Chapter 87: The Unexpected Visitor

Yanking the front door open, my annoyance only grew at the sight of the person on the other side. "Oh... It's you," I said flatly, unable to mask the disdain in my voice.

Ryder stood there, his eyes narrowed, a clear accusation in his gaze. "Did you lose your phone?" he asked curtly, his tone sharp.

"No, I just don't want to talk to you right now," I replied, my hand already on the door, ready to close it and end this unwanted encounter. But Ryder was too quick. He placed his hand against the door, holding it firmly open. "Well, I do want to talk. We need to work this out," he insisted, his voice steady and serious. His eyes blazed with a determination that told me he'd set his mind on this and he wasn't going to be easily dissuaded.

I sighed and rolled my eyes with annoyance before reluctantly stepping outside, pulling the door shut behind me to afford us some privacy from Aunt Mara, who was no doubt watching curiously from the dining table.

"So talk," I said sharply as I took a