Chapter 479

The man before her was all too familiar—Ryan Cunningham Jr., younger brother of Ryan Cunningham.

They'd never had much interaction.

Recognizing Emily Lowell, the sharp edges of his presence instantly smoothed into an eerie stillness.

"Why are you here?"

The accusatory tone ignited her temper.

She was the future matriarch of the Cunningham family, Ryan's lawfully wedded wife.

How dare a mere second son address her like this?

When she remained silent, he turned to leave without a second thought.

"Stop."

He glanced back, one brow arched.

That condescending look made her nails bite into her palms.

"What's with that attitude?"

She emphasized pointedly, "Don't forget who brought Dr. Quincy's research to the table."

His eyes flickered before he disappeared down the corridor.

Emily stamped her foot in frustration.

An heirless nobody daring to slight her?

Only Sophia Laurent had ever treated her this way.

Returning to the gala, she deliberately reddened her eyes before Ryan.

"What's wrong?" he asked absently.

"Nothing." She lowered her head in feigned distress.

Ryan smirked inwardly.

The woman's acting skills were first-rate.

But with Dr. Quincy's research data still up for grabs, he played along. "Emily, tell me what happened."

She sniffled. "I...ran into your brother earlier..."

Ryan's brow lifted.

Of course Ryan Jr. wouldn't give her the time of day.

"What did he do?"