Chapter 40: Mei’s Master Plan Revealed
"You’ve been plotting this since day one?" Ava repeated, pacing the tea shop with the fervor of someone whose entire life had just been turned into a rom-com script written by her meddling grandmother. Her voice hit an octave higher as she gestured wildly at Mei, who, in sharp contrast, was serenely sipping her oolong tea.
"Of course," Mei replied, as unbothered as ever. "It was obvious from the start. Ryan was your perfect match."
Ryan, slouched in his chair and trying to remain neutral, raised a hand. "Just for the record, I feel like I should’ve been consulted on this master plan."
"You would have said no," Mei said, not even looking at him. "You’re stubborn."
Ryan opened his mouth to argue but paused, realizing she wasn’t wrong. "Fair point," he muttered, folding his arms.
"And you!" Ava spun on her heel to face Mei, pointing accusingly. "You orchestrated everything? The ’fake engagement’ rumor? The scavenger hunts? Even putting Ryan’s name in the ’DO NOT OPEN’ file?"
Mei gave her granddaughter an infuriatingly serene smile. "I prefer to think of it as... strategic encouragement."
"Strategic encouragement?!" Ava groaned, her voice climbing several decibels. "You manipulated us into an entire partnership!"
Ryan, enjoying this way too much, raised his hand again. "I’d like to point out she’s technically not denying we’re a good match."
Ava whipped around to glare at him. "You’re not helping."
"Oh, I know," Ryan said, his smirk widening. "I just like watching you squirm."