Heartstrings on Fire

Chapter 411

Jared was overwhelmed with confusion. He had suspected Ryder was involved, but never imagined Alyssa was at the core of it all. Details eluded him, and he felt lost.

1s Julia Agnes‘ real mother?” Jared asked

Alyssa, tearfully covering her face, nodded. “It’s a painful story from over twenty years ago. I was responsible for her mother’s demise. I hoped time would heal and people would forget, but I was mistaken. Your marriage to Julia’s daughter feels like fate catching up

Jared was unaware of this history Alyssa’s revelation felt like a heavy weight pressing down on him. He had always managed matters of the heart, but this was different. Shaking off the shock, Jared tried

to focus on the present

Meanwhile. Agnes fled the Whitfield family’s ancient mansion, nestled halfway up a mountain. As she descended the long, winding path, she felt a constant presence trailing her. Ryder. Although she didn’t want to speak, preferring her own thoughts, she was thankful she had her phone.

Bradford Shortly after, a Maybach pulled up before her. Brayden Simonds was driving, with Kerri beside him. Agnes knew she was imposing, but at that

car started again, driving out of

asked, “Agnes, who’s the guy

the rearview mirror and saw Ryder. He stood still, buffeted by the chilly night wind, lacking the warmth of a coat and clad only in a black sweater. His attire, distinctly European, made

took a moment before recognizing

“How do

often cross paths. We’re even interning at the same hospital,” Kerri explained, a

“Maybe you should consider

growing weary of

sitting on the back seat looking lost, “Agnes,

a time for family to be