Chapter 25
Chapter 25:
Rylie confirmed it with a nod. “That’s right. Fernridge — a little village out on the fringes of Crolens. When I get the chance, I’ll try to find them p>
Brad’s fingertips drummed a slow rhythm against the table, his eyes distant.
“Funny how life works. That’s quite the coincidence p>
Her brow furrowed. “What do you mean p>
He simply shook his head, choosing not to elaborate.
Rumor had it that the missing daughter of the Owen family vanished from Fernridge, and every detail the investigators had uncovered matched Rylie — a medical student, just like the reports described. Yet Rylie’s past was clearly more complicated than that of a simple orphan. Brad decided that it would be cruel to raise her hopes before he had any solid proof.
After their meal, Brad was spotted by a cluster of his former army comrades. The moment they recognized him, their faces broke into grins. “General Morgan! You’re back on your feet — what a sight for sore eyes p>
There were skilled veterans among them and plenty of eager young soldiers too, but every one of them looked at Brad with genuine respect and awe. Years spent facing danger together meant that Brad couldn’t just slip away.
He turned and gave Rylie a reassuring look. “Let my driver take you home tonight p>
A few of the men, noticing the striking woman by his side, exchanged sly, knowing glances and tried not to nudge each other.
Casting a quick glance at the table cluttered with liquor bottles, Rylie gave a pointed reminder. “Don’t touch a single drop tonight p>
Brad hesitated, then offered a small nod. “Understood p>
Duty done, she turned on her heel and strode toward the elevator. As soon as she left, the soldiers wasted no time nudging Brad and whispering among themselves. “She’s even laying down the law about drinking. Is she your girlfriend or something p>
“All these years you spent deployed at sea, and now you finally resurface — turns out it wasn’t just for work, but to go out with a gorgeous young lady p>
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“Is she even legal p>
“She looks like she still has homework to do p>
Jealous quips and teasing filled the air around Brad. He pinched the bridge of his nose and interjected, “Enough! She’s my doctor, and a prodigy at that — show some respect. Don’t go spreading gossip that’ll harm her reputation p>
The moment Brad adopted his commanding tone, the playful mood vanished, replaced by quiet respect. Yet even as they fell silent, the men were happy to see their general healthy, hoping for his quick return to service.
Descending from the private dining floor, Rylie found herself in the bustling lobby, where the mood was lighter and laughter filled the air.
A table full of racers noticed her arrival. One of them elbowed Phillip. “Hey, isn’t that your sister? Years of tearing up the tracks together, and you finally got Rylie to join the pre-race dinner p>
“I never invited her,” Phillip replied, brows knitting as he caught sight of her retreating figure. “What’s she doing here p>
Right then, a distinguished man in a tailored suit exited the elevator, spotting Rylie instantly. He greeted her warmly. “Dr. Kirk, thank you for saving General Morgan. If you ever dine here again, the meal’s on me p>