Bill noticed that Echo wasn’t saying much, her expression unreadable, just like when they’d first met.
On the surface, nothing seemed different-same looks, same vibe. But there was something more subtle now, something deeper and more refined, a change that had been there since she woke up. It was almost imperceptible, but Bill noticed. He smiled slightly.
Boss really knows how to teach people. Just one shooting lesson, and Echo seemed to have grasped something deeper. She was starting to have the potential to compete on their level.
He didn’t hold back and said directly, “I’ve followed the Boss for more than ten years, and I’ve never seen anyone care about him-at least not here at the Dark family’s main estate. Whether it’s out in the open or behind the scenes, showing concern for the Boss isn’t exactly smart. It’s better to show off your abilities than fake concern around here.”
Hearing that, Echo suddenly understood. The woman from earlier was either playing games or hiding her true intentions very well.
More than ten years by Ryan’s side, and even Bill doesn’t know who she is? The thought made Echo frown slightly. What’s the deal with that woman? Does she really think I’m some clueless kid who’s easy to fool?
Bill noticed she didn’t respond and leaned back on the couch, speaking casually. “Hawk’s been with the Boss the longest, and I’m pretty sure none of us know anything about her. So, who exactly did you run into today?”
Echo thought for a moment before replying, “Just a regular woman, probably in her forties or fifties.”
She really meant it. The woman didn’t have any striking looks, no overwhelming presence-just coldness. But coldness wasn’t unusual in the Dark family; everyone here had a cold streak.
After thinking it over, Echo realized that there wasn’t anything particularly remarkable about her.
Bill, who had been quietly listening, frowned slightly as if in thought, but then nodded without saying anything.
Echo didn’t say more either and focused on finishing her meal.
Since both Ryan and Echo were recovering quickly with no lingering side effects, Ryan’s strength had steadily returned over the past few days.
Meanwhile, Adolph, worried sick about the mafia situation, fled back to Italy before Ryan had a chance to punish him.
Now, only Bill stayed at Ryan’s side.
If Adolph had stuck around, he might’ve known something, since he’d known Ryan since childhood.
But Echo didn’t feel like prying.
The night passed without incident.
Before the morning sunlight had even reached the windows, a measured knock echoed through the room. Two knocks, a ten-second pause, then two more knocks.
Echo had gone to bed late and wasn’t about to get up this early. Even though she had to wake up early every day, this was too much.
Her low blood sugar hit, along with her usual morning crankiness, and she ignored the knocking.
She rolled over, wrapped her arms around Ryan, and buried her head under the blanket, pretending the knock didn’t exist.
Ryan, ever the stickler for routine, listened to the soft, rhythmic knock. He gave Echo a light squeeze before sitting up.
“Sir, your breakfast,” came a woman’s voice from outside.
At that, Echo’s head shot out from under the blanket. After being around Ryan for so long, she knew all too well about his rigid habits and bad temper.
A woman serving Ryan? That was unheard of.
While the main estate had its fair share of women, none ever stepped foot in Ryan’s quarters-his place was strictly off-limits, occupied only by men.
Where the hell did this woman get the nerve?
Still groggy, Echo squinted at the door. She saw the woman standing there, holding a tray of breakfast, and noticed the brief flash of surprise in the woman’s eyes when their gazes met.
It was only for an instant, but Echo caught it. She blinked a few times.
It was her-the same woman from last night. The room had been dark then, but Echo knew she wasn’t mistaken.
The woman froze when she saw Echo crawl out from beside Ryan, noticing their close and intimate position. At first, she looked shocked, but then her eyes flickered with a mix of joy-or maybe excitement-and the tray in her hands started to tremble.
Echo blinked at the woman, then glanced over at Ryan. He looked calm-no happiness, no anger. She raised an eyebrow, then shrugged and snuggled back under the blanket to sleep. Whatever. Sleep comes first.
Ryan watched her take a quick look, then curl back up to sleep. His expression turned cold, and without warning, he grabbed her by the arm and yanked her out of bed.
“Get up,” he said sternly.
“Nope.” Echo rolled over and wrapped herself tightly around his leg without hesitation. “Not getting up.” Waking me up this early? I hope you choke on it.
Ryan didn’t waste words. His brow furrowed as he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her up by force.
Waking Echo was always a pain-once she was out, not even thunder could wake her. And since it wasn’t even the usual time she got up, it was bound to be even harder today.
Still half-asleep, Echo flopped into his arms, wrapped herself around his neck, and tried to go right back to sleep.
Ryan’s expression darkened. Without missing a beat, he slapped her butt with a sharp smack.
The sudden sting snapped Echo out of her daze. Instinctively, without even thinking, she leaned in and bit Ryan’s neck, mumbling, “Quit it… if you keep this up, I swear I’ll kill you.”
Ryan’s eyes filled with fury. His grip on her tightened as he hissed, cold as ice, “I’m giving you three seconds-either get up and come with me, or I’ll throw you in the Dark Prison. Your call. One…”
The mention of Dark Prison sent a jolt through Echo’s half-conscious brain. Her eyes flew open. She’d just had a chat with Adolph about that place a few days ago. He’d made it sound casual, but Echo knew it was a nightmare-a hell for the worst murderers. The odds of getting out of there alive were slimmer than humans landing on Uranus.
Damn it, Ryan really knows how to hit where it hurts.
Her eyes wide open, Echo suddenly realized she was biting Ryan’s neck. Her heart sank.
Crap. Out of all the things… I just had to do this to Ryan, of all people.
She had two major weaknesses-food and waking up in the morning-and both were non-negotiable.
But now that she’d crossed the line with Ryan, she was in serious trouble.
She quickly let go and frantically wiped the saliva from his neck. “Boss, I’m sorry, I swear it wasn’t on purpose. Please let this slide just this once. I won’t do it again, I promise!”
As she looked at the faint redness where she’d bitten him, she couldn’t help but marvel at how tough his skin was-after all that, it was only a little red.
Ryan stared at her coldly, not saying a word.
Desperate to make amends, Echo scrambled out of bed and rushed to help him get dressed, setting out his clothes and getting his toiletries ready.
At that moment, she was no better than his personal servant.
Ryan didn’t say anything-just stood there with a gloomy expression, letting her fuss over him.
When he finally walked into the bathroom, Echo let out a small sigh of relief.
What kind of bad luck is this? Of all days, she had to piss him off today.
Usually, Ryan wasn’t so insistent about waking her up.
What the hell’s gotten into him?
Now she was stuck tiptoeing around him for the rest of the day.
“Your breakfast,” the woman’s voice came again, calm and steady.