Chapter 0089

MAE

The stinging sensation on my cheek jolts me back to reality. I stare at Mrs. Hayes in shock, my hand instinctively flying to my face.

"How could you do this to him?" she screams, her voice filled with rage. "You've ruined his life! This is all your fault."

I open my mouth to defend myself, but no words come out. I'm too stunned to speak. I ruin his life? Me? How? What did Ryder tell her? Or is she just assuming things?

"I warned him to stay away from you," she continues, her voice breaking. "But he refuses to listen to me, now see what you have done to him now."

"I didn't do anything," I finally managed to say. "This isn't my fault, Ryder found -"

"Oh shut up," she yells at him cutting me off. "Your parents didn't teach you any manners before they died, right? When I am speaking you keep shut young lady."

"I-I am sorry," I find myself apologizing even though I know it's not my fault.

"The sooner you leave my son, the better for all of us," she adds before turning away from me, he