Chapter 176

Emma and her assistant had no choice but to hop into the car. "Ryan, we're troubling you again." "Don't mention it." Sitting in the back, Max quietly eyed Ryan—he was no stranger to her. The youngest and most respected neurosurgeon in the country. So he was the friend Emma came to see. Emma and Ryan made light conversation along the way, bantering now and then. Ryan even chimed in with a few words to Max from time to time. Emma kept a calm, almost relaxed smile on her face, completely hiding whatever she was really feeling inside. But Ryan could see right through it—she was faking the smile, trying so hard to look okay. It only made his guilt worse, though he didn't say a word. ... He waited until Emma and Max disappeared through the departure gate before finally walking out of the airport alone. Ryan had actually planned to fly back with them, but since he flew in on Ethan's private jet, he didn't bring his passport or documents. Left with no choice, he returned to the farm where Geor