Chapter 46
Chapter 46:
That statement seemed to rattle Paola. Her perfect posture and elegant manner suddenly felt awkward, out of place at a table where realness mattered more than etiquette. Even though Deandre and his brothers had always been the picture of politeness, everything changed when it came to Rylie.
A moment later, Kendrick tipped back his bowl and finished his soup with gusto, then wiped his mouth on his sleeve, not caring who noticed. “Back when I was young, whether I was working the fields or fixing engines for a few coins, I never cared about how I ate. Food tasted best when you just dug in. Life’s gotten complicated p>
His gaze wandered over the table’s perfect arrangements. “All these rules, and I still end up half-hungry p>
Felix tried to defuse things with a gentle sigh. “Grandpa, just eat how you like. Being comfortable is the important part p>
Rylie felt warmth settle over her, knowing that her grandfather and brothers were on her side. She dropped her gaze and dug in, finally able to enjoy the meal.
With a fond smile, Kendrick looked at Rylie and addressed Paola directly. “Paola, don’t get too hung up on manners. There’s nothing wrong with having a healthy appetite, just like Rylie p>
Paola forced a polite smile, her hand gripping the fork tightly. Suddenly, all that pride she felt for her perfect table manners felt hollow and out of place. A hush fell over the room as the doors swung open and a servant entered, saying, “The Morgan family has sent a gift p>
Excitement flickered in Paola’s eyes as she set her fork aside. “Is it from Brad?” Percy chimed in, teasing, “I bet it’s for you, especially since you’re working on Spencer’s new film score. Brad probably wanted to send something special p>
A faint blush spread across Paola’s cheeks. Brad, the boy next door, had always been her secret admiration — handsome, successful, the kind everyone noticed. Yet he rarely visited, and whenever he did, it was only for something important. Paola could only wish for more.
A gentle laugh escaped Laurel as she chimed in, “Just the other day, your father mentioned you to Brad. This is probably his way of saying congratulations p>
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Excitement bubbled in Paola as she carefully dried her hands and got to her feet. Trying to hide her eagerness, she turned to the servant. “What did Brad send p>
Stepping aside, the