Chapter 216
Chapter 216:
A subtle glance caught Brock slipping out near the foot of the stage, his presence noticeable to no one but her.
Once again, Brad had been pulling strings where no one could see.
He had a habit of intervening in situations that didn’t truly require his help, always creating new debts for her to repay.
This year’s Wesdown International Piano Competition in Eshea turned out to be one of the most riveting events in recent memory. Novalee’s victory at the championship changed her life entirely.
After receiving her award, she wanted to celebrate with Rylie, but Rylie had already left the stage and vanished from sight.
Brad’s Bentley was parked by the roadside. Brock, seated behind the wheel, reported, “The materials are in the hands of the right person now. The truth that Miss Garrett hired someone to compose for her has come out. We’ve also lined up evidence online to prove that the video was tampered with. The best lawyers are on standby. It’s up to Miss Owen to decide the next step.”
Brad turned the gift box over in his hand, his eyes fixed on the laptop resting on his lap. It streamed the last moments of the piano competition.
He opened the box and broke the silence. “Do you think she’d like something like this?”
Brock glanced back and replied, “From what I hear, this necklace is popular this year. Miss Owen is still in her twenties. I’d say she’d like it.”
Brad closed the lid and shifted his gaze toward the competition venue outside. He had a feeling Kendrick had said something to Rylie. Even though she never brought it up, he could sense it. He only hoped it wouldn’t push her further away.
Soon, Rylie appeared, dressed casually. She spotted the Bentley right away, paused briefly, then walked over and slid into the back seat with effortless grace.
Her eyes immediately landed on the laptop. “Watching the piano competition?”
Brad closed the laptop and replied in a calm tone, “The performance was impressive.”
He set the velvet gift box on the armrest between them. Rylie glanced at it and asked, “What is this?”
“I stopped by a friend’s store. He insisted I take it,” Brad said. “I don’t need it, so see if you’d like it.”
Rylie frowned slightly as she opened the box. Inside was a sunflower necklace, its fine craftsmanship hinting at its value and making it look like a collector’s piece.
“Thank you, but it’s not really my style,” she said. Closing the box, Rylie handed it back. “Keep it. What I want to know is, where did you get Laurel’s audio?”
Brad’s gaze darkened. “I stumbled upon it by chance.”
“Are you certain you didn’t look for it on purpose?” Rylie studied him with quiet determination. “You don’t need to go this far for me again.”
Brock sensed the sudden drop in temperature inside the car. He even held his breath, afraid to glance at Brad’s expression. Perhaps only Rylie could leave Brad feeling cornered and rejected.
Rylie showed no fear of Brad’s cold demeanor. She said sincerely, “You might have taken my words the wrong way. When I said I wanted you to stand by me without question, I meant only during critical situations I can’t face alone. I can handle these smaller matters. I don’t want to be indebted to you — repaying favors can be troublesome.”