HEIR OF PAIN
Jewel said, her voice soft and pitiful.
Ryder’s mom sighed. She glanced at Ryder again, hoping for a reaction, but Ryder’s face remained cold. Completely unreadable. No one spoke. The air felt stuck.
Then Ryder finally stood up slowly. His chair scraped lightly on the floor. Everyone stared at him.
“Do whatever you want,” Ryder said. His voice was low and dangerous. “But let me remind you, Jewel…” He took one step closer, his eyes dark. “I am Ryder Black. More dangerous than you think. If I ever find out this is one of your tricks and plans, I will teach you a lesson that even when you are dead, you will never forget.”