Ana's POV
The dial tone buzzed in my ear, leaving me frozen in place.
Darius had never cared for me. Ever since Aileen waltzed back into our lives, his contempt had grown razor-sharp. He genuinely thought I wasn't worthy of Ridley—only his precious real daughter deserved him. Still, he needed to maintain his grip on the Collin through me.
After wrestling with myself for what felt like forever, I finally dialed Ridley's number. After it rang briefly, his voice cut through—cold as winter steel. "What is it this time?"
His arctic tone made me flinch, but I pushed forward. "Dad's birthday party is tomorrow night. Can you bring Hughes?"
Ridley's jaw tightened, something flickering behind his eyes. I could just imagine what he was thinking—that I'd finally broken down and called him, that I was just playing childish games to keep his attention, that if I'd just behave myself, he might consider forgiving me. And I could see my attitude was really getting on his nerves.
