Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 916

Ryder held Agnes' hand gently against his face.

"Agnes, every stolen moment with you, every secret rendezvous, it's all heaven to me."

When Ramona and Ben heard that Agnes had fainted, they rushed over immediately.

As they walked through the entrance, they were met with an astonishing sight.

Ramona's jaw dropped in disbelief, "What in the world is happening here?"

Ryder gazed at Agnes with such longing, holding her hand pressed against his cheek—a gesture so intimate it was usually reserved for lovers.

But wasn't Ryder Agnes' nephew?

Inside, Ryder seemed aware of the commotion at the door but was so engrossed in his own world that he didn't turn around or show any sign of panic of getting caught.

He just stood there, quietly holding Agnes' hand, providing silent comfort.

Ramona had wanted to go in, but Ben held her back.

Ben had known Agnes for years and was well aware of her and Ryder. It seemed all the rumors were true. Both Whitfield men had a soft spot for Agnes. Ryder's sudden appearance was out of the ordinary. To go to such lengths for Agnes, he must be deeply in love...

Ramona, still recovering from her shock, said, "Ben, you don't think Mr. Whitfield... harbors inappropriate feelings for his aunt, do you?"

Ben sighed, "You should really stay out of your boss' business." But Ramona couldn't resist, "If you ignore the whole nephew thing, I actually like young Mr. Whitfield for her. They're about the same age, were schoolmates, and he chased her down here, heedless of danger. When I heard that Mr. Whitfield rushed here after seeing our livestream, I knew their relationship wasn't that simple."

Ramona complained, "Just on that count, he's so much better than Mr. Whitfield."

Ben said cautiously, "Don't pick sides rashly. Mr. Whitfield must be worried sick by now. We can't even reach the outside world. Agnes' phone was lost on the first day we got here. Even if he's worried, there's nothing he can do."

That made sense, but it didn't stop Ramona from worrying, "When will this mountain road be cleared? This place is like hell on earth. If we don't get outside help soon, it's going to be a real hell." That night, Bronzetown Borough was shaken by frequent aftershocks.

Agnes had just come to. Ryder had ordered her to rest in what was now a makeshift medical station, set up in a relatively safe area. But with the aftershocks, it felt like the earth itself was trembling. Agnes stepped out of the medical station. Outside, chaos reigned. People were scattering like startled birds, running out of their homes toward open spaces for safety.

But Agnes saw a child running in the opposite direction, toward the ruins of a collapsed residential building. The earthquake had claimed countless victims there, and while the rescue efforts hadn't ceased, everyone knew that after four days, the chances of replaceing survivors were slim.

Agnes recognized the child.