Chapter 15 – A Trip To China
I tried to pull away from Ryder’s arms-but instead, I leaned in.
My lips brushed his, soft at first, like testing forbidden fire… until it ignited.
He responded instantly, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me closer, deepening the
kiss.
A small moan escaped me-sharp and shocking-until the door swung open.
We broke apart.
John froze in the doorway, blinking like he’d just witnessed a crime scene.
“Uh… I’ll come back-”
“No need,” Ryder said casually. “What is it, John?”
I didn’t wait to hear more. I gathered the flask, avoided Ryder’s eyes, and fled the office.
—
Back in my room, the silence was louder than any words.
I sat on the edge of the bed, touching my lips. They still tingled.
It wasn’t supposed to happen. That kiss wasn’t part of the plan.
But the way his mouth felt against mine… the way my body responded-
I bit my lip. It had been months since anyone touched me like that.
And years since I’d felt wanted. Jack had stopped touching me long before the betrayal.
I used to crave him.
Now, I just craved freedom. And maybe, Ryder too.
I must’ve dozed off, because when I stirred again, Ryder was there beside me.
‘Darling…” his voice was low. “Why are you sleeping on the floor?”
I blinked up at him and tried to sit up, embarrassed. “I-I didn’t mean to. I guess I was just… thinking.”
‘You’re always thinking,” he teased gently.
He lifted me effortlessly, placing me on the bed like I weighed nothing.
His eyes were soft but curious.
‘I’m sorry about earlier,” I whispered. “I didn’t mean to kiss you.”
His lips quirked into a smile. “Don’t be. I’ve been waiting for that kiss for three years. Feel free to do it again. Anytime.”
I couldn’t help it-I laughed, hiding my face in the pillow.
“Stop saying things like that.”
“Why? You’re blushing like you used to.”
He scooped me up again, bridal style. My laughter echoed off the walls.
8:11 pm
I booked us a honeymoon suite in China,” he said.
I blinked. “You what?”
“You wanted war, didn’t you?” Ryder smirked. “Let’s go buy your ex-husband’s company and celebrate while we’re at it.”
That night, we took his private jet to China.
I wore silk and drank champagne, and for the first time in years, I felt powerful and wanted.
We landed in Shanghai just before dawn. The hotel Ryder chose had a rooftop dinner waiting, with champagne chilled and a candlelit view of the skyline.
“You’re ridiculous,” I said, laughing into my glass.
“Guilty,” he replied. “But you love it.”
After dinner, we returned to the honeymoon suite-lavish and blushing in rose gold.
His hands found my waist again, and this time, I didn’t stop him.
I let him kiss me. I let myself feel wanted.
For one night, I stopped being Gwen the Avenger. I was just a woman tasting freedom.
The next morning, sunlight poured across the marble floor as I stood on the balcony, sipping ginger tea.
‘Today’s the day,” Ryder said behind me.
He’d already prepped the meeting with Lin-our ticket to seizing Jack’s company.
Lin was a legend in Asia. Rich, ruthless, and sentimental in a very specific way: he hated disloyal
men.
Jack had no idea that the man he was trying to charm was once betrayed by his own wife.
And Lin never forgot betrayal.
Ryder walked in holding a gold-foiled package.
‘He just confirmed. Lin wants to meet.”
‘What’s the condition?” I asked.
‘He wants to watch the video. The leak you sent. Said it was… poetic.”
smirked. “Then let’s give him the show.”
Lin’s penthouse was a fortress of glass and gold. Statues lined the edges like trophies, and the man himself sat at the end of a black marble table, fingers drumming, eyes unreadable.
“You’re Velcro’s wife?” he asked.
“Ex,” I said coolly. “Legally, yes. Spiritually? I divorced him the day he killed
He nodded and gestured to the seat. No warmth. Just curiosity.
my child.”
“I watched the video,” he said. “Impressive. But Jack is married into a family I consider close allies.”
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“Then maybe,” I said slowly, “you need better allies.”
He blinked. Ryder said nothing-he let me have the floor.
“Velcro Corp is bleeding. I’m not asking you to abandon ship. I’m offering you a faster one, better built, and run by someone who doesn’t discard people after using them.”
He was silent for a moment, and then… he nodded.
Lin smiled, folding his arm and sipping his tea.
“She is quite ruthless,” he said, glancing at Ryder. “And dangerously charming.”
“She’s just getting started,” Ryder replied with a grin.
Lin extended his hand to me. “Then allow me to be part of this empire you’re building, Ms. Lyndon.”
shook his hand firmly. “Welcome aboard.”
‘I’ll sign over the deal in the morning. I like you, Ms. Lyndon. You’re efficient.”
leaned forward and smiled sweetly. “No, Mr. Lin. I’m dangerous.”
Jack’s Pov
