The heirs reveal

Warm morning light fills the Ryder estate:

*Mrs. Ryder (Catherine )

Elegant morning gown, hair perfectly styled

Sitting in lavish kitchen, sipping coffee, focused on Everlyn

Expression warm yet hinting at underlying mafia authority

Everlyn (Housekeeper)

Practical yet neat uniform, keys attached to belt loop

Standing attentively, notebook and pen in hand

Concerned expression as she writes down instructions

Kitchen staff subtly busy in background, preparing breakfast

* **Background details**:

+ Fresh flowers on kitchen island, matching Victoria's elegant style

+ Plaque on wall reads "Ryder Estate" in discreet, luxurious font

Continuing story:

Victoria sets her cup down, voice firm but gracious –

"Everlyn, today's tasks are crucial. My son Ace returns to family duties officially.

We're hosting a private family gathering tonight.

See to these preparations:

Inform Chef: Ryder family favorites for dinner.

Notify Staff: Discreet security presence expected.

Arrange: Private garden area for... discussion.

Can you handle these details?"

Everlyn nods confidently in the lavish kitchen:

* **Everlyn**:

Smiling slightly, nodding her head in assurance

Notebook still in hand, pen poised as if ready for more tasks

Expression conveys years of trusted experience managing Ryder estate

Mrs. Ryder (Catherine)

Eyes narrowing slightly, impressed by Everlyn's competence

Leans back in chair, steepling fingers together in approval

Voice lowers, tone turning more serious –

Kitchen staff subtly glance over, sensing shift in conversation

Continuing story:

Catherine's expression turns grave"Excellent, Everlyn. Discretion tonight is paramount.

My husband, Victor, will be... discussing business alliances.

Ace's presence signals our family's renewed commitment".

**RYDER ESTATE TWIST**

Observing the unfolding scene:

Aliyah and Lia step out of the car, exhausted from college:

Aliyahsays, "'Bro, I'm SO tired...'"

Lia nods vigorously, "'Same here, Aliyah. Today dragged on forever!'"

They approach Aliyah's house, noticing:

Multiple luxury cars line the driveway and surround the estate

Lia asks curiously, "'What's happening? Your house is packed!'"

Aliyahshrugs cluelessly, "'No idea... my mom didn't mention anything...'"

**

Inside the house:**

Chaos reigns family members mingle, chatting loudly

Lia's mom rushes over, "'Quickly change, Lia – we need help serving!'"

Lia hurries to change and joins the kitchen staff.

Suddenly, a dynamic figure jumps through the kitchen window!

Lia's eyes widen as she recognizes:

"'The guy from last night!''confronts him, "'Did you break in?'"

Ace Ryder glares angrily, ignoring her question, "'Shut up – what are YOU doing here?'"

Lia responds uncertainly, "'Serving...?'"

Ace's expression twists in confusion – he thinks:

"Why is she here? Does she work for my family?"

Just then, Victoria Ryder's voice calls out "Ace, dear – no running! They're our guests... family really."

Ace tries to bolt, but his mother catches him Catherine firmly says, "'Ace, no running they need to see you're home and involved now.'"

**RYDER ESTATE DRAMA DEEPENS**

Observing Lia's shocking revelation:

Liat urns to Aliyah, attempting casual tone:"'Nothing, Aliyah... Auntie just wondering who HE is...'"

Aliyah's mom, Catherine Ryder, overhears and smiles knowingly:

"'That's my son, Ace".Catherine glides away, leaving Lia stunned:

Lia's inner monologue."Oh. My. God. I just told the HEIR OF THIS FAMILY to 'shut up'!

What have I done?!

Lia's eyes widen as she recalls their kitchen confrontation:

Her demanding to know if he broke in...

Her sarcastic "'Serving...?'" response

Lia grabs Aliyah's arm tightly

"'Aliyah, I think I just made a HUGE mistake...'"

Aliyah notices Lia's panic and leans in curiously:

"'What do you mean? What happened with Ace?'"

Lia whispers urgently"'I yelled at him... like, really yelled. No respect whatsoever...'"

**RYDER ESTATE INTENSITY ESCALATES**

Observing Lia's fear spike:

Aliyah's eyes lock onto Lia's"'You have no idea who he really is... or what he's capable of...'"

Lia's grip on Aliyah's arm tightens further:

Lia's voice barely audible"'C-capable of what, Aliyah? You're scaring me...'

Aliyah glances cautiously around the kitchen before leaning in closer:

"'My family... we're not like others, Lia. My brother Ace – he's being groomed to... take over certain businesses.'"

Lia's eyes widen, fear creeping up her spine:

Lia whispers urgently"'What kind of businesses?! Aliyah, tell me what's going on!'"

Suddenly, Lia's heart races faster – she feels eyes upon her.

Turning slowly, Lia meets:

Ace Ryder's intense gaze – he stands in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed

His voice low and even:

"'Aliyah, leave us. I need a word with... our server.'"

**RYDER ESTATE POWER DYNAMICS SHIFT**

Observing the sudden interruption:

Lia tries to step back, but legs feel frozen

Aliyah hastily exits the kitchen, leaving Lia alone with Ace

Ace's intense gaze remains fixed on Lia:

His voice low and even:

"'I need a word with... our server...'"

But before he finishes, a deep voice interrupts from behind:

Victor Ryder, Ace's father calls for him"'This conversation can wait. Our guests require attention, Ace. Now.'"

Ace's jaw clenches – he spins around and exits the kitchen swiftly:

Ace mutters under his breath

"'This isn't over...'"

Lia exhales slowly, relief washing over her but concern remains:

Lia thinks to herself."What did I just escape... and for how long?"

**RYDER ESTATE TENSION PALPABLE**

Observing Lia's growing unease:

Lia poured drinks and served hors d'oeuvres with precision,

trying to avoid eye contact with the intense family gathering.

