Chapter 124
Chapter 124:
“No way!” Percy slammed his fist on the table, knocking his wine glass over. The red liquid spilled messily across the surface.
Rylie rose from her seat with unhurried grace, smoothing the folds of her sleeves. “A bet is a bet. And don’t forget, you’re the one who proposed this game p>
The blood drained from his face as the crowd began chanting, “Take it off! Take it off p>
His jaw tightened. Without warning, he grabbed a nearby bottle and smashed it onto the table. Glass shards flew in all directions as the room recoiled in shock.
“Enough! Shut up!” he yelled.
The chanting stopped instantly.
Rylie stood her ground, calm as ever. Her eyes didn’t even flicker. She stared straight at him, her voice low but firm. “Someone who can’t accept defeat gracefully doesn’t deserve to be an Owen p>
His pride crumbled. With his jaw tight and shoulders hunched, he walked toward the platform. He undid his buttons one by one, revealing bare skin under the dim lights. Before he could finish, the door to the bar flung open. Paola rushed in, her white dress flowing behind her.
“Wait p>
She hurried forward, pulling Percy’s shirt back over his shoulders and shielding him with her own body.
Facing Rylie, Paola spoke softly, her voice trembling as she tried to hold her head high. “Rylie, Percy doesn’t mean any harm. He’s still young. Please don’t hold this against him p>
She dipped her head slightly, her lashes trembling like a child hurt but pretending to be brave. Still, she forced a smile. “He acts without thinking sometimes, but he never means to offend. If he did, I sincerely apologize. Please don’t make this harder on him p>
She reached for Percy’s hand and clasped it gently. The gesture was tender, like a bird shielding its chick. Her gaze was steady, though something fragile lingered in her eyes. “If you’re angry,” she said, “blame me. I didn’t guide him well p>
Mₒᵣₑ ᵤₚdₐₜₑₛ ᵢₙ
The crowd began to murmur.
“Rylie’s being too harsh. Actually, she’s the one who doesn’t deserve to be an Owen, always so aggressive and impolite p>
“Paola’s so gracious. Even stepping in for her brother p>
Behind her, Percy stood stiff and restless. Watching her defend him only fueled his frustration. He leaned in and muttered, “You don’t have to do this, Paola.” Instead of replying, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze, a silent plea for him to stay quiet. Her eyes remained on Rylie, wide and filled with unspoken words.
Rylie let out a soft laugh. “Now I’m a little lost p>
She stepped forward, locking eyes with Paola. “He invited me here. He set up the game. He said whoever loses would have to admit defeat.” Her gaze sharpened. “So tell me, how exactly did I become the villain in your story, Paola p>
Rylie didn’t flinch, not even for a second. Paola had hoped for a reaction, but nothing came. Rylie’s silence left no space for Paola’s bait to land.
Paola bit her lip. In a sudden move, she stepped forward and gripped Rylie’s arm. “Don’t take this too seriously,” she said, forcing a smile. “It’s just a game. For the sake of the Owen family’s dignity, think of the bigger picture p>