Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 844

Cecile's arm was suddenly gripped in a vice-like hold that made her yelp, "Who the heck...?" But as she spun around, the words caught in her throat.

Because there, clutching her arm, was none other than Ryder, her prince charming, whom she hadn't laid eyes on in what felt like ages.

For a moment, Cecile was utterly stunned, frozen in place like a statue.

Across the room, Agnes was equally taken aback. She hadn't expected Ryder to show up at the alumni reunion. After all, he had been a med student back in the day.

It wasn't odd for a good number of med school graduates to turn up today, and for him to swing by and catch up with old pals made perfect sense.

Perhaps it was the sharp pang in her wrist that snapped Cecile back to reality.

Yet, facing Ryder, Cecile seemed to transform.

Gone was her usual domineering swagger. In its place, a softer, almost demure woman emerged, her voice tinged with vulnerability, "Ryder, let go. You're hurting me."

Then Ryder released her.

Cecile rubbed her wrist, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of delight.

"When did you get here, prince?" she asked.

"Don't call me prince," Ryder said, a frown creasing his forehead, clearly disliking the nickname.

"How have you been all these years, Ryder?" Cecile probed.

She and Ryder had known each other since childhood. Cecile had always been drawn to him, never really giving any other guy a second thought, but what baffled her was why Ryder never seemed to notice her devotion.

Ryder spoke bluntly, "Cecile, don't make a scene. This is a reunion, not your personal runway."

Cecile, taken aback by Ryder's frosty demeanor, couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, "After all these years, you're still protecting her. How about this, Ryder, if you drink this glass, I'll never bother Agnes again deal?"

On the table was Agnes' glass, filled to the brim with a local spirit akin to firewater.

Without a second thought, Ryder picked up the glass and downed it in one gulp. Agnes panicked. Why would Ryder drink that?

"Stop, don't drink!" she cried out, knowing all too well about Ryder's weak stomach.

Despite being a doctor, Ryder had always neglected his own health, his relentless research leading to a serious gastric condition.

Agnes remembered the stomach medicine that was always present on Ryder's desk during Nocturne's check-ups. How could he handle such strong liquor with his condition?

But it was too late to intervene. Ryder had already emptied the glass, the liquid disappearing with a few swift gulps.

The room went silent, the air filled with collective shock.

No one spoke, but all eyes were fixed on these three individuals.

What was happening here? Why was Ryder standing up for Agnes?

How did she know about his stomach troubles, and could there be something more between them?

The looks exchanged between the two sparked a wave of whispers and knowing glances.

Cecile, however, stared in disbelief at Ryder before her.

She couldn't fathom it. A casual challenge, and he had actually taken it up for Agnes, without a moment's hesitation, downing the drink in one go.