Emma widened her eyes at his words, her voice sharp as she scolded, “How can you be like this? You said something wrong, and Mr. Steele didn’t hold it against you. Shouldn’t you at least thank him? Who do you think you are?”
Ryder, seeing this, responded with a lighthearted smile, “There’s no need for that, Emma! He’s the son of Mr. Baker’s friend, and naturally, that makes him our friend too. Perhaps the hostility he has towards me comes from jealousy-he probably envies that I can take you out on a date.”
With that, Ryder expertly smoothed over the situation, skillfully brushing aside the matter of his own misconduct while simultaneously pushing Kayden further down. This man was insidious, the type who wore a constant smile but concealed sharp fangs beneath it.
Although young, it was clear that if he were older, he’d be the kind of businessman who devours others without hesitation.
Emma shot Kayden a disappointed look, as though scolding him for his incompetence. “Do you see that? That’s what composure looks like, what real grace is! Mr. Steele is able to accomplish great things because of his qualities. Look at yourself-do you even have a shred of decency? Not only are you shameless, but you’re also someone who follows women around. You’ve really let me down.”
“Emma!” Ryder said with a self-satisfied grin. “You can’t blame him. It’s your fault for being so beautiful-who could resist following you around?”
Then, as if redirecting the conversation without a hitch, Ryder added, “By the way, wasn’t the friend you mentioned needing a job this guy?”
Emma sighed, looking exasperated. “Yes, it’s him. But now it seems like he doesn’t deserve it. Ryder, I’m sorry. I didn’t know he would turn out to be this kind of person.”
Ryder quickly shook his head, maintaining his polished demeanor. “No, no, there’s no need to apologize. I promised you he could start next Monday, and I won’t go back on my word. He can report to work then. Trust me, Emma, when I make a promise, I always keep it.”
Turning to Kayden, Ryder added with a faint smile, “Six thousand dollars a month, with meals and accommodation included. Plus, we have year-end bonuses and monthly days off. Honestly, I was planning to hire a woman, but since Emma vouched for you, this job is yours.”
His tone remained friendly, his smile unwavering, as if he were the most agreeable person in the world. But beneath the surface, Ryder harbored darker intentions. If Kayden agreed to the job, Ryder would make him pay for ruining his plans today. Ryder wasn’t the type to let things slide-he’d ensure Kayden paid dearly.
“Ryder!” Emma looked at him, her face filled with gratitude and guilt. She seemed genuinely moved by Ryder’s generosity.
Then, turning to Kayden, her expression shifted instantly. “Kayden, do you realize how lucky you are to meet someone like Ryder? He’s already letting this go-now can you apologize to him? I’m telling you, this is basic manners. Say sorry!”
Kayden met Emma’s gaze, shaking his head with a trace of helplessness. “Fine. If you trust him so much, then consider my earlier words unsaid. But let me make this clear-I’m only taking them back for your sake, not his.”
Kayden’s eyes hardened as he turned to face Ryder. His voice was firm, his words deliberate. “Let me warn you-if you ever try anything like that again, if you dare to do anything despicable to Emma, I won’t let you off the hook.”
Emma frowned, clearly irritated. “What are you even talking about? What do you mean by that?”
Ryder’s smile froze, his expression darkening as he studied Kayden from head to toe. “What do you mean by that? Are you trying to act tough?”
Kayden didn’t reply, his steady gaze locked on Ryder.
Ryder’s tone grew colder, more menacing. “Listen to me. I let it go earlier because you’re Mr. Baker’s friend’s son. That makes us friends-for now. But if you keep crossing the line, don’t blame me for what happens next.”
Kayden smirked faintly, his voice calm. “Do whatever you want. You’re not worth my time.”
He turned, ready to leave, unwilling to waste more words on Ryder. But before he could take a step, Ryder barked sharply, “Stop right there!”
Kayden paused, looking back at Ryder, who glared at him with an icy expression. “Did I say you could leave? Explain yourself! What did you mean by ‘drugging’? Say it clearly!”
The topic returned to the matter of the drug.
Kayden eyed Ryder’s haughty posture and spoke in a low voice, “You know exactly what you did. I heard every word you said to that man with the middle parting. Don’t dig your own grave. Just because I don’t want to kill doesn’t mean I won’t. If you provoke me, I’ll kill you right here.”
Ryder sneered, unimpressed by Kayden’s threat. “Kill me? Really? What drugs? Why would I need to drug Emma? You can ask her yourself-would I need to do something like that? What for? Are you accusing me of trying to assault her?”
Emma froze momentarily at Ryder’s words. Assault her?
“Kayden!” Emma snapped. “You’re overstepping! Whatever happens between me and Ryder is none of your business. Do you think Ryder would stoop to something so vile? Stop making baseless accusations. If anyone here is capable of such disgusting behavior, it’s you! You’re unbelievable.”
Though her relationship with Ryder hadn’t progressed to the level of intimacy, Emma wouldn’t have refused it if it came to that.
“I’m sorry, Ryder,” she said, her voice filled with disdain as she glared at Kayden. “He’s just spouting nonsense.”
Kayden, unshaken by Emma’s scorn, replied, “If it’s consensual, it’s boring. He enjoys the thrill of control-drugging someone, then doing whatever he wants. That’s his kind of fun.”
Ryder’s face darkened, his expression betraying that Kayden’s words had struck a nerve. He realized Kayden had overheard him earlier.
Emma, however, was furious. “Shameless! That’s your own twisted thinking, isn’t it? And now you’re trying to pin it on Ryder? You’re pathetic! Are you so jealous of Ryder that you can’t stand to see us together?”
“Let me make this clear-Kayden, I don’t like you. I’ve never liked you. My father’s words mean nothing; he was lying to you. I will never be with you.”
“And one more thing-if Ryder wanted to do anything, he wouldn’t need drugs! Now leave. I don’t want to see you anymore. Seeing you just annoys me.”
Emma’s words were decisive, leaving no room for doubt. It was clear she didn’t believe Kayden at all.