Chapter 125
Chapter 125:
Just as Rylie was about to pull her arm free, Paola unexpectedly tugged on it, pushing it toward herself. In that instant, her delicate face revealed a hint of panic as she stumbled backward off the stage.
“Paola!” Percy shouted, rushing forward.
The stage wasn’t high. A few people in the crowd caught her before she could hit the floor hard, so she landed without injury.
She sat, cradling her ankle, her face contorted with pain. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at Rylie. Her voice trembled. “You’ve never liked me, but… why did you push me p>
She winced dramatically, and her act was convincing. The room stirred with outrage.
“Rylie went too far p>
“Paola was being kind, and she got pushed p>
“No wonder the Kirks threw her out. Even with money, she acts like a street thug. Look how she treats her cousin p>
Percy seethed with anger. He pointed at Rylie and shouted, “That’s enough! You’ve gone too far p>
The voices grew louder, but Rylie stood unmoving. Her expression remained calm, a faint, unreadable smile playing on her lips.
She stepped down slowly, stopping in front of Paola. Her eyes lowered, and her voice came out smooth and quiet. “I have to say, Paola, your acting isn’t bad at all p>
Paola froze for a moment, then dipped her head again, her voice softer. “Rylie, what are you talking about? I don’t understand p>
Rylie didn’t bother to answer. She lifted her head and swept her gaze across the room. “This place has security cameras. We can check what happened p>
Paola’s expression faltered. Her hand twitched as it reached for her skirt, her fingers curling into the fabric. She knew this bar well. Percy came here often. The owner made sure the cameras were always off. Big shots and heirs preferred it that way. There would be no footage.
With that thought, Paola steadied herself, then smiled again. “If you’d like to check, that’s fine. I just hope that when the truth comes out, you’ll show Percy some understanding. We’ll call it even, yes p>
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Rylie watched her carefully. There was a quiet flicker in Paola’s eyes. Paola’s confidence wasn’t coming from innocence. It came from knowing that the cameras had been turned off long ago. Clearly, Paola had come tonight with the intent to ruin her.
At that moment, the door on the second floor creaked open. Ronan raised a hand, and the blaring rock music stopped. People paused mid-conversation and turned to look up.
A tall figure stepped into view. Brad stood at the top of the stairs, one hand in his pocket, the other flicking a metal lighter open and closed. His voice carried down effortlessly. “What’s all the noise about p>
The room stilled. Heads turned. Under the dim glow, his sharp features caught the flickering flame, and for a moment, no one spoke.
Paola’s eyes shifted, and with practiced ease, she slipped into a sorrowful look. “Brad p>