The Useless Son In-law Is A Legend

Chapter 28

The house was quiet when Ryan returned in the evening. Clara and her mother had gone out for a family meeting, so only Ava and Mrs. Harrison were home. Ryan walked straight to his small room, tired from the long day, but before he could close the door, he heard footsteps.

“Ryan,” Mrs. Harrison called gently.

He turned. She stood at the doorway with her usual calm expression, her hands folded in front of her apron. She wasn’t a woman who spoke much, but she always observed everything.

“Yes, ma,” Ryan replied respectfully.

“Come and sit,” she said, nodding toward the sitting room. There was something unusual about her tone.

Ryan followed her. She sat on the single chair while he sat on the edge of the sofa, waiting quietly.

Mrs. Harrison studied him for a few seconds. “You’re a patient young man,” she began softly. “Men your age don’t usually have your kind of endurance.”

Ryan looked down. “I’m just doing my best, ma.”

“I know,” she said. “That is why I called you.”

She paused, choosing her words carefully.

“There is trouble coming to this house,” she said at last. “And I want you to be careful.”

Ryan lifted his head. “Trouble? From who?”

Mrs. Harrison sighed. “From inside and outside. There are people who don’t want peace here. They are planning something that will put Ava in a very hard situation.”

Ryan frowned lightly. “Ava? What happened?”

Mrs. Harrison leaned closer. “Her father receives a message today. One of their business partners is threatening them. Something about a missing payment, and wrong accusations. I don’t know all the details, but I know the tone of Mr. Williams’ voice when he is worried. He was not himself.”

Ryan stayed quiet, taking it in.

“And inside this house…” Mrs. Harrison continued, lowering her voice, “someone is waiting for that problem to grow. To use it against Ava.”

Ryan immediately knew who she meant. “Clara.”

Mrs. Harrison nodded slowly. “Yes. She listens, watches, and waits. I don’t know her full plan yet, but I know trouble when I see it. That girl will do anything to bring Ava down.”

Ryan’s hands tightened around his knees. He remembered the way Clara looked at Ava—sharp, calculating, jealous for no reason.

Mrs. Harrison studied his face again. “Ryan… you may not know it, but Ava depends on you more than she shows. She listens to you. She believes you.”

Ryan blinked. “She… believes me?”

Mrs. Harrison smiled faintly. “Yes. That girl may be stubborn, but she trusts your presence. You are the only person Clara can’t control through words.”

Silence fell again. Ryan exhaled slowly.

“I’ll protect Ava,” he said quietly. “No matter what Clara or anyone tries.”

Mrs. Harrison nodded, relieved. “Good. Because she will need someone who sees clearly.”

She stood up to leave, but before she walked away, she looked at him again.

“One more thing,” she added. “Whatever secret you’re keeping… keep it safe. Don’t let anyone push you into revealing it before the right time.”

Ryan froze.

She knew. Not the full truth, but she sensed something.

Mrs. Harrison walked toward the kitchen door, speaking without looking back:

“Your value is bigger than you show. Don’t let anyone make you feel small.”

Then she disappeared inside. Ryan remained seated, his mind scattered with thoughts.

Outside, a soft wind shook the trees.

Inside, a storm was gathering.

But one thing was certain:

Ryan was done staying silent.