Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 859

"If just my mere existence can stir up trouble between you and Agnes, then, uncle, you might as well throw in the towel. After all, it was you who stepped in not once, but twice, to steal love that wasn't yours. This time, I'm determined to win Agnes back. At least now it's clear, whether it's Agnes or Nocturne, the person they need most is me."

"Alright, spell it out for me. What's your grand plan? Cozying up to Agnes time and again, driving a wedge between us, fabricating conflicts, and vying for control and shares in the company-is that the sum of your scheming?"

"I don't need to drive a wedge, because in front of Agnes, I won't speak ill of you, not even half a word. I just want her to see for herself that I love her more, that she'd be happier with me. Uncle, I see this as fair play. After all, you two aren't hitched yet, are you?"

"Our bond won't be so easily broken. Agnes and I have weathered storms together. If she was willing to leave me for you, it would've happened by now."

Ryder's voice remained calm, "Uncle, do you really think that all the years we've spent in Manhattan didn't forge a bond? The tempests we've faced together are no fewer than yours. Every time Nocturne faced a crisis, I was the one by her side. That's why when trouble hits, she thinks of me first, not you."

Ryder's words seemed to strike at the core of Jared's heart.

Indeed, when Nocturne faced trouble, Agnes thought first of Ryder.

Agnes had gathered some fresh clothes for Nocturne and brought them to the hospital room.

That's when she saw Jared, who was seated by the bed, holding Nocturne's small hand.

From where Agnes stood, all she could see was the side of Jared's grim face.

She walked in.

With a nonchalant air, she said, "You're here."

Her voice was cool, tinged with an indefinable weariness.

Jared lifted his gaze, fixing it steadfastly on Agnes.

"Why didn't you call me when Nocturne was hospitalized?"

His eyes were sharp as ice, his voice laden with restraint and tension.

Agnes replied, "Calling you would have only added to your worries without helping much."

"But I am Nocturne's father. Would you rather turn to Ryder than face this together with me?" Hearing 'Ryder', Agnes felt a biting irony inside-so this was what truly bothered Jared.

She didn't want to explain too much about Ryder.

"Because he's a doctor. Because for years, my first instinct when something happens to Nocturne is to replace him. Because at times like these, he's more useful than you, Jared. Is that the answer you wanted?" Jared's gaze darkened, and finally, he spoke, "You've finally told the truth." He then stood up and left the hospital room.

Jared couldn't contain himself. Being in the same room with Agnes, they were bound to erupt into a fierce argument.

Maybe Ryder was right. Agnes did have feelings for Ryder, a special kind of dependency.

Jared had always believed that their getting back together was the result of his relentless pursuit, a chance he took while Ryder was away at a conference in Manhattan.

Agnes' sense of commitment to their relationship now was nothing like before.

She was with him, perhaps because of the intimacy they shared four years ago, or maybe to give Nocturne a complete family.

But she still maintained a closeness with Ryder that went beyond friendship, akin to that of lovers. And that was something Jared could never tolerate.