Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 972

Agnes was utterly fed up with herself.

She longed for change. Returning to her old life seemed like a viable escape.

Moreover, Berlin had always been a thorn in Agnes' side.

Because of the lack of evidence, the person responsible for her father's death was still walking free. Agnes felt she had failed her dad. Even if she managed to put Berlin back behind bars, Valeria or Cilian Thomas would just pull some strings and get him out again.

Only Ryder could make a difference. Because only Ryder could negotiate with Cilian.

In Cilian's eyes, his son was the only one more important than his own brother.

Agnes' head was pounding with the weight of decision.

Why was she hesitating over such an easy choice?

She longed for Ryder to return to his old self, yet she didn't want Jared to lose The Tim Group because of her.

What was she still considering?

Ryder spoke up, "Alright, Agnes, I'll give you a day to think it over. The shareholders' meeting is at 3 PM tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you at the airport at 2:30 PM. If you come, we'll leave immediately. Then, I'll arrange for Nocturne to be picked up, and we'll head to Manhattan together. It'll be like the old days. You'll continue your old job, and I swear I'll cure Nocturne."

A rare glimmer of longing shone in Ryder's eyes.

He was desperate to leave.

Every step he had taken for so long had been calculated, all leading up to this moment.

To the day he and Agnes could leave together and break away from the present.

The thought of Agnes by Jared's side made him feel like he was going insane with every ticking second. He could live without having Agnes, but he couldn't stand anyone else possessing her. Ryder always felt that the years abroad were memories that belonged solely to the two of them.

Back then, he felt close to Agnes.

But everything changed upon their return. This was wrong, and he was eager to correct it.

His heart was filled with anticipation; he was convinced Agnes would leave with him.

After all, he had laid out his threats and offered so many terms.

He knew that the moment he started threatening Agnes, their friendship would be severed.

But he had never intended to just be friends with her.

Ryder thought this was for the best.

Agnes had always been indifferent to him, never showing much emotion, just distant.

But at least today, her disappointment, her pain... At least that pain was genuine because he had hurt her. And that was far better than indifference.

After leaving the hospital, Ryder was picked up by his driver.

Agnes returned to Maplewood Manor.

She had been staying at Kerri's villa for the past few days. But upon arrival, she found herself outside the villa she once shared with Jared, without really knowing why. Perhaps she should say goodbye?

Yes, no matter the current mess between her and Jared.

They had briefly reconciled, briefly basked in happiness.

Briefly believed that this time it was forever after all the storms had passed.

With that thought, Agnes' heart filled with bitterness.

Jared was back.

The lights in the villa were nearly all on.

The villa's door was secured with a fingerprint and passcode lock.

And to this day, Jared had never changed the code.