---- So when Ryan heard about this, he accused Simon of trying to kill Carly and cut him off completely in Rivenport. The Barkers' businesses tanked, and the once untouchable Simon became a hunted man. Though Ryan seemed to care about Carly, she soon died in a horrifying way on the streets. John gently brushed my hand and said, "Ryan is the most cunning and complicated of all. Looking back, his alliance with Simon was a carefully crafted trap from the start." My heart skipped as I suddenly understood. From Ryan setting his sights on Carly, publicly ending his engagement with me, and marrying her, everything was a calculated move. He succeeded in marrying Carly while also entangling himself with the daughter of a family closely tied to the Barkers. ---- The Barkers held immense power in Rivenport, especially since Simon's grandfather had been a strong supporter of the Schumans, securing their position in the city. The Barkers' foundation had been unshakable. Even with Simon's weak leadership, the family had remained prestigious. Such a powerful family was always a threat to the ruling elite. But Simon's grandfather was loyal and had earned great merit. Striking against the Barkers too recklessly would have rattled other families that support the Schumans. Ryan knew Simon's deep feelings for Carly and had spent years setting this trap. When Simon took Carly back, it was seen as a direct challenge, dragging the entire Barkers into a vortex of power struggles. ---- I finally grasped it all. So that's why you were so eager to marry me."