All Chapters of HEIR OF PAIN: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

Later in the night, after eating dinner, Ryder and Arden returned back to their room. They lay in each other’s arms quietly. Ryder rested on his back, one arm wrapped firmly around Arden’s waist. Arden lay on his side, his head on Ryder’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Ryder’s fingers moved slowly, gently stroking Arden’s hair in a calming motion. The room was quiet, filled only with the sound of their breathing. “You have been quiet since I came back,” Ryder said softly. “Is there something wrong?” “So, you mean I am always noisy?” Arden asked as he raised his head slightly to look at Ryder. Ryder smiled and kissed his forehead. “That’s not what I mean. You are always lively, but now you’re extremely quiet.” Arden went silent again. He lowered his head back to Ryder’s chest, his fingers gripping Ryder’s shirt lightly. “Ryder,” Arden said after a long pause, “what if one day you find out a shameful secret about me?” Ryder frowned slightly. “How d

Ryder stood up the moment he noticed it. The fear and the sadness.They were both there, heavy and unmistakable in Arden’s eyes. It was the kind of look that told Ryder one thing clearly—whatever was on that video was really something he should know about.Ryder didn’t hesitate. He walked closer and placed both hands firmly on Arden’s shoulders. His voice dropped into a whisper, steady and reassuring.“Alright,” he said. “I won’t watch it.”Arden’s breath hitched. His lips trembled as he nodded, but the fear in his eyes did not fade.“Then… then I will have to delete it myself,” Arden said.Ryder studied him for a moment before answering. “Only if you tell me everything,” he replied calmly. “Only if you tell me why you’re like this.”Arden swallowed hard. His hands were shaking as he picked up the phone. He stared at the screen like it was a weapon pointed directly at his chest.With a slow movement, he pressed delete.The phone slipped from his fingers and landed softly on the table.

Ryder opened his eyes as he heard the door open. Corner stepped into the office quietly. The moment his eyes fell on Ryder sitting on the couch with Arden asleep in his arms, his steps slowed. Arden’s head rested against Ryder’s chest, his breathing calm and even, one arm loosely wrapped around Ryder’s waist. Corner immediately understood he had come at the wrong time. He bowed slightly and turned to leave. “I am sorry, Boss. I will come back later,” Corner said softly. “No need,” Ryder replied. Corner stopped and nodded, turning back fully. His expression shifted from hesitation to focus. “Boss,” Corner said, lowering his voice, “since we are about to release Derek, what should we do with his father?” Ryder did not answer immediately. His gaze dropped to Arden’s face, peaceful in sleep, so different from the broken expression he had worn earlier. Ryder’s hand moved instinctively, gently stroking Arden’s hair. “Don’t release Derek yet,” Ryder said calmly. His voice was quiet

Arden bounced onto the bed and exhaled deeply. The mattress dipped under his weight as his body finally relaxed. He stared up at the ceiling for a few seconds, letting the quiet of the room sink in. Lunch with the family had gone better as he had a full time gist with Ryder’s mom and Asher. After spending some time downstairs, Arden had excused himself and come upstairs to rest. His body felt tired, but his mind felt light. He turned his head to the side and spotted his phone resting on the lampstand. “That’s right,” Arden muttered. “I haven’t called Kyle.” He leaned forward, picked up the phone, and dialed Kyle’s number. It rang twice before the call connected. “Hey, buddy,” Kyle said from the other end. “Kyle, I did it,” Arden said immediately. He could hear the happiness in his own voice. “You did what?” Kyle asked. “What did you do?” “I told Ryder the truth,” Arden said. “And guess what? He didn’t hate me. He didn’t shout. He didn’t do any of the things I thoug

After the call ended, Ryder went downstairs and joined Arden and the rest for dinner. The atmosphere was calm, filled with light conversations and soft laughter. Arden never bothered to ask about the call. He assumed it was work, and lately, Ryder had been handling many things. After dinner, everyone headed to their respective rooms to rest. Arden and Ryder walked back to their bedroom together. The room was quiet and warm, the soft glow from the lamp giving it a peaceful feeling. They both climbed onto the bed, tired but relaxed. Ryder reached over and turned off the table lamp, plunging the room into darkness. He turned toward Arden and pulled him close, wrapping an arm around his waist. Arden adjusted himself until he was comfortable against Ryder’s chest. There was silence for a while, only the sound of their breathing filling the room. “Ryder?” Arden called softly. “Hm?” Ryder responded, his voice low and calm. “What is it?” Arden bit his lips, suddenly unsure. Ever