I'm going to collapse!"
But he didn't stop. He didn't even slow down.