Chapter 133
Chapter 133:
Without missing a beat, Deandre answered, “We’ll eat when we get home p>
Brad reminded him, “The drive from here to Serenity Manor takes two hours p>
Rylie agreed that the commute wasn’t ideal. She also had plans to stop by HaloFlow Pharmacy that afternoon. “There are plenty of places to eat nearby,” she said. “Let’s just have lunch here p>
Deandre let out a reluctant breath. “Fine. What do you feel like eating p>
Before she could reply, Brad offered a suggestion. “There’s a new steakhouse around the corner. Nice setting p>
“Let’s go there,” said Rylie with a small nod.
She stepped outside first and stopped short when she nearly bumped into someone standing frozen near the entrance. Stacey looked tired, her face drawn, her eyes fixed on the lab sign. She blinked at the sight of Rylie and asked without thinking, “What are you doing here p>
Rylie lifted an eyebrow. “The lab’s been assigned to me. I’m running experiments. Why wouldn’t I be here p>
Stacey stared at her, unable to look away. Under the morning sun, Rylie looked far too composed, her presence more striking than ever. Envy burned hot behind Stacey’s clenched fists. The same girl she had tried to erase. The same girl who had lived under her shadow for years. And now, that girl was flourishing after leaving the Kirk name behind.
Her own life, meanwhile, had unraveled. Fred had broken off their engagement. Gossip clung to her wherever she went. Her brothers had grown colder with each passing day. Things were only getting worse.
She had meant to lash out, to throw an insult and maybe regain a sliver of pride. But before she could open her mouth, something else caught her eye. Two men stepped out of the lab behind Rylie. Both tall, both unmistakable, Stacey recognized them right away. Names she had memorized. Faces she had daydreamed about. They were the kind of men she’d always hoped to meet in another life—the kind who lived in the world she had always chased but never reached.
And suddenly, her plan changed. She dropped to her knees and clutched Rylie’s pant leg. Her voice cracked as she cried, “Rylie, I’m begging you. I’m kneeling. Please help our mother p>
The outburst didn’t go unnoticed. Several students nearby stopped walking and turned to stare.
Brad and Deandre came up behind, and Deandre frowned at the sight. “What’s happening p>
Before Rylie could answer, Stacey interrupted, tears streaking her cheeks. “Nicolas is dying, and Mom can’t even stand today. I know you think you’re better than us now, but they raised you for years. Please. Just come see them. Help them one last time p>
With that, she twisted the moment, casting Rylie as heartless in front of everyone.
Whispers rippled through the crowd of students nearby.
Rylie kept her tone even. “My parents live in the countryside and work the fields. Stacey, what exactly are you saying p>
Stacey turned toward Deandre, her expression full of disbelief. Rylie’s response made no sense. She had clearly returned to the Owen family and even had such influential brothers.