15 The Warning!

15 The Warning!
15

The Warning!

Ryan bounded down the stairs, humming a light tune. It was nice to be home, the high ceilings, the polished marble floors, and the fact that there were maids around to cater to his needs.

Sure, staying at Grandma’s had taught him to be more independent, cooking his own breakfast, doing his own laundry but there was something undeniably comfortable about having people at his beck and call again. Maids to cater to his needs and the authority he has around here.

Not to mention, he’d woken up early. Unheard of for him.
Thanks, Grams.

“Ryan!” Margaret’s voice broke into his thoughts, surprised.

He smiled at her as he walked toward the dining room.
“You’re up early. Do you need something?” she asked, still looking as if she’d spotted a rare animal.

“Guess I got used to it at Grams’. That three month vacation really did a lot of wonders. I’m sure I will slip back into my normal routine soon enough,” he said with a casual wave, snagging an apple before heading to the living room.

“I should warn you,” Margaret began, “you have a visitor…”

She didn’t get to finish before Ryan came face-to-face with his worst nightmare.

“Ryan!” Ronda squealed, springing out of her seat and moving in for a hug.

Just great. Waking up to Ronda in his house was not how he’d envisioned starting the day. His mood soured instantly. Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed? He threw out a hand to stop her.

“What?” she asked, looking genuinely hurt.

“Ronda,” Ryan sighed. “I dropped you off at your house yesterday, remember? I told you I didn’t want to see you here.”

“You never said you didn’t want to see me! I thought you were just tired.” She trailed after him as he turned back toward the dining room. “Come on, Ryan, we’ve left Grams’ place. We’re back to normal life. Drop the act.”

He stopped, eyebrows lifting. “Act? What act?”

“The one where you pretend I irritate you. Where you pretend you don’t like me. Where you pretend you’re being cold and ignoring me.” She pouted like it was supposed to be endearing.

Ryan chuckled without humor. “I’m not acting, Ronda. I was just trying to be polite before. I don't just see the need to keep being polite when you can't get the hint.”

Victoria’s voice cut in from the staircase. “Ryan, you’re awake.”

Ronda immediately brightened and rushed to her. “Aunt Victoria!”

“Ronda, darling, it’s lovely to see you.” Victoria’s tone dripped warmth as she slipped an arm around the girl’s shoulders. “Come with me, I have something to discuss.”

She ushered Ronda toward the study. Ronda shot Ryan a wink as she left, clearly feeling smug.

Margaret was barely holding in her laughter from across the room. Ryan scowled.

“Margaret, is Dad still around?”

“Yes, in his private office.”

Ryan headed straight there, knocking once before walking in. Alex was behind his desk, reading files, the glow of his laptop outlining the hard lines of his face.

“Dad, I need to talk to you about something.”

Alex looked up immediately. “What is it?”

“Grams’ next birthday,” Ryan began, dropping into the chair opposite him. “I want us to celebrate it at her house. Nothing extravagant, just family and close friends. We barely acknowledge her birthday, and she deserves better.”

Alex leaned back. “You know she’s not fond of parties. And your aunt, Victoria, and my mother don’t get along.”

“I’ll convince her. As for Victoria, she can come or not, no one’s forcing her. Just… let’s make it happen if Grams agrees.”

Alex considered it, then nodded. “If she’s on board, we’ll do it.”

Ryan grinned. “Thanks, Dad.”

Meanwhile, in the study, Victoria had settled Ronda into the chair beside her.

“Victoria, Ryan doesn’t treat me well. I…”

“Stop.” Victoria’s tone cut sharp through the air. “You’re the daughter of the Lockwood family. An heiress. Start acting like it. I told you before, Ryan will see you’re the right match for him.”

Ronda’s smile returned. She was a perfect fit for the family, unlike that girl.

“Tessy,” Victoria said suddenly, interrupting her thoughts.

Speaking of the devil!
Ronda’s lips curled into a smirk at the mention of her name. “What about her?”

“Get me her number. After my talk with Ryan yesterday, the way the conversation went, his reaction to it, his reaction to her, I realized I need to step in. I won’t let him make the same mistakes his father did.”

Ronda didn’t fully understand the comment, but it sounded promising. “I have it.” She brought out her phone and quickly forwarded Tessy’s contact. “There. What are you going to do?”

“I’ll handle it,” Victoria replied smoothly. “You focus on making yourself worthy of him.”

Ronda clearly wanted to be part of the plan, but Victoria was already done with her. But as far as it's in her favor and Victoria is with her, she has no problem whatsoever.

“You can go now. Ryan might be looking for you.”

When the door closed, Victoria stood by the large window, the morning light spilling over her silk nightgown. She dialed the number.

The line clicked.
“Hello. Who is this?”

“Is this Tessy?”

A pause. Then, cautious: “Yes. Who’s asking?”

“I’m Victoria. Ryan’s aunt.”

Another pause, heavier this time. Then Tessy’s voice, firm: “And what do you want?”

The bluntness caught Victoria off guard. Definitely not what she was expecting. She’d expected nerves, maybe even gratitude at the introduction, not this cool defiance.

“I’ll be direct,” Victoria said, regaining her poise. “Ronda told me all about your situation with Ryan. I want you to end it.”

Tessy’s tone sharpened. “What exactly do you mean?”

“I mean,” Victoria said, her voice turning icy, “you’re going to stay away from him. Whatever you’re hoping to gain won’t work. You and Ryan live in different worlds. Accept that. Go find someone on your level.”

“I’m not after anyone’s money,” Tessy shot back, understanding where she was going with this.

Victoria gave a short, dismissive laugh. “That’s what they all say. You think I haven’t seen this before? Girls like you, sweet smiles, humble stories until the claws come out.”

“This is disrespectful,” Tessy said, anger breaking through her measured tone.

“Disrespectful?” Victoria’s voice dripped with mockery. “You have no idea what disrespect is. I’m warning you, walk away from him now, or I will make it very unpleasant for you. You wouldn't want your life to be much worse than it already is.”

Tessy’s breath hitched, but her voice stayed steady. “I’m not afraid of you.”

Victoria smiled coldly, even though Tessy couldn’t see it. “You should be.”

And with that, she ended the call.

Problem solved. At least for now.