Chapter 194
Chapter 194:
Once the lid was lifted, a piece of jade — vivid green and etched with tiny, gleaming circuitry — caught the light.
“This amulet has a GPS and a built-in alert system,” Johnny explained. “If you ever need help, I’ll be able to find you in seconds. I hope you’ll accept it, Rylie p>
Backing him up, Hulda added, “He might not know his way around business deals, but he sure has a knack for gadgets. I actually gave him that jade the day he was born p>
The truth was, while the rest of the family ran ships, Johnny lived for his inventions. Only someone like him could dream up such an apology, but there was real heart in the gesture.
Appreciating the craftsmanship, Rylie reached for the amulet, but her attention flicked to Paola — who looked as though she might burst from anger. A hunch told her there was more behind Johnny’s gift than anyone was saying.
Turning the device over in her hands, Rylie let out a low laugh. “You did a clean job on those solder joints p>
Catching Johnny’s hopeful eyes, she offered a teasing smile. “Still, it’s not really my style. I’d rather you owe me a favor, Johnny. If I ever call on you, I expect you to show up and help p>
Nothing felt quite as meaningful as the promise of a debt yet to be paid. As he received the box back, Johnny’s face fell, all the brightness in his eyes snuffed out by disappointment.
Paola hadn’t expected Rylie to be so ungrateful. Seeing Johnny’s crestfallen expression fueled her jealousy. The Reid family had turned their ancestral jade pendant into a gift offering for Rylie, clearly wanting her to marry into the Reid family!
Every bit of effort Paola had put into getting close to Johnny suddenly felt fragile. If Rylie replaced her, all those long days and careful planning would be for nothing.
“I think it’s rather beautiful, though.” Stepping into Johnny’s space, Paola let her gaze linger on the pendant, her tone soft and almost shy. “There’s so much thought in this. Maybe Rylie has plenty of treasures, but I’ve never had something like this. Would you consider giving it to me, Johnny p>
Displeasure flashed across the faces of Hulda and Gianna Reid, Johnny’s mother. They exchanged a silent glance, both women unimpressed by Paola’s obvious attempt to win Johnny over.
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Everyone in the room could see that Rylie was the true beloved daughter, the one Johnny truly cared for. Paola’s act came across as nothing but desperate. A sharp tap from Hulda’s cane drew every eye.
“Paola, that gift wasn’t meant for you. Johnny created it for Rylie to show his regret. It belongs to her p>
Pale but persistent, Paola tried to press her case. “But p>
“Enough!” That was all Wilder would allow. Cutting her off, his voice left no room for protest as he looked directly at Laurel and Paola. “We came to make things right with Miss Owen. This isn’t the time for talk about romance p>
A sharp pinch on Paola’s sleeve was Laurel’s warning that things had gone far enough. In a low whisper, she scolded, “Paola, let’s not make a scene p>
Hot frustration glazed Paola’s eyes, and her jaw tightened in stubbornness. “I just hate to see a meaningful gift go unused, that’s all p>