But **every single one of them** seemed to glare at her:

Victor Ryder's piercing stare,

Cathrine Ryder's gaze,

and various rugged men with menacing expressions.

Yet, **one gaze burned stronger than others**Ace Ryder's eyes fixed intensely on Lia. As if mesmerized – or plotting something.

Lia's heart raced faster, thoughts swirling:"'Why is he looking at me like I'm food or something? Does he resent me serving them, or is it something more?'"

Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for another tray,

avoiding Ace's gaze yet feeling his eyes still locked on her.

Suddenly, Ace's mother, Catherine spoke up

"'Lia, dear, refreshments in the study are needed. Now.'"

Lia nodded hastily, seizing the excuse to escape

Ace's unnerving stare – but wondering:

Was she walking into a trap or just another room?

**RYDER ESTATE BANTER TURNING DEADLY**

Observing the tense exchange:

Lia efficiently arranged refreshments on the study table,

trying to remain composed despite the heavy atmosphere.

Catherine Ryder pointed to a specific dish."'Please serve Ace this. It's his favorite...'"

Lia's eyes met **Ace's gaze** his expression unreadable,

yet somehow still intense.

She nervously picked up the dish and approached him,

her hand slightly trembling as she served him.

Mustering courage, Lia spoke up in a low tone

"'Can you please stop looking at me like that?'"

Ace's response was immediate and cavalier"'I have eyes to look...'"

His tone implied she had no right to dictate his gaze.

Lia quickly spun around, almost dropping the serving tray

in her haste to escape Ace's unsettling presence.

She hurried towards the study door, hearing:

Catherine Ryder's soft laughter and Ace's low chuckle,

both sounds sending shivers down Lia's spine.

Just as Lia reached the door handle, Victor Ryder spoke up"'Lia, wait. Ace, explain to our server here you're staring at her for a reason... aren't you?'"

Lia's heart sank was she about to uncover Ace's motives?

**RYDER ESTATE SECRETS UNRAVELING**

Observing the shocking revelation:

Ace leans back in his chair, eyes still fixed on Lia"'Yes, Father. I'm wondering how she's connected to Aliyah... and our family business.'"

Victor Ryder's expression turns thoughtful,

before dropping a bombshell"'She is Everlyn's daughter... but we take her like our own.'"

Lia's eyes widen in stunned silence her mind racing with connections

Everlyn her mother works for the Ryders!

This family's influence extends to her own life!

Ace's gaze never wavers from Lia's face,

as if analyzing her reaction to this revelation.

**Catherine adds calmly**:

"'Everlyn has been loyal for years... and we consider Lia family – of sorts.

Which makes her presence at this gathering... intriguing, Ace.'"

Lia feels trapped her whole life seemingly tied to this powerful family's web of secrets and loyalty.

Ace leans forward, elbows on knees, eyes burning with curiosity"'Intriguing indeed, Mother. Lia – did you know your mother's... arrangement with our family?'"

**RYDER ESTATE SUSPENSE DEEPENS**

Observing Lia's defiant stance and Ace's teasing response:

Lia's eyes narrow slightly "'Enough questions. What do you want from me or my mother?'"

Ace leans back in his chair, smirk playing on his lips"'Soon, Lia. You'll know exactly what we want... and why your mother's arrangement with us is crucial.

Patience... for now, let's just say your presence here has altered plans.'"

Lia's curiosity spikes altered plans because of her?

Catherine Ryder intervenes, voice smooth as silk"'Indeed, Lia. Your unexpected arrival...

has added an intriguing layer to our current situation.

Ace, perhaps we should discuss details in private first?'"

Victor Ryder nods in agreement

"'Yes. Lia, you're free to join Aliyah mingle with our guests for now. We'll...

summon you when necessary.'"

Lia feels dismissed but also relieved to escape

the intense questioning... for the moment.

As she exits the study, she overhears **Ace's low whisper**:

"'This isn't over, Lia... not even close.'"

**RYDER ESTATE ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE**

Observing Lia's solo entrance into the crowded room:

Lia brushes off thoughts of the intense study conversation,trying to process everything walks alone into the

crowded party area, where music pulses and laughter fills air.

Her eyes scan the room, taking in elegantly dressed guests

mingling with Ryder family members until they lock onto

Ace Ryder's intense gaze from across the room

He stands by the bar, whiskey glass in hand,

his piercing eyes fixed solely on Lias if daring her to look away.

Lia's heart skips a beat as she feels an undeniable spark of attraction mixed with wariness.

Suddenly, Rafael the ruggedly handsome associate

from earlier appears beside her, offering a charming smile:

"'Lost in thought, beautiful? May I refresh your drink?'"

But Lia's attention remains on Ace until he raises his glass slightly, as if toasting her before turning back to conversation.

**RYDER ESTATE FRUSTRATION ESCALATES**

Observing Lia's irritation and abrupt exit:

Lia turns to Rafael, her tone slightly sharp"'Why are you here?'"

Rafael smiles effortlessly"'Invited by Victor Ryder himself.And apparently, we're expecting even more guests tonight.The party's just getting started...''

Lia's annoyance spikes more strangers arriving, more chaos, more secrets!

She feels trapped and overwhelmed by

the Ryder family's mysterious world.

Lia cuts him off, voice firm"'Excuse me...'"

Without another word, Lia turns and swiftly walks away through the crowded room, towards the staircase leading to the guest rooms seeking solitude and escape.

Rafael watches her leave, curiosity on his face

before glancing across the room

Ace Ryder's eyes follow Lia's exit, intense interest clear

Lia enters her assigned room, locks the door behind her,

and leans against it, exhaling deeply her mind racing with questions and fears.

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