Chapter 107
Chapter 107:
A lump rose in Leland’s throat. “Nicolas… He’s scheduled for amputation next week p>
Her face betrayed nothing, the news met with cold silence.
Holding back his sorrow, Leland continued, “Since you walked away, everything at home has unraveled. Please, Rylie — come back. Help Nicolas. Help Mom p>
Rylie rested her chin on her palm, pausing thoughtfully before answering, “Alright. I’ll come back — if you send Stacey packing p>
His reply was immediate, almost defensive. “Rylie, you’re an Owen now and have all the wealth. If I kick Stacey out, she’ll have nowhere to go p>
“Pfft.” A sudden, cold laugh escaped Rylie. “So when you demanded I walk out on the Kirks, did it ever cross your mind that I might end up homeless, too p>
Leland’s mouth opened, but words failed him.
With a look of pure disdain, Rylie turned away. “Don’t waste my time. Go p>
For a moment, Leland hesitated, then added, his voice low, “I’ve heard about you and your mentor, how you supposedly stole the Wildes’ medical formula. If Brad or Sean hears about this, even being the richest man’s granddaughter won’t shield you in Crolens, the territory of the Morgan family p>
“Huh.” Rylie’s lips curled into a sneer. “After all the times the Wildes have played you for a fool, you still buy their lies p>
That jab left Leland momentarily speechless. Still, the Wildes’ reputation in medicine was ironclad, and as a staff member at VitaLink Hospital, Leland couldn’t help but lean on their authority.
“I know you’re talented, Rylie. You wouldn’t have earned Aetheris Pharmacy’s trust if you weren’t. You brought back rare meds for Nicolas and Mom.” He tried again, softer now. “But you’re not in Ms. Wilde’s league. She’s seen more patients than you could imagine p>
His words were meant as advice, but to Rylie, they were just pointless lecturing. She flicked her gaze toward the door, dismissing him with a wave. “Looks like the show’s about to start. If you stay here nagging, you’ll lose your shot at getting the Wildes’ attention p>
A glance was all it took — Leland noticed the shift outside, jumped to his feet, and hurried off, leaving Rylie by the window.
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In this world of white coats and quiet power, reputation was everything. The room buzzed with conversation, doctors from top schools and families mingling easily — yet every single one of them deliberately left the young woman by the window out of their circle.
A pharmacy whose name no one recognized was bound to be dismissed, written off as unworthy of respect.
The contrast was stark. Evita swept into the hall and instantly became the center of attention, half the crowd quick to cluster around her.
“Ms. Wilde, what a pleasure to see you p>
A composed “Yes,” was her response as Evita moved gracefully through the throng. Marsha kept pace beside her, greeting acquaintances with the easy polish of someone used to admiration.
For the Wildes, this event belonged to them; what happened outside was insignificant.
Standing tall, Evita and Marsha advanced, not bothering to acknowledge Rylie as they strode past.