Chapter 40
Chapter 40:
Media coverage had turned Rylie’s exit into headline news for all to see. One of the guards glanced from his phone to the sky, recognizing Rylie’s motorcycle being loaded up. “Word around here is she’s not even a Kirk by blood. Her real folks supposedly live out in some poor village p>
Another shook his head at the spectacle. “If that’s true, this kind of sendoff doesn’t fit at all. Her real family must be a big deal p>
A third guard chuckled under his breath. “Well, if that’s the case, the Kirks will have plenty of regrets soon enough p>
While these whispers carried through the security post, inside the Kirk estate, the family focused on entertaining their guests, unaware of the gossip just outside. They did, however, notice the helicopters slicing through the sky above their mansion.
No one in the Kirk family paid much attention, missing the fact that the helicopters had anything to do with Rylie. Once the formal announcement of Stacey and Fred’s engagement was made, Casper turned to Fred and asked with practiced politeness, “I heard you locked…
“Down a three hundred million dollar deal with the Owens. Is there a chance we could join in p>
Fred responded without missing a beat, “That’s what I hoped for as well, but the partnership is a hefty commitment. The exact terms still need to be hammered out with the Owen family. If you’d like to collaborate, I’m happy to put in a good word for you p>
Excitement shone in Casper’s eyes. “That’s excellent news! I appreciate it p>
Deep within Crolens stood Serenity Manor, a name known only to the city’s elite.
Tucked into the heart of the city’s most valuable real estate, Serenity Manor stood apart — a sanctuary where just four families held the central grounds, with a handful of smaller homes scattered beyond.
Grand estate-style residences dominated the landscape, each one private and discreet, surrounded by breathtaking vistas. The cost of entry was so high that only the country’s wealthiest could hope to call this place home.
Not long ago, Rylie had come here once, when Brad needed her medical expertise.
Touching down on the helipad beside a vineyard, she stepped out to a striking welcome — rows of staff and guards formed an honor guard, voices ringing out as one. “Welcome home, Miss Owen p>
Trailing after her, Deandre exclaimed, “Grandfather purchased this place years back, hoping you’d spend holidays and summers with us. When you disappeared, the manor felt empty, almost haunted. None of us wanted to return, so we left everything in the care of distant relatives p>
Rylie nodded. “I understand p>
With a bittersweet ache, Deandre studied the calm strength in her face. “What you missed, we’ll make sure you have again p>
From the helicopter, Brad watched as Rylie walked away. He made a quick call, instructing, “Send a gift on my behalf to the neighboring villa when you get the chance p>
Meanwhile, life carried on at the main Owen estate.
Kendrick claimed the main seat on the expansive sofa, leaning heavily on his cane while his gaze lingered at the front entrance. A circle of relatives — Felix, Marcus, and several others — clustered around him, filling the room with anticipation.