Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 411

Jared was overwhelmed with confusion. He had suspected Ryder was involved, but never imagined Alyssa was at the core of it all. Details eluded him, and he felt lost.

"Is Julia Agnes' real mother?" Jared asked.

Alyssa, tearfully covering her face, nodded. "It's a painful story from over twenty years ago. I was responsible for her mother's demise. I hoped time would heal and people would forget, but I was mistaken. Your marriage to Julia's daughter feels like fate catching up."

Jared was unaware of this history. Alyssa's revelation felt like a heavy weight pressing down on him. He had always managed matters of the heart, but this was different. Shaking off the shock, Jared tried to focus on the present.

Meanwhile, Agnes fled the Whitfield family's ancient mansion, nestled halfway up a mountain. As she descended the long, winding path, she felt a constant presence trailing her: Ryder. Although she didn’t want to speak, preferring her own thoughts, she was thankful she had her phone.

She quickly dialed Kerri Bradford. Shortly after, a Maybach pulled up before her. Brayden Simonds was driving, with Kerri beside him. Agnes knew she was imposing, but at that moment, Kerri was the only person she could trust.

Agnes got in the car, and the car started again, driving out of the mountain path.

Brayden glanced at the rearview mirror and asked, "Agnes, who's the guy trailing behind you?"

Agnes glanced at the rearview mirror and saw Ryder. He stood still, buffeted by the chilly night wind, lacking the warmth of a coat and clad only in a black sweater. His attire, distinctly European, made him look dashing and gave off an aura of quiet nobility.

Kerri took a moment before recognizing him, "Is that Ryder?"

Brayden's face creased in confusion. "How do you know him?"