Chapter 74
Chapter 74:
“We met abroad, spent a month together, nothing more. I even gave her a generous parting gift. I can’t understand why she keeps turning up p>
Calmly, Rylie replied, “She mistook me for your girlfriend when I arrived, and she looked genuinely upset. Money doesn’t fix feelings, Deandre. Why not meet with her and explain things clearly p>
Something in his sister’s words gave Deandre pause. For a moment, he remembered how Fred ended things with Rylie, only to announce a new engagement immediately after. Was she projecting her own hurt onto Fiona’s heartbreak?
“I’ll see her,” Deandre answered without hesitation. “Don’t worry — I’m nothing like Fred p>
A soft smile played on Rylie’s lips. “I know you’re not p>
After leaving the branch office behind, Rylie steered her car toward Vantage Mall, the city’s premier shopping destination. In her pocket, she carried the exclusive blank card that opened every door in the place.
Tonight, Paola had extended an invitation to browse for refined, elegant clothes together.
Arriving at the café nestled within the mall, Rylie quickly spotted Paola holding court among a cluster of other well-dressed young women from wealthy families.
Paola quickly spotted Rylie and rose from her seat with a wave. “Rylie! You made it — come join us p>
Suddenly, every eye in the group turned toward Rylie, and a wave of whispered gossip swept through the air.
“So, that’s the Owen family’s lost daughter? She doesn’t hold a candle to you, Paola p>
“Honestly, 100k for those bargain-bin brands she’s wearing. What was she thinking p>
“No surprise there. The Kirk family clearly didn’t teach her the first thing about style. She just doesn’t belong in this crowd p>
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Paola interjected, pretending to shield Rylie from the barbs. “Let’s not judge. Rylie’s just down-to-earth, not one to stress over labels. She’s actually wonderful company p>
Laughter rippled through the group, their glances laden with dismissal. Walking up to Paola, Rylie quietly remarked, “I thought it would be just us on this shopping trip p>
“Don’t be upset, Rylie. Everyone was eager to meet you and become friends. When word got out about our shopping trip, they insisted on tagging along,” Paola said softly, looping her arm through Rylie’s. “Try not to take it to heart. They’re just being friendly — and you might find their advice helpful when it comes to picking the perfect look p>
Rylie picked up on the insincerity hiding behind their smiles; it was clear to her that these women were more interested in entertainment than in genuine friendship. Still, she kept her thoughts to herself and gave Paola a polite nod. “If you say so p>
“Well, what are we standing around for?” one of the women sneered, glancing at the others with a sly spark in her eyes. “Let’s help Miss Owen find something stunning for the charity gala p>
Rylie wore a subtle smile, barely noticeable, as she allowed Paola to slip her arm through hers. The two of them strolled into the high-end wing of Vantage Mall, flanked by a cluster of well-dressed young women from wealthy families. Overhead, glittering chandeliers cast light across the polished floor, and the air carried the scent of expensive perfume.