Ana's POV
Ridley didn't even bother looking at Morris.
His focus stayed locked on me, his expression soft like we were still lovers sharing intimate moments.
A chill ran down my spine. I kept my gaze elsewhere.
But Dorthy Melody, who'd been watching nearby, noticed how Ridley was staring at me. Remembering Aileen's earlier comment, she burst out, "So this is your secret backup guy?"
I stayed silent.
'Clearly Dorthy missed everything I explained before,' I thought.
"Secret backup guy?" Ridley echoed her words, still watching me. He lifted his eyebrow, apparently unbothered by the label.
Morris's face went dark, about to jump in, but I pressed my hand against his arm, silently asking him to let me deal with this.
I met Dorthy's eyes directly. "Miss Melody, being young doesn't mean you can say whatever pops into your head. Do you realize you're crossing into defamation territory?"
Dorthy bit her lip, shooting me a defiant glare, refusing to apologize.
