Aiden knew that he should thank Ryan for sorting out the mess at the university, but he was disinclined to do so.
Why?
Because Quentin Sinclair did not act in his interest. He clearly stirred the crap pot for the sake of Alain Matthews, who had the balls to tell the entire university about his scandalous relationship with his so-called adoptive father.
Aiden and Alain did not differ much in age. If Ryan felt comfortable rolling between the sheets with Aiden, he could do the same thing with Alain. That much was clear to everyone.
By showing the pictures of their intimate moments, Alain wanted to plant the same idea in everyone's head. He was not satisfied by just being an adopted son of the Caldwell family. He wanted to kick Aiden out of Ryan's life and marry Ryan.
Alas, Alain underestimated Ryan's feelings for Aiden.