The blow from Ryder was anything but gentle, and Jared erupted into a fit of violent coughs.
Agnes snapped to attention in an instant.
Almost on reflex, she bellowed at Ryder, "What the hell are you doing?"
Before she could rush over to Jared's side, someone else had already made a move.
Valeria was already steadying Jared, "Jared, are you alright?"
Agnes halted in her tracks. She didn’t notice that Valeria had come along with Ryder.
She was surprised since neither of them had been invited to Mamie's wedding.
After a few more coughs, Jared managed to straighten up, but he just sneered coldly, "Great, just great."
Ryder had always been a gentleman, as refined as they come.
Those hands, skilled with a scalpel, had never thrown a punch before.
Yet, unexpectedly, the first time they did, they landed on Jared's own face.
Ryder's fists were still clenched tightly, "Uncle, I apologize, I didn't mean to start a brawl, but bullying isn't the way of a gentleman. You can't force Agnes into anything."
His tone was icy, betraying a willingness to go another round, showing no hint of remorse.
Jared retorted, "Since when is it your place to meddle in our affairs?"
"From now on, I'm getting involved in anything that concerns Agnes."
Jared eyed Ryder coldly, a silent standoff brewing between the two men.
At that moment, Agnes let out a startled cry.
She noticed that Ryder's other hand was starting to drip blood, drop by drop.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)