Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)

Chapter 971

"I'm not deceiving myself," Agnes Pritchard snapped, her voice cutting through the tense air like a knife, interrupting Ryder Whitfield's well-rehearsed speech.

Deep down, Agnes knew the truth all too well. She had to admit that Ryder was right. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Valeria Thomas had become something special to Jared Whitfield, even if Jared himself believed it was nothing more than a partnership.

But to Agnes, Jared's idea of a 'partner' seemed to scream 'soulmate.'

He confided in Valeria, trusted her implicitly, and shared with her details that no one else knew. It was a bond that Agnes couldn't help but envy.

And now, Valeria had laid her cards on the table: she admitted to harboring feelings for Jared. She was determined to weave their lives together in a way that their fates seemed inextricably linked.

Knowing Valeria, she had the will and the way to do whatever she set her mind to.

The thought alone was enough to unsettle Agnes. If she were to return to Jared's side, a never- ending battle with this woman seemed inevitable.

For the first time, Agnes faced the bitter truth: she was no match for Valeria.

This woman could hide her affection towards him for so many years, and she was probably the only person who could ever outsmart Jared.

That was terrifying.

Agnes felt that with a mere flick of Valeria's wrist, she could easily fracture the relationship between her and Jared.

Perhaps she had already begun to do so. It had only taken a few shared meals and glasses of wine for Agnes and Jared's relationship to unravel.

The mere thought exhausted Agnes. She was tired of the constant competition, the deceit, and the unpredictability of people’s hearts.

If Jared's feelings were truly wavering, even if she ended up winning him back, Agnes feared their love would never again feel pure.

The pain was unbearable. Everything about Jared inflicted a deep sorrow upon her.

Ryder spoke up again, "Plus, I can make you one more promise. I have a way to get Uncle Berlin behind bars, and I'll make damn sure nobody can bail him out during his sentence."

Agnes' pupils dilated in shock.

"Ryder, you..." she stammered, disbelief etching her features.

Ryder chuckled. "What, do you think I'm heartless? That the man is, after all, my Uncle?"

Agnes remained silent. But truth be told, that's exactly what she was thinking.

This side of Ryder sent chills down Agnes' spine.

Even though Berlin Thomas deserved to be locked up – a notion that haunted her dreams – hearing Ryder speak so calmly about it was surreal.

"Agnes, I'd do anything for you," Ryder stated, his hand finding hers.

Agnes withdrew her hand gently from his grasp.

It was indeed an exciting offer for her.

"Ryder, give me some time to think," she said softly.

Setting aside the chilling threat, she had to admit, his proposition was tempting.

Maybe all she needed was a shift in perspective.

She owed Ryder so much, and accompanying him abroad, even just to care for him, seemed like the least she could do.

Besides, she and Jared had broken up. What was she still holding on for?

In the years she'd been without Jared, despite the pain, she had lived a life true to herself. She pursued her passions and built her own career.

But now? She was nearly reduced to a weeping widow, wallowing in self-pity and what-ifs.