Meanwhile, a sleek vehicle pulled up sharply before the grand entrance of Raymond's estate. A handsome young man with charming curly hair stepped out, moving with such frantic haste it looked as though he were being pursued by unseen forces.
He rushed past the entrance, spotting the dignified butler.
"Uncle George! What's up?" he greeted breathlessly.
"I am quite well, Second Young Master," the butler replied with a smile. "Where is my brother?" the young man asked eagerly.
"He is in the garden," Uncle George informed him.
"The garden?" The young man stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in utter surprise. "Are you sure about that? Since when does Brother like flowers? He isn't the type to linger among blossoms!""Go see for yourself," the butler replied with a knowing smile. "I think you have missed quite a lot of excitement here."
Nodding eagerly, the young man hurried toward the glass doors leading to the garden. As he stepped outside, Ryan froze in his tracks, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.
There, amidst the vibrant blooms, stood his brother Raymond. The man whose face was usually carved from ice, whose expression never wavered from stern indifference, was actually smiling! A soft, genuine curve played upon his lips as he looked at the flowers before him.
Ryan quickly pulled out his phone, his fingers moving swiftly. Click!
He captured the moment perfectly. This was a legendary sight, a miracle he could not allow to pass. He had to keep this evidence—proof that the Ice King had finally melted!He tiptoed stealthily forward, positioning himself directly in front of his brother. Yet Raymond remained lost in his thoughts, completely oblivious to his presence.
Ryan snapped his fingers loudly. "Hey, man! Who are you dreaming about?"
Raymond jolted back to reality, the soft warmth instantly vanishing from his features, returning to its usual stern mask.
"What are you doing here?" he asked in his signature icy tone.
Ryan chuckled lightly, not intimidated in the slightest. "Oh, come on! You don't have to hide it. I can tell you are thinking about someone… and it's definitely a lady! Tell me, who is she? Is she a celebrity? Is she pretty? I'm sure she is absolutely stunning—after all, my brother has impeccable taste!"
Raymond reached out and lightly smacked him on the head. "You talk too much.""Can you tell me, please?" Ryan pleaded, looking at him with gentle, pleading eyes.
Raymond sighed, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I don't know… I just feel like I have known her before. She feels like someone I have met long ago. I am certain I have seen her face somewhere, but I just cannot place my mind on where. She looks so familiar…"
"Oh, that is simply wonderful!" Ryan exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Now that you have found her again, are you just going to let her slip away? You must seize this opportunity! If you need any help at all—whether it is finding out more about her, or figuring out the perfect way to approach her—just tell me! I am more than willing to lend you a hand, brother. Consider me your trusted ally!"
"Perhaps it is destiny itself!" Ryan declared enthusiastically. "It must be fate bringing you together once more. You two are truly destined to meet!""Any news regarding the matter I asked you to look into?" Raymond inquired, his tone shifting instantly from soft to sharp and business-like.
"Yes, indeed," Ryan replied, his expression turning serious. "I have gathered intelligence regarding your accounts, and their movements have been rather suspicious lately. All their activities seem to be centered around Little City, but the patterns are highly irregular. I have a strong feeling they are plotting something significant."
"I wasn't able to obtain everything just yet, but I will forward whatever data I have collected to Frank immediately. He will compile it all and present you with the full details you require.""We are having a grand social gathering tomorrow evening. You are coming with me," Raymond stated firmly.
"No way!" Ryan protested immediately, making a face. "I definitely don't want to go! I just returned home to finally enjoy some freedom and peace. Why must I waste my time at some boring social party? God, it's such a drag!"
Raymond simply looked at him with a sharp, piercing gaze. The silence stretched for a moment.
"Fine! Fine! I'll go!" Ryan surrendered instantly, raising his hands in defeat under that intimidating stare.
"Oh, by the way, Bro! I am absolutely starving!" he complained, changing the subject quickly. "Can't you guys entertain me with some food?"
Raymond waved his hand dismissively. "You are not needed here. Go away.""You are so mean!" Ryan grumbled, puffing out his cheeks in annoyance. "I said I didn't want to come back just to be treated like this!"
He turned and stormed into the house, making a beeline straight for the butler.
"Uncle George! Uncle George!" he called out pitifully. "Did you hear that? My own brother said I am not needed here! How cruel can he be? Since he won't feed me, can't you at least find me something delicious to eat? I am absolutely starving!""Oh, Second Young Master, please do not take it to heart," Uncle George said soothingly, a warm smile on his face. "I have already prepared all your favorite delicacies in the kitchen. Come, come along and eat to your heart's content. Just ignore that cold-hearted man and forget about him."
"Yes! I knew you would never let me down!" Ryan beamed, linking arms with the butler. "You are always on my side!"
As they made their way toward the dining hall,