Chapter 41
Chapter 41:
A rare occasion had drawn every branch of the Owen family together, all eager to witness Rylie’s homecoming.
Tension crackled in the formal hall as Paola Garrett leaned over, her voice just a whisper. “Rylie’s spent so many years away. She must have gone through a lot p>
On her left, a teenager whose features mirrored hers wore a deep scowl, muttering, “Do we know how long she’ll be staying p>
Glancing at her mother, Paola replied in a low voice, “However long she remains, this is still her family. We owe her kindness. After all, she’s our cousin.” Her gentle assurance drifted through the room, catching Kendrick’s attention.
“Paola, your poise and grace continue to impress me,” he remarked.
Blushing at the praise, Paola replied, “Grandpa, I learned it all from you and my cousins p>
Her magnanimity and elegance stemmed from not considering the returning cousin a threat. Stories had spread that Rylie came from humble beginnings, lacking the polish of the city. Such rumors only reinforced Paola’s place — Rylie’s presence would highlight her own charm and standing even more.
While Kendrick offered his compliment lightly, his eyes never left the threshold.
At last, the long wait ended as two silhouettes appeared in the doorway.
Deandre’s voice rang out clear and bright. “Everyone, Rylie has come home p>
Everyone turned to see what the commotion was about.
Most of the Owen relatives, except for Rylie’s brothers, expected her to look rough and run-down because of where she came from. What they saw instead left them stunned.
Rylie walked in wearing a leather jacket and fitted black pants. Her skin looked so smooth that it almost glowed. Her features, sharp yet graceful, mirrored her brothers p>
Considering how Felix, Marcus, and Deandre each had the kind of looks people remembered, it was only natural that Rylie had a striking face too.
Paola’s heart dropped. Her fingers curled tightly over her knees.
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“Oh, my sweet granddaughter!” Kendrick couldn’t hold back anymore. He pushed himself up with his cane and stretched a hand toward her. “Come here, quick. Let me really see you p>
The two men standing beside him — Rylie’s brothers — were clearly trying not to cry.
Rylie hadn’t known family love in years. Kendrick’s warmth felt unfamiliar but comforting. His wrinkled hand clutched hers with surprising strength.
“You’re finally here,” he said. Tears welled in Kendrick’s eyes. “If I hadn’t found you, I wouldn’t know what to say to your parents when I see them again p>
Rylie didn’t know what to say. But the way he held her hand made her feel something she hadn’t in a long time. She leaned closer and said gently, “Grandpa p>
“Oh, my dear girl p>
That one word undid him. His heart felt full, like he could hand her everything he had and still want to give more.
“I’m Felix. I’m your oldest brother.” Felix sat on the sofa, his voice soft with emotion. “Can you believe my own sister ended up saving my life? That has to be fate p>