Chapter 480

Ryan Cunningham knew his brother's temperament well enough to predict he'd likely ignore Emily.

Emily Lowell met his probing gaze and lightly bit her lower lip.

Had it been any of the Lowell men seeing her like this, they would've erupted in fury and gone seeking vengeance.

But Ryan remained unmoved.

She had no choice but to swallow her feigned grievance.

"Really, it was nothing. Just a coincidence."

"I see."

Ryan gave her a meaningful glance. "Tired? There's a guest room upstairs."

He certainly wouldn't confront Ryan Jr. on Emily's behalf.

Emily's eyes darkened at his hollow concern. "Alright."

Her earlier distress had been an act.

This current disappointment, however, was genuine.

After bidding farewell to the others, she ascended the stairs.

Ryan watched her leave before heading straight to Ryan Jr.'s study.

The lively clamor of the party downstairs was replaced by the rhythmic tapping of keyboard keys.

"How's the research institute progressing?"

Ryan Jr. looked up from his monitor, brow slightly furrowed. "Data simulation needs at least another week."

"Speed it up."

Despite obtaining Dr. Quincy's research, uncertainty lingered until full mastery was achieved.

"Already working overtime."

Ryan nodded, as if reassuring himself. "I personally escorted Quentin and Emily to the office that day. The data should be secure."

At Emily's name, Ryan Jr.'s frown deepened momentarily before relaxing. "Mhm."

Noticing the reaction, Ryan arched an eyebrow. "Ran into Emily just now? What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Really?" Ryan blinked. "Then why did she look so wronged?"

Ryan Jr. remained silent for several beats before stating flatly, "Dramatic delusions of grandeur."

Ryan burst out laughing. "Accurate assessment."

Clearly done with the topic, Ryan Jr. picked up his pen again.

Surveying the mountain of documents, Ryan shrugged. "I'll leave you to it."

As he turned to go, his brother's voice stopped him.

"Was it worth it?"

"What?"

After a beat of confusion, Ryan realized he meant the arranged marriage with Emily for the research.

He chuckled dismissively. "Had to get married eventually, right?"

Ryan Jr. had uncovered Dr. Quincy's whereabouts.

But buried in work, he had no patience for Emily's theatrics.

And alternative methods to recruit the doctor were impossible.