Chapter 283: His Decision

William took a deep breath before answering.

"That’s because I can’t read his movements and intentions," he said. "Just as you heard earlier, he kept something important from us. He is actually close friends with Kevin Richardson, yet he never told us. He never even mentioned anything about your animosity with Cresswell Group."

Riley nodded slowly, agreeing with his father’s reasons.

William leaned back slightly, his expression remaining serious. "That is exactly why you should never let your guard down around him. You don’t know what he is thinking or what he might be planning. If necessary, stop being close to him..." He paused briefly before adding, "and his wife."

The last part came out more firmly, almost like an order rather than advice.

Riley didn’t answer. He simply nodded as though he was signaling that he agreed with his father.

However, in his mind and heart, he was struggling with the instruction.

His hands clenched tightly against his legs as he tried to restrain himself. He understood why his father was warning him about Zachary, but hearing him tell Riley to stay away from both Zachary and his wife made something inside him uncomfortable.

Riley lowered his gaze, keeping those feelings to himself. He knew better than to argue with his father at that moment, especially after finally presenting a plan that could potentially secure the military project.

So, he remained silent and continued nodding, even though his clenched hands revealed how difficult it was for him to accept his father’s order.

"All right, let’s go home," William finally said as he rose from his seat. "There’s nothing more for us to do here. Go and prepare your team, then crush Cresswell. This time, the only option is to win."

Riley immediately stood as well. The confidence he had regained after explaining his plan to his father was still clear in his expression.

"I will win this project," he declared confidently.

William gave him an approving look before turning toward the door. Riley followed him out of the library, his thoughts already consumed by the project that would take place the following month. It was something he had been anticipating with a mixture of excitement and nervousness for a long time.

Now, after discussing his plan with his father and receiving William’s full approval, his earlier uncertainty had disappeared. He was convinced that victory was within his reach.

As Riley walked through the hallway, he suddenly saw Sienna emerging from another room.

The moment his eyes landed on her, his father’s words immediately echoed in his mind.

’Stop being close to him... and his wife.’

The thought made his heart ache without warning. Riley slowed his steps as Sienna approached him. Despite the uncomfortable feeling inside his chest and head, he forced himself to remain calm.

Sienna smiled when she saw him and stopped in front of him.

"Let’s join Ava and Mia in the back," she said playfully. "We’re celebrating Skylar’s birthday for the second time, just the gang and Skylar."

Riley looked at her smile, and for a moment, he found it difficult to look away. She seemed completely relaxed, unaware of the thoughts running through his mind. Her happiness made him want to stay, but his father’s warning was still fresh in his memory.

His heart tightened again, but he hid it behind a casual smile.

"I’ll skip this time, Sienna. I have work to attend to."

Sienna looked at him in surprise. She had clearly expected him to join them, especially since the celebration was still going on and Ava and Mia were waiting in the back. Still, she quickly nodded.

"Too bad, but I can’t stop you from leaving if you have somewhere to be." She smiled at him. "Riley, I appreciate you taking your time to come here."

"There’s no need to say that. Sky is my cousin; of course I would come, even when busy." His smile softened as he prepared to leave. "I’ll see you guys later. I’m sorry I can’t stay longer. Please pass along my apologies to Ava and Mia. I’m in a rush now."

"Sure. Go. Don’t worry about them," Sienna replied with a small chuckle as she waved at him.

Riley gave her one last look before turning around and walking away.

The moment he was no longer facing her, his expression slowly became stiff and dark. He kept walking toward the exit, trying to ignore the uncomfortable feeling in his chest.

He didn’t understand why leaving Sienna suddenly felt so difficult, especially when he had been so determined only moments earlier to focus on the project and prove himself.

As he made his way toward his car, his thoughts became increasingly complicated.

’This is all because of you, Zachary Sterling! How could you stand between her and me?’

Riley knew he was placing the blame on Zachary because it made his own feelings easier to accept. If Zachary were not standing between them, perhaps things would be different. Perhaps he would not have to distance himself from Sienna or pretend that he had no feelings for her.

But blaming Zachary didn’t make the ache disappear.

If anything, it made him feel even worse.

Riley could only take a deep sigh as he continued toward his car. He tried to push the thoughts away and remind himself that he had more important things to deal with. The military project was coming up, and his father was depending on him to win it.

He reached his car and got inside, closing the door behind him. After settling into the driver’s seat, he started the engine, but before he could leave, his cell phone suddenly rang.

Riley glanced at the caller ID, and his expression immediately became serious. He picked up the call without hesitation.

"Hello."

"Sir, about that man..." A man’s voice came from the other end of the line. He hesitated briefly before continuing. "It’s been a few weeks since we caught him. Should we release him?"

Riley leaned back against the seat. His expression remained cold as he listened, and his hand tightened around his phone.

He knew exactly who the man was referring to.

After a brief silence, Riley finally answered.

"Keep him for a while. He might be useful in the future."

His voice was calm and cold, completely different from the softer tone he had used with Sienna only a few minutes earlier.

"Yes, sir!"

The call ended, and Riley slowly lowered the phone. He remained seated behind the wheel for a moment, his thoughts returning to everything that had happened that day when he captured Sienna’s father.

Eventually, he tightened his grip on the steering wheel and looked ahead.

There was still a lot he needed to handle, and he had no intention of letting anything interfere with his plans.