Chapter 6

“Ryker, what’s wrong? What happened to you? why are you outside?”

After exchanging pleasantries, Jenny was forced to ask after seeing how bad Ryker looked. He wasn’t feeling okay and his face was beginning to swell.

“Jenny it’s a long story and besides Your mom ordered Charles not to open the gate for me”

“What fucking right does she have to stop you from entering the house” Jenny's expression changed immediately after hearing Ryker’s reply. She was getting pissed after finding out her mother was behind Ryker being stranded. Without waiting for an explanation, she ordered Ryker to get into her car.

Charles was forced to open the gate irrespective of Elizabeth’s order.

Jenny drove a bit roughly into the compound and didn’t bother to park in the garage. She was so infuriated that she halted in front of the house and instantly swung the door open. Jenny marched towards the house with Ryker tailing at her back. He knew what was about to happen.

Elizabeth was sitting in the living room like a queen that she claims to be with one of the maids massaging her foot when Jenny opened the door violently like a thief wanting to steal.

Elizabeth gripped causing the glass cup in her hand to fall. She focused her attention on the door and realized it was Jenny

“Oh my god Jenny are you crazy? Do you want to give me a heart attack?”

Jenny didn’t care or bother to answer her question. She attacked her mother with her question

“Why did you order Charles to lock Ryker outside of the house?”

That was when she spotted Ryker walking in like an offender.

“And who the hell are you to query my order? Uhn?” Elizabeth spat back in anger

“What crazy order?” Jenny’s voice resonated with a mix of authority and fury.

Ryker was shocked. He was unhappy at the way Jenny and her mother exchanged words at themselves.

“You know what Jenny?” Her expression instantly became cold but still unyielding “It is not your place to question my actions. Ryker left this house without my permission and I will not tolerate such insubordination in my home”

“Insubordination?” Jenny’s voice cracked with emotion “Ryker has dedicated himself to this family and this is how you repay him”

“Who cares?” Elizabeth retorted with her lips curling into a sneer “He’s just an ordinary house boy, nothing more. You should be grateful for the opportunities I’ve given you” Elizabeth ended with her fingers pointed at Ryker who simply had his head lowered.

Jenny’s eyes blazed with defiance. It looked like the fire burning in her was about to blaze out

“you’re nothing but a heartless tyrant. You don’t care about anyone. You look down on them because of power” Jenny’s voice was starting to tremble with a mix of anger and heartbreak "and the truth is power doesn’t matter. You’ve lost sight of what matters, Kindness and compassion. That’s what makes people respect you and that’s what is considered power"

“All this to me just because of this low-life pauper, this loser who can never find love again”

Jenny was lost. What does love have to do with the matter on ground?

Elizabeth could easily read her thoughts. "Oh, he didn't tell you, Go on, ask him what happened" She ended up rolling her eyes at them.

Jenny turned and asked Ryker what she was talking about. Ryker had to spill out what transpired between Jake, himself, and his former girlfriend. How she cheated on him with Jake and not to forget, the humiliation.

Jenny felt sad for Ryker as he explained and at the same time vexed at Jake's action. She knew him to be a tyrant and a womanizer but Ryker's girlfriend was overboard.

Throughout his explanation, Elizabeth simply sat laughing at him like there was no tomorrow.

Jenny was very mad at her mother's actions. She Felt like either hitting or strangling her to death.

But she couldn't

In other not to do what could cause her a lifetime of regret, she stormed out of the house with Ryker and drove into the city.

Jenny gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove down the familiar streets. Ryker sat beside her, his gaze was fixed on passersby and his thoughts a million miles away. It had been a difficult day for both of them, and the tension hung heavy in the air inside Jenny’s sleek black car.

As they drove, Jenny stole a glance at Ryker. Ryker’s face was etched with a mixture of sadness and anger.  

She wanted full details of what went wrong but she noticed he was not in the mood. However, she was forced to ask.

Ryker explained everything that happened. The incident that took place between Jake, himself, and His ex-girlfriend. As Jenny listened, she felt so bad and hurt for him. She could feel his pain, agony. Jenny had always wondered why she was born into her family. She felt embarrassed to be called a Gatewood due to the crazy actions her so-called family exhibits. 

“Ryker” She said softly, her voice filled with sincerity “I’m deeply sorry for my mother’s action, most especially that of my brother, Jake. He’s such a jerk, He had no right to treat you that way”

Ryker turned his face to her causing his eyes to meet with hers in the dim light of the interior.

“Thank you, Jenny” He replied, his ice laced with genuine gratitude “But it is not your fault. You’ve always treated me with respect.”

Jenny’s grip on the steering wheel loosened slightly and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips “Ryker you’re more than just a house boy to us. You’re family and family doesn’t treat each other like that”  

Ryker shoulder’s relaxed. In a long time, no one has ever said that t him. A glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes “You really mean that Jenny?”

