Chapter 369 The Villain Lady Arrives 198
"Tariq, you should know my character," Alice said. "I always do things with a clear conscience and will not change my decision because of other people's gossip. Ryan is a trustworthy person. He has done a lot for us, and I am willing to do it for him. If you continue to doubt him without reason, don't blame me for being rude."
Tariq felt a little panicked when he heard what Alice said. He knew that he had gone too far this time, and if he continued, it would only make Alice dislike him even more.
"Yes... yes, Lady Alice. I understand." Tariq lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly.
Alice couldn't help but feel a little emotional when she saw this. She knew that the rift between her and Tariq could not be mended, but she did not regret her decision. She believed in her own judgment and believed that Ryan was a trustworthy person.
However, Tariq did not give up. He felt that he had one last chance to win back Alice's heart, so he began to plan a more sinister plan.
He secretly bribed several guards to deliberately speak ill of Ryan in front of Alice. These guards were Tariq's confidants, and they knew how to make up lies to confuse Alice.
One day, Alice was patrolling the castle when she heard several guards whispering in a corner. She walked over curiously to hear what they were talking about.
"Do you know? That kid Ryan has been colluding with people outside recently and wants to betray us." A guard whispered.
"Really? How is this possible?" another guard asked in surprise.
"How is it impossible? I saw it with my own eyes. He sneaked out of the castle last night and met with a mysterious man. That man didn't look like a good person. He must have come to win over Ryan." The first guard continued.
Alice couldn't help but feel a little shaken when she heard what the guards said. Although she believed in Ryan's character, as the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Although the guards' words were unreliable, what if what they said was true?
Thinking of this, Alice decided to talk to Ryan to see if he had any explanation.
In the evening, Alice called Ryan to her study. Looking at Ryan's calm expression, she couldn't help but wonder, "Ryan, have you done anything you shouldn't have done recently?"
Ryan's heart trembled slightly when he heard this. He didn't know why Alice asked this, but looking at her serious eyes, he knew he had to answer seriously.
"Lord Alice, I swear I have not done anything to let you and the castle down." Ryan said, "I don't know where you heard the rumor from, but I am willing to accept any investigation you may have."
Alice looked at Ryan's sincere eyes and couldn't help but feel a little shaken. She knew that Ryan was an honest and reliable person and he would not lie. However, the words of the guards made her feel a little uneasy.
"Ryan, I believe in you." Alice said, "But there is no smoke without fire. I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation so that I can feel at ease."
Ryan felt helpless when he heard this. He knew that he had to find the person who spread the rumors to prove his innocence.
"Lord Alice, I will find the person who spread the rumors and make him apologize to you." Ryan said, "But before that, I hope you can trust me and not believe those unfounded rumors."
Trust and conspiracy
Alice's eyes fell on Ryan's pitiful eyes, which seemed to contain endless affection and grievances, making people feel pity involuntarily. She looked at Ryan, and the firm belief in her heart began to waver, like a leaf blown by the wind, although it was still standing upright, it was no longer the same as before.
Ryan's eyes revealed a kind of helplessness and desire. He pursed his lips tightly, as if trying not to show his emotions. But Alice could feel his inner struggle and pain. She couldn't help but think of the days she spent with Ryan, the laughter and tears, the moments of fighting side by side. All of this made her unable to believe that Ryan would betray her.
"Ryan..." Alice's voice trembled a little. She called softly, as if to confirm whether the person in front of her was really a friend she once trusted, "Have you really not done anything to let me down?"
When Ryan heard this, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes. He suddenly raised his head, looked at Alice, and said firmly: "Lady Alice, I swear that I, Ryan, will never do anything to let you and the castle down in this life. I am willing to use my life to prove my innocence."
Alice looked at Ryan's determined eyes, and a warm current surged in her heart. She knew that she couldn't give up her trust in Ryan easily, and she couldn't be fooled by those groundless rumors. She took a deep breath, tried to calm herself down, and then said: "Ryan, I believe you. But there is no smoke without fire. I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation so that I can feel at ease."
Ryan couldn't help but feel relieved when he heard this. He knew that he had finally gained Alice's trust. He looked at Alice gratefully and said, "Ms. Alice, I will find the person who spread the rumors and ask him to apologize to you. But before that, I hope you can trust me and not believe those unfounded rumors."
Alice looked at Ryan's sincere eyes, and her heart finally calmed down. She smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, I believe you. Go and find the person who spread the rumors and let him know how powerful we are."
Ryan was excited when he heard this. He bowed deeply and said, "Yes, Master Alice. I will definitely find that person and make him pay the price he deserves."
Watching Ryan leave, Alice couldn't help but feel a little emotional. She knew that although this incident was over, the words of the guards were like a thorn in her heart. She had to find the person who spread the rumors and let him know how shameful his behavior was.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the castle, Tariq was secretly observing all this. He looked at Alice's trust in Ryan, and he couldn't help but feel jealous and angry. He knew that his plan had failed, but he didn't give up. He felt that he still had a chance. As long as he could find more evidence to prove Ryan's betrayal, he could win Alice's trust again.
So, Tariq began to work harder to find evidence. He secretly sent people to follow Ryan, hoping to find clues of his betrayal. However, no matter how hard he tried, he could not find any evidence. Ryan's behavior remained normal, without any abnormality.
Tariq was a little discouraged, but he did not give up. He felt that he must have not found the right direction. So he decided to change his strategy and start with Ryan's family. He believed that as long as he could find evidence against Ryan's family, he would be able to force Ryan to surrender.
However, Tariq's idea was too naive. Ryan's family were all loyal and kind people who would not betray their beliefs and loved ones for any benefit. Tariq's plan failed again.