Your Love Is But a Dream (Clara and Wren) novel Chapter 237

Rose instinctively leaned back and tried to withdraw her hand, but Ryan was faster. He quickly placed his other hand over hers and held it firmly in his grasp.

"It's an honor to meet you today, Ms. Sutton. I hope I wasn't a disappointment." A faint smile played at the corners of Ryan's lips as he lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss on the back of Rose's hand.

It was purely out of courtesy, with no intention to offend her.

Rose stared at him in a daze. At that moment, her heart suddenly started racing. A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she took in the handsome face that was just inches away from hers.

She wasn't some naive girl sheltered from the world. She had dated a few foreign boyfriends while living abroad. They were passionate, outgoing, and unreserved in their affections. When they pursued her, they did so boldly and made their admiration clear without hesitation.

So, while Ryan's forwardness and hand-holding surprised her, she didn't find it particularly offensive. In fact, his assertiveness and enthusiasm began to make her a little flustered. Ryan was somewhat different from what she had expected.

Rose stole a glance at him. She actually hadn't expected much from him before coming here, and she only showed up because she couldn't go against her parents' wishes. Her initial plan had been to just show up and get it over with.

Before meeting him, she had assumed Ryan would be stoic and serious like the men from Dennis' generation. But to her surprise, not only was Ryan good-looking, but he was also rather interesting.

Ryan caught Rose stealing glances at him, and it left him with a sense of disdain.

Women like Rose—privileged and confident about themselves—were actually more innocent and easier to win over.

He had little interest in Rose herself, but Dennis' influence was another matter.

As he mulled over that thought, his smile widened. He served her food and drink with enthusiasm, displaying his gentlemanly charm and attentiveness to the fullest.

After their meal, Rose suggested taking a stroll with him. Although Ryan felt a little impatient, he didn't refuse.

Natty, the only one in the room who knew what was going on, was especially uneasy. She was distracted during the meeting as Katrina's words kept replaying in her mind. Now and then, she would glance toward the conference room door.

Natty's unusual behavior didn't go unnoticed, and it only added to their anxiety and confusion.

For the first time, Carlisle wasn't fully focused on work during a meeting. His mind was completely occupied by Katrina's threats.

Had her docility all these years been just an act? How dare she bring up divorce? And how dare she threaten him!

Frustration weighed heavily on his chest, and his expression grew even darker.

The marketing manager, who was in the middle of his report, thought he had made a mistake when he saw Carlisle's expression grow increasingly grim. Just as he was about to say something, he was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.