Chapter 163

How did I end up with her? he thought bitterly, his jaw clenching. The memories of everything she’d done flooded his mind. The lies, the manipulation, the false pregnancy—he now knew it had all been a part of her plan. She had never cared about him. It had always been about power, about taking over the Kendrick Empire.

His hands itched with the urge to confront her, to demand answers. But he knew he had to be patient. If he showed his cards too soon, she would only find a way to slip through his fingers again. He couldn’t afford that. Not this time.

"I haven’t seen my mom or dad in a while," Ryan said, breaking the silence. "I’d like to visit them. I need to check on my dad’s health."

Bella paused, glancing over her shoulder at him. "Just call them. You can talk to them on the phone."Ryan shook his head, his voice steady. "I can’t talk to Dad on the phone, remember? He’s not doing well. I need to see him in person."

Bella narrowed her eyes, studying him for a moment before sighing. "A