Chapter 445

Ryan still stood there, unmoving. Chloe tugged on his sleeve gently, just like she used to when they were kids. “Ryan…” she called out softly, her voice carrying a mix of pleading and a hint of childish coquettishness. That one word made Ryan’s eyes turn red. He looked down, took her hand in his, and gently pulled her into his arms. They had grown up together—lost their grandpa together—and now Chloe was sick. Ryan swallowed down all the emotions, took a deep breath, then gave a quiet “Okay.” He left with Chloe. As he helped her into the car, William’s voice came from behind. “Chloe.” She turned around and looked at him quietly, a faint smile playing on her lips. “William, I guess we just weren’t meant to be.” The sky was dimming. From Wynthorpe Manor came the soft, sorrowful notes of funeral music, floating faintly through the air. Chloe sat down in the car. William instinctively reached out, trying to hold her hand, but before his fingers could touch hers, the door closed with a soft