Chapter: 400

He headed to the hotel where Nikolas was staying. Nikolas had overindulged the previous night and was still in bed.

Upon spotting Ryan, Nikolas donned a night robe and rose to his feet.

Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he remarked, "You handle your liquor well. We drank together yesterday, yet today you stand here so energetically, as if you hadn't had a drop."

"I'm just in a good mood."

“Why's that?"

“Oh, nothing. You're my guest. I had to come to see you. I've already ordered breakfast. They're bringing it here. Why don't you freshen up first?"

Nikolas nodded, his eyes still heavy with the remnants of a hangover, his head throbbing.

Ryan observed him heading towards the bathroom to freshen up, his eyes shifting briefly to Nikolas' phone lying on the table.

Maddie had called several times.

Ryan knew about her. In the past, Maddie had played a crucial role in Bates Group, garnering admiration in the business community.

He also knew she had a thing for Jonathan.

Ryan took a momentary pause, then proceeded to access Nikolas contacts, locating Maddie's number and noting it down.

“I'm leaving tomorrow. Already booked my flight." Just then, Nikolas emerged from the bathroom, towel in hand.

Ryan felt a jolt of surprise mixed with relief that Nikolas hadn't caught him with the phone.

“Leaving so soon?"

“Yeah. Jonathan's taken on some hefty projects, including international gigs I need to pitch in on," Nikolas replied, dabbing his face.

Ryan arched an eyebrow. “Is he heading overseas too?"

“Couldn't say. Might be Brody or Jonathan," Nikolas responded before shifting his gaze to Ryan. "And you? Sticking around?"

Bethany had turned Ryan down, and Ryan now knew about her and Jonathan's past. Nikolas assumed Ryan would give up.

"I'm not going anywhere for now," Ryan replied with a faint smile.

"I'm committed to seeing the Westsilver project through to the end."

"It's only a resort project. What's with the serious commitment?"

Nikolas furrowed his brow, skepticism evident. "Are you still fixated on Bethany? Let me tell you, she's trouble. Jonathan treated her Like royalty, disregarding his principles, and she still walked away. Your odds aren't looking good."

Ryan shrugged nonchalantly, flashing a casual smile. "Who's to say? Perhaps I can surpass Jonathan."