Ryan“Okay, so we’ve resolved all these bugs?” I leaned forward, addressing my team with a hint of urgency in my voice. The beta phase of our project was nearing its end, and there was no room for errors.“Yes, sir,” Mr. Martin confirmed, his brow glistening with a sheen of sweat. Most of the team, including Paula, our project lead, had been tirelessly working to iron out the kinks. “We’ve also made significant progress on the client reports and deliverables. We’ll be fully prepared for the launch.”“Keep me updated.” I nodded, acknowledging their efforts, before concluding the presentation.“Mr. Crawford,” Caine interrupted, sliding a stack of documents across the table. “These require your signature.”He turned the pages as I took a cursory reading and signed them absentmindedly. My sleep-deprived eyes stung with exhaustion, a consequence of the restless night I’d spent haunted by thoughts of Amy standing alone on the gazebo.Her sorrowful eyes and melancholic smile had etched themse

RyanSinking into the plush leather chair of my home office, frustration and concern swirled in my mind like a tempest. Caleb’s impulsive act gnawed at my thoughts—fuck what reckless demon had possessed him? And how would Amy react to his stupid move?All I wanted to do was talk to Amy and show her...A firm knock on the door snapped me out of my reverie, and as I glanced up, there stood Amy, her demeanor tentative, lips caught between her teeth.“Hmm.. Mr. Crawford...” she began, but I cut her off.“Let me stop you there, Amy,” I said, rising from my chair and stuffing my hands into my pockets. “I’m sorry for what Caleb did. He had no right to pull that stunt. I’ll talk to him about it.”Amy’s eyes widened fractionally, but she remained silent, her expression inscrutable. Pressing on, I continued, my voice heavy with remorse. “And as for the competition, you needn’t feel obligated to participate. I’ll speak with Ms. Perry and sort things out with Liam. I apologize for the chaos Caleb

RyanI let out a frustrated huff, my irritation rising as it became clear they were dragging this out on purpose. “Just get us home. Liam is sleeping,” I bit out, my teeth clenched to prevent any further outbursts.“Ryan,” Amy’s voice was soft but firm, gently cradling the sleeping Liam in her lap. “Watch your language.”“Sorry,” I murmured, shooting a warning glance at my brother through the rear-view mirror.The scoundrel merely smirked. “Why the rush, oh mighty winner?” he taunted, prompting a chuckle from Mark.“Do you need a fu-ducking,” making a sorry face at a glaring Amy and then looking back at my stupid brother, “dissertation on why my child should not sleep in the back seat of your car?” I snapped.“Nah,” Mark chimed in, turning his attention back to Amy. “Hey, beautiful, care to join me for dinner? I...”“Drive us home, or rest assured I’ll provide your squeeze of the month with your home address, personal phone number, and a few choice tidbits she could use against you. An