Emma had arrived. Yes, it was her-Mr. Baker’s daughter. She wore tight-fitting jeans that accentuated her long, slender legs, paired with a snug white T-shirt that gave her a striking, alluring appearance.
This must be Ryder-the man both Emma and her mother, May, trusted so deeply. Kayden had overheard Ryder’s earlier scheme and decided to linger, waiting to see what tricks this man had up his sleeve.
“Ryder! Sorry to keep you waiting,” Emma said apologetically, her face full of guilt.
“It’s fine; I just got here myself,” Ryder replied politely.
Once they sat down, Ryder asked with genuine concern, “Emma, how’s work? Are you happy there?”
Emma nodded and smiled. “It’s great. Thank you, Ryder!”
“No need to thank me. You’re too polite! We’re old classmates, after all. Helping you is the least I could do!” Their conversation carried on warmly, suggesting a close familiarity.
It wasn’t hard to see that Emma had a fondness for Ryder. If not for Ryder’s despicable intentions to toy with her, Kayden wouldn’t have cared about whatever happened between the two.
After some casual chatting, they began ordering food. Midway, Emma suddenly asked, “Ryder, didn’t you mention the company still needs a janitor?”
Ryder froze for a moment before nodding. “Yes, that’s right. You know, our company is quite high-end, so naturally, I look for employees with decent appearances. We can’t just hire anyone who looks sloppy or unpresentable, can we? That’s why I’m willing to pay a janitor $6, 000 a month.”
Emma paused for a few seconds before speaking. “By the way, a friend of my dad’s son came to our house a few days ago. He’s currently unemployed. Would you consider letting him work in the company? His appearance is decent-not one of those unpresentable types. In fact, he’s actually kind of handsome.”
She followed quickly, “I know it’s a lot to ask, and if it’s not possible, that’s fine. No pressure.”
Ryder chuckled and said, “Emma, what are you saying? Of course, I’ll help! If it’s Mr. Baker’s friend’s son, then he’s our friend too. Don’t worry-you’ve asked, so I’ll make it happen!”
“That’s great! Thank you, Ryder!” Emma said excitedly.
Though she found Kayden annoying after his visit to her home yesterday, she recalled her father’s stern demeanor and decided to casually bring up the matter. Coincidentally, this casual question ended up resolving Kayden’s livelihood problem. After all, in this world, money makes everything easier.
Ryder laughed heartily, saying, “What’s there to thank me for? We’re friends; no need for formalities. Here, have some water.”
He pushed a glass of water toward Emma, who nodded and picked it up, ready to drink.
But just as the glass reached her lips, a large hand grabbed her wrist. Startled, she lost her grip, and the glass fell to the floor with a crash. She looked up in shock. The hand belonged to none other than Kayden.
Kayden’s face was stern as he said coldly, “You can’t drink that water.”
He turned his piercing gaze toward Ryder, whose face had darkened noticeably. Ryder’s jaw clenched, and his menacing glare made him look like he was ready to pounce on Kayden.
Emma was momentarily stunned by Kayden’s sudden appearance but quickly recovered.
“What are you doing?” she snapped, pushing Kayden’s hand away and standing up from her seat.
“Kayden, what are you doing here? Why are you interfering?”
Her tone was sharp, laced with blame, as though Kayden’s unexpected arrival had ruined her mood.
Kayden sized her up and said flatly, “There’s something in that water. You can’t drink it. As for why I’m here, that’s none of your business.”
But Emma wasn’t listening. Not a single word registered.
“I know!” she shouted, pointing accusingly at Kayden. “You followed me! You’re afraid I won’t help you get a job, so you secretly followed me here, didn’t you?”
She quickly dismissed her own theory. “No, no, it’s not about the job. You must’ve fallen for me after visiting my house yesterday. That’s why you followed me here, isn’t it? I did feel like someone was watching me all this time. Turns out it was you! I can’t believe it! My dad was joking yesterday, and you actually took it seriously!”
Kayden hesitated for a few seconds. The girl’s imagination was running wild. Did she think she was so irresistible that he’d bother following her? And falling for her? What kind of delusion was that?
Kayden had met plenty of beautiful women. Emma was average at best.
If only she knew that Kayden had been sitting nearby with Mrs. Rocco moments ago-her reaction would surely be priceless.
But Kayden didn’t bother explaining further. He simply said coldly, “Stay away from him. He’s dangerous, and he’ll try to harm you again if given the chance.”
“Hey!” Emma snapped angrily. “Do you even know who he is? This is Mr. Steele-my boss! And to think Mr. Steele just said you could work at his company, yet here you are acting like this.”
“Oh?” Ryder slowly stood up from his seat, smiling slyly. “So, you’re the friend of Mr. Baker. You look quite young.”
Emma quickly apologized. “Ryder, I’m so sorry. I had no idea this would happen. Don’t take his nonsense seriously. He’s just a jealous, useless man who can’t stand seeing me on a date with you.”
Ryder waved dismissively. “It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m not so petty. Your friend probably just misunderstood me. Once we clear it up, it’ll be fine.”
Emma felt even more impressed with Ryder. To her, he seemed noble and forgiving, unlike Kayden, who came off as narrow-minded, jealous, and utterly useless.
She turned to Kayden and said, “What are you standing there for? Ryder isn’t holding a grudge. Hurry up and thank him!”
Kayden let out a dry laugh, his lips curving into a mocking smile. “My thanks? He can’t bear it.”