Chapter 87

Serena's POV I bit my lip as Ryan's gaze held mine, his eyes filled with an honesty I hadn't seen in years. He stood there like a man awaiting judgment, his usual confidence replaced with vulnerability that made him look almost boyish. Damn it. Why was he making this so hard? Maybe I could try trusting him one more time, but I needed him to understand where I stood.So I wiped the smile from my face, instantly serious. "Sophie works at your company, and you're constantly protecting her. It's hard not to think something's going on." Ryan caught my meaning immediately. "I'll have someone clarify our relationship to everyone at the company. No more rumors." His voice was firm, determined. "If you don't believe me, just wait. I'll prove it to you. How's that?" I couldn't help but snort, though I felt my expression softening. "You'd better." Then, shifting topics to avoid the flutter in my chest, I asked, "What are you planning to do about Grandmother?" Our eyes met, and an unspoken understa