All Chapters of HEIR OF PAIN: Chapter 91 - Chapter 96

Arden raised his head and saw Jewel putting a piece of fish onto Ryder’s plate, smiling as if nothing mattered. His eyes narrowed, and a sharp glare fixed on her. Ryder noticed Arden’s gaze and quickly picked up the fish Jewel had placed. Without hesitation, he put it gently on Arden’s plate. “You also like fish, right? Eat plenty of it,” Ryder said, a playful smile on his face. His hand lingered slightly, as if emphasizing that he cared for Arden. Arden looked at him, a mixture of surprise and warmth softening his expression. He nodded slightly and began to eat, keeping his focus on Ryder. Ryder leaned back slightly and asked, “Do you want more fish or anything else?” His voice was calm, yet filled with the subtle teasing that only Arden could recognize. Arden smiled softly and shook his head. “No, I’m fine,” he said. Jewel frowned slightly, her smile faltering. Arden noticed it, but, he focused on finishing his meal while Ryder continued to keep an eye on him. A moment

~~~~~Later In The Evening ~~~~~~ Ryder stretched out his hand and turned off the lampstand. Darkness filled the room almost immediately. He shifted closer and pulled Arden into his arms, fitting him against his chest and then, he kissed Arden’s forehead lightly. “Good night,” Ryder muttered. “Good night,” Arden replied. Ryder’s breathing slowly evened out, but Arden remained wide awake. His eyes stayed open, fixed on nothing. Kyle’s words replayed in his head again and again. The more he thought about it, the more it began to make sense. If Kyle was right… then did that mean his presence was the reason Ryder and Kellan no longer spoke like before? Arden let out another sigh. He tried to stay still, but his thoughts were too loud. Another sigh escaped him. Then another. “What is bothering you?” Ryder’s voice came softly in the dark. Arden stiffened slightly. “You’re awake?” he asked, surprised. “How can I sleep when you keep sighing?” Ryder said calmly. “You know you

As Arden walked into the building, he headed straight for the reception desk. The place was quiet but busy, with staff moving around and phones ringing softly in the background. “Good afternoon, sir. How may I help you?” the receptionist asked politely. “Is Ryder in his office?” Arden asked. The receptionist paused. She looked at Arden again, slightly surprised by how casually he had said her boss’s name, without any title or formality. “Yes, he is,” she replied carefully. “Do you have an appointment with him?” Arden shook his head. “I don’t need an appointment with him.” With that, he turned and took a step forward, intending to walk past the desk. The receptionist quickly stood up and stepped in front of him. “Sir, you can’t go in,” she said firmly. “Without an appointment, you’re not allowed to see him.” Arden sighed. He felt a little embarrassed as he noticed a few staff members turning their heads to watch. The receptionist had raised her voice slightly, and it