Chapter 201
Chapter 201:
No one had seen it coming. Flat feet? Not even Percy had expected that.
Later that night, Terrance arrived home unexpectedly. He had spent most of the day working at the company. The family gathered in Kendrick’s study to talk about what had happened.
Terrance looked at Kendrick and said, “I haven’t asked for much over the years, but please — just this once, help Percy. He really wants this.”
Kendrick’s brow furrowed. “Military service comes with strict conditions. That boy has flat feet. He won’t last in training. He won’t be able to match the others and will only weigh them down. It’s not possible.”
Percy’s face fell immediately. His lips parted, trembling with frustration.
“Grandfather! You’re clearly favoring her! Why does Rylie get to join the Wesdown Piano Competition?”
Rylie had been sitting quietly the whole time. But now that she was dragged into it, she leaned her elbow on the armrest and rested her chin on her palm. “And why shouldn’t I?”
Percy pointed straight at her. “She drove my sister to the edge — cut her own wrists and nearly died because of her! You all knew she stole my sister’s original work and claimed it as her own!”
“That video’s everywhere. But none of you cared enough to check on her. All you ever did was side with Rylie!”
Paola, face pale, grabbed him by the arm. “That’s enough, Percy. Don’t say another word.”
Brad entered the study at a calm pace. “You said it was urgent. What happened?” His presence froze everyone for a moment.
Percy’s eyes flickered. He had always looked up to Brad and wanted to be like him. Pressing his lips together, he muttered, “You’re all so unfair. Rylie didn’t even make it past the first round of the piano competition, yet somehow she slipped into the next stage. Don’t tell me Marcus didn’t pull strings for her. If it weren’t for him, I doubt she would’ve made it.”
Marcus leaned back on the sofa, his laugh cold and dry. “I never helped her cheat. You just failed. Now you’re dragging people down with you, saying whatever you want. Honestly, Terrance and Laurel have coddled you far too much.” Then his expression turned sharp. “I knew you wouldn’t give up. That’s why I asked Brad for advice. You think this is bias? You’re just trying to shift the blame for your own incompetence.”
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Paola and Rylie were seated on separate sofas. Paola shifted slightly and patted the spot beside her. “Come sit here, Brad.”
Brad glanced her way, then chose the seat beside Rylie instead. A faint trace of cigars lingered on his clothes.
Rylie noticed it right away. She wrinkled her nose and turned her head. “Seriously? Smoking again? What did I tell you?”
“The sea’s been rough. I’ve been tense for days. Just had one earlier,” he explained, his tone much softer than usual.
Everyone stared at him. Brad rarely ever explained himself, let alone with a gentler voice.
Then, without warning, he leaned closer and said, “Next time, I’ll ask first.” He wanted Rylie’s permission — just to smoke? It was almost too intimate to ignore.
.