Chapter 131
Chapter 131:
“Enjoying the view?” he turned slightly as he spoke, a half-smile tugging at his mouth.
Rylie looked away just as quickly, brushing off the moment. “Leave the top open. I need to check the nerves along your back p>
Brad turned obediently, tugging the robe down to his waist. The muscles across his shoulders shifted as he moved, catching the light in a way that made it hard to look away.
Faint scars ran across his skin. Instead of dulling his appearance, they gave him a rawness that drew the eye.
Rylie studied the results, breathing out in quiet relief. “It’s working. You’ll need monthly injections to keep feeding the nerves until you’re ready for the procedure. With my AI-assisted method, you’ll reach full recovery p>
Brad’s eyes brightened at the mention of a full recovery. He dressed and thanked her in a raspy voice. “I’ll pay every penny of your fee. If you can really cure me, I’ll agree to any request you make p>
Rylie raised an eyebrow. “Any request? Even murder p>
Brad paused, the corner of his mouth curling with amusement. “From now on, Dr. Owen, your enemies are mine p>
That vow, spoken in his low voice, left no room for doubt. He had chosen his side—and it was hers.
Rylie suddenly let out a laugh. “Alright p>
Just then, the doors of the research institute burst open. Deandre’s cheerful voice echoed through the entrance. “Rylie, your classmates said you were here p>
He froze when he saw Brad, looking messy and half-dressed. His smile vanished, replaced by a scowl. Muscles tense, he stepped forward and pulled Rylie behind him. “What the hell, Brad! Are you messing around with my sister?” Deandre swung a heavy punch, but Brad caught it easily.
“You’ve misunderstood,” Brad said calmly.
“Misunderstood? Your boxers are on that chair, and there’s a tub right there! You call that a misunderstanding? You sure know how to enjoy yourself!” Deandre raised his leg to kick, but Brad blocked it like it was nothing.
Brad, a little thrown by Deandre’s anger, muttered, “Even if I were indeed intimate with your sister, what’s wrong with that? She’s already twenty, and she has every right to have a boyfriend. Why are you so furious p>
Rylie saw Deandre’s face flush with rage. She quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him back. “Deandre, calm down. It’s really not what you think p>
Deandre turned to her. Her calm expression stopped him cold. Something inside him cracked.
He had barely spent time with her since coming back, and now Brad was taking her away?
He turned back, grabbed her shoulders, and leaned in. His voice dropped with urgency. “Rylie, listen to me. You can’t be with him. He’s always traveling for work—sometimes gone for years. When he’s not away, he’s dodging assassins. And now, he’s sick. He doesn’t have much time left. Are you really going to waste your youth on someone like him? I don’t support this. Break up. You have to break up p>
Rylie tilted her head toward Brad with a sigh. “Look at the mess you’ve made.” Brad’s smile remained, but his eyes turned cold. Deandre’s words had hit him right in the gut.