Chapter - 220
Rick bounded up the stairs with an air of casual confidence, a smirk playing on his lips as he addressed the old Matriarch lounging on the balcony, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
"Well, well, well, look who it is," he greeted her with a grin. "Didn't expect to see me so soon, did you?"
The old Matriarch turned her head lazily towards Rick, her expression unreadable as she regarded him with a hint of curiosity. "What brings you back here in such a hurry?" she inquired, her voice tinged with mild interest.
Rick's grin faltered slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. "I thought maybe you'd be happy to see me," he admitted, his tone tinged with mock hurt. "But if you'd rather I leave..."
Before he could finish, the old Matriarch cut in, her voice calm but firm. "Don't try to play games with me, Rick," she admonished, her eyes boring into his with unwavering intensity. "Are you here to fulfill your end of the bargain?"