Jenny nodded emphatically “Of course Ryker. You’ve been with us for a couple of years, taking care of this house and looking after us like no one else could. Despite facing trials and problems from all sides, you still stood by us. You’re an integral part of our family and I won’t let anyone make you feel otherwise”

Ryker’s face broke into a tentative smile. The weight of the problems he carried on his shoulder from yesterday began to lift “Thank you, Jenny. Your words mean a lot to me”

Jenny simply reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Ryker’s arm

“No more apologies, Ryker. From now on, we’ll stand together. I’ll talk to Jake and Mom and make sure they understand how important you are to us”

But that was not going to happen. Jake could never change, the same as his mother. As long as they had wealth, they were destined to oppress the poor. But on the other hand, Jenny’s words were exquisite, out of this world. 

Ryker’s eyes shimmered with a mixture of gratitude even though he knew Jake and his mother were never going to change “I appreciate that Jenny but please don’t let this come between you and your family”

Jenny understood Ryker. She simply nodded with that attractive smile of hers. Ryker then decided to change the topic. He asked her concerning her trip and how it went.

It was like, Jenny was waiting for that moment, a ton of bees let out of their hives.

As she spoke Ryker went into thoughts. Jenny couldn’t notice because her focus was on the road.

Aside from his grandma and Tom, Jenny was the only nicest person. She showed him love, care, and support. One of the days, His grandma was ill and Ryker asked for permission to take her to the hospital. Elizabeth didn’t let him go. Jenny volunteered to take her to the hospital. She paid for her bills, and drugs and by herself took her back home.

Ever since then, he had always wanted to extend his gratitude for that one kind-hearted act and for other good things she did. But he couldn’t. 

But now he could. An idea struck him. How about he take her to a nice boutique?  A few bags and jewelry won’t be small enough to say thank you. And aside from that, he’ll know if Lord Hunter was telling the truth about his family if the golden card works.

But the problem was how was he going to force Jenny to take her to a boutique. One of the bad sides of Jenny was her stubbornness and Ryker was aware, Jenny won’t accompany him to a boutique. 

She knew too well that he was managing but that was the old Ryker, the new Ryker was about to become a billionaire.

Ryker in his seat had a glimmer of determination on his face as an idea took shape in his mind. If he couldn’t fulfill his desire directly, then he would find a way to make it happen. With a sly grin, he turned to Jenny

“Jenny, there’s something I’ll like to show you” Ryker began with his voice filled with a sense of mystery. “I think you might find it quite intriguing.” 

Jenny arched an eyebrow and out of curiosity, she asked “Oh? What is it, Ryker?”

Ryker’s eyes sparkled as he replied “Well there’s a new boutique that just opened in town. It’s said to be one of the biggest and most exquisite in the entire city and I was hoping you should check it out, you know?”

Jenny was a lover of glitter things, just like her mom and Ryker was aware of that,

Jenny's lips curled into a smile. She really had wanted to change her wardrobe for a long time. 

“Well, I’ve wanted to buy this particular bag and jewelry then some clothing. That sounds like a good idea”

Ryker’s plan was in motion, and he directed Jenny towards the city’s most opulent shopping district. As they approached their destination, Ryker’s heart raced. He wasn’t sure if his plan was smart. What if the card was fake or there was no money inside? But on the other hand, Lord Hunter, the most influential man was someone who didn’t have the time to play a prank on someone with a low life as Ryker. 

There was one way to find out.

The car slowed down and Jenny gasped as her eyes fell upon, the boutique’s magnificent storefront. It shimmered with ornate decorations, it shimmered with ornate decorations. Its large windows showcased an array of glamorous clothing and accessories.

“Oh, Ryker, it’s breathtaking!” Jenny exclaimed; her gaze fixed upon the boutique 

Ryker grinned with satisfaction coursing through his veins “I know right? Come on, let’s check it out” Ryker ended and stepped out of the car. He quickly stepped towards Jenny’s end, holding the door open for Jenny who stepped out with a mix of excitement and curiosity. She suspected Ryker was up to something.

As they entered the boutique, the saleswoman welcomed Jenny but as for Ryker, she cast judgmental glances, the same as for some customers. Their eyes lingered on his simple attire and unassuming demeanor.

Ignoring the insults and disapproving stares, Ryker guided Jenny through the aisles, showcasing the finest items the boutique had to offer. Jenny’s eyes widened with amazement as she admired the exquisite bags, dazzling jewelry, and carefully crafted clothes.

Ryker’s heart swelled with satisfaction as he watched Jenny’s joyous expressions. He was determined to make her feel special for all her kindness to him. He was still picking clothes for her when he heard a familiar voice from a distance.