"You can't be serious," Riley stated, but her words faltered as she caught the icy edge in Tryson's gaze.
His eyes were sharp, cold as an eagle's, and he stepped toward her with deliberate precision.
When he spoke again, his voice was low and measured, each word slicing through the tension in the room.
"Remove the ring," he said.
Tryson turned on his heel to leave, but halted mid-step as Riley's voice cut through the silence.
"Tryson," she said, her tone laced with defiance, "if you really want to sever this alliance, then you might as well forget about the partnership my father has with your company."
Her words hung in the air like a gauntlet thrown.
Tryson stopped, a smirk playing on his lips, his disbelief plain. Slowly, he turned back toward her, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his gaze colder than before.
Riley's heart pounded. She had no desire to threaten him, but he'd left her no choice.
