Chương 19: Chapter 19 - I Can't Disappoint Them

[New York, 9:40 AM]

A stack of mics and other recording devices were seen neatly arranged on the long table. The press conference was just around the corner.

The line of vacant seats in front, along with the bustling media crew inside the hotel's magnificent hall faithfully awaited for some important figures, who, 20 minutes from now, would clarify the disappearing case of NY's rising supermodel— Ryley Schwartz.

Contrasted to the excited and lively atmosphere in the hall, the presidential suite was dead quiet. Nothing could be heard than the subtle breeze fanned by the air conditioner.

There, a figure in all white sat facing the mirror on the makeup case. The white blazer adorned his lean build perfectly, along with the pants that hung just above his ankle.

At first glance, nothing changed from his usual appearance. His handsome face, his great posture, his overall good looks— the blond really did return to NY safe and sound though he still had a patch glued around his collarbone. And this was one of the many reasons he had to button up the striped shirt he wore inside.

His brown eyes bulged when he noticed the purplish bruise peeking out near the base of his neck.

'That bastard fool...!'

He cursed inwardly as he reached for a foundation and applied it, covering the sneaky trace that the Alpha left. He told him not to leave any marks where it'd be visible, but still the man ignored his words.

Feeling annoyed but didn't have the energy to vent it out, he leaned back in his chair, heaving a deep sigh as he slumped. His slender fingers ran through his golden strands, slicking it backward when the memory from yesterday resurfaced in his mind.

He recalled the event from last night when Clyde teased him, saying that his question about the man's relationship with Gracia Clark wasn't something he could carelessly answer.

"Why do you suddenly care about it?"

"I… I just…"

Clyde's towering figure kept pressing against him, making the blond stammer.

As much as he didn't want to admit it, Ryley was aware that he actually felt uncomfortable when he heard Clyde call the woman with her first name.

And this unwanted feeling frustrated him more than anything.

"I see... Are you jealous?"

"What— No! No way! What the hell are you talking about?!"

Instead of asking why Hyancinthia's head of public relations was there, his mind strayed and made him question their relationship.

But it was too late when he realized his mistake.

The Alpha crushed his lips, then circled his arms around his waist and hugged him tight.

Ryley tried to push him away, but the man was simply immovable.

He surrendered in the end, thinking that his effort was in vain, letting the man chew his red lips that it got slightly swollen.

"You said I was jealous but look at you," the blond wiped the saliva dripping out from getting kissed so roughly. "You really want them to know you did something to me, huh?"

The Alpha scoffed, "I can't risk someone else stealing a really valuable ally like you. That's all."

Ryley didn't know why, but hearing Clyde call him ally was a bit…

'What the hell was I thinking?!' He grumbled as he pinched the space between his brows, regretting the irrational thoughts that made him sound unnecessarily curious of someone else's business.

His brown eyes darkened a little, he reminded himself that his business with the Alpha was anything but that of pure affections.

Ryley clenched his fist, promising himself that he wouldn't involve his feelings in any of this matter.

Even when the Alpha's voice kept ringing in his ears.

"I will wait for you, Ryley…"

***

"Ry… Ryley…. Ryley!"

The shout snapped the blond out of his reverie, he looked to his side and found Martin putting down a cup of chamomile tea in front of him.

"Is something bothering your mind? The press conference will be held in 10 minutes." Martin was the strictest manager when it comes to timing, but today, he decided to not be too hard on Ryley.

The model shook his head, seemingly not in the mood.

Seeing this, Martin let out a sigh and pulled a chair near him. "Hey, listen. I didn't have the time to prepare anything and just went with the request from Miss Clark. If you're worried they might pull some cheap tricks on you, I will take care of it later. But I doubt it will happen because I know they're not that stupid to do it. So now…"

He took the chamomile tea and offered it to Ryley. "Calm your mind and think of what you should talk about later."

The model then took a sip and returned the cup to his manager. "Thanks, Brother. It's not like I doubt about their good intentions. I was just surprised that they would go miles just to get me, even helped me to cover up the incident a few days ago with such a…" he sighed, shaking his head as if giving in. "I mean… I wouldn't have thought of making up such a story."

His memory then returned to yesterday's night, when Gracia Clark explained that Hyacinthia had sent its crew to help him deal with his disappearing case.

They made up a story as if Ryley was getting pranked by the interns working in the fashion company. They took a staged footage showing that the model was 'kidnapped' and brought to Rock Springs for a few days.

The blond was reluctant when he realized these employees disguising themselves as 'interns' were going to take the blame, but he was confused when he saw them happily did it.

"I felt so stupid when I found out they weren't actually going to be fired. Some of them even told me they were so lucky to be able to take a part in this." Ryley let out a small chuckle. "They will be moved to Europe branch after this. Of course they felt so happy."

"See? This is Hyacinthia, don't compare it with any other brands. You can be sure they'll treat you well." Martin said, then helped tidying the stuff on the dresser. "Did you know that they also send their company's lawyer today?"

Ryley rose to his feet then patted his blazer and pants. His brown eyes sharply stared forward, his gaze filled with determination.

"I can't disappoint them then."

Martin smiled and took his sling bag, then walked towards the door to the presidential suite and opened it.

"Let's go."

The two then walked out the most expensive hotel room in New York, with Ryley in front and Martin following behind him. The model's firm steps passed through the carpet-covered corridor, then stopped in front of the special elevator with two burly men standing on guard. They bowed slightly, then pressed the button for Ryley.

The four descended to the conference hall, and once the doors opened, the guards stepped out first and took their stance to protect the figure of the day.

Countless camera flashes immediately welcomed him as he stepped out. Their whispers raced with the sound of clicking shutters, but the blond kept walking forward graciously.

If it was a runway, he'd get millions just for one collection. So his arrival this morning was like a free show he usually did on charity events.

"Mr. Ryley, this way." Gracia stretched her hand and guided Ryley to the stage.

The blond tried to keep his expression neutral when he faced the figure coming from the opposite direction, especially the old bastard with a pot belly.

The Alpha promised he'd explain everything, including why he couldn't let Ryley report Scott Morrison for now.

Ryley thought he could still endure it, to hold back the anger that almost erupted from his heart if that meant he could make Clyde strip the geezer off his current position in return.

He was about to pull the chair in front of him when a shocking sight halted his movement.

A female figure appeared from behind Scott, and the scornful look on her face exuded deep hatred.

"Rayray…"

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