Chapter 152
Chapter 152:
Laurel stood up and faced her. “Rylie, this happened because I failed to raise my daughter right. I’m sorry for the trouble p>
Paola stirred on the bed. Her face looked pale, and her bandaged wrist left streaks of red across the blanket. Moving slowly, she slipped off the bed and lowered herself onto her knees.
“I was wrong, Rylie. I really am p>
Rylie gave her a cold look. “Wrong about what p>
Paola swallowed her sobs. Her voice trembled. “I had no right to use your composition. I won’t ask you to forgive me. Just please don’t drag my family into this. They didn’t do anything p>
Rylie replied evenly, “I never intended to go after your family. I’ve already talked to Spencer. He knows you inspired the piece, and we’re both listed as composers. Your reputation is safe p>
Not long after, Percy burst into the room. His face was dripping with sweat, and his gym clothes clung to him. He must’ve run straight from training.
He stopped when he saw Paola kneeling, her arm bandaged in red-soaked gauze. Rylie stood in front of her, calm and unreadable.
He rushed forward in a fury and pulled Paola into his arms. “Rylie! What more do you want — her dead?” His shout echoed through the room.
Laurel quickly stepped in and grabbed his arm, crying out, “Stop it, Percy. Rylie’s not the one who hurt Paola. She brought this on herself p>
Percy scowled, his voice laced with venom. “Since you came back, it’s been nothing but disaster. If my sister dies because of you, I swear I’ll make you pay for it p>
Rylie didn’t blink. Her gaze stayed steady on him. “Why are you talking as if I bullied her? Isn’t it she who broke into my room? Isn’t it she who took a private piece of music and claimed it for herself? And now she is playing the victim by committing suicide p>
Her eyes shifted to Paola, who still sat slumped on the floor. “Your poor acting might fool others, but I’m a medical student. That bandage is tied wrong. And the blood on it? It’s from blood plasma, not your bleeding, right p>
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Paola’s face turned pale. “What nonsense are you talking about p>
Rylie pulled out a chair and took a seat. Her expression lost all softness. “That concert was a warning. You live off the main Owen family. You’d do well to remember your place. If not, I’ll step in for Grandfather myself — and I won’t be as gentle next time p>
Laurel could no longer keep up appearances. Being threatened by someone younger, even without an audience, bruised her pride. She nearly snapped back but stopped herself. After a moment, she lowered her head. “I didn’t realize your grandfather had already handed over the family’s authority. You’re right. This is on us. I failed to raise my daughter properly. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive us p>
“Mom!” Percy’s voice trembled with disbelief. Watching his mother bow her head to Rylie filled him with dread. He nearly lunged forward, but Laurel tightened her grip on his wrist.
“Percy! Control yourself,” she hissed. Her hand shot to his neck. “Apologize!” His pride stung, but under her stern gaze, Percy clenched his jaw and muttered, “I’m sorry, Rylie p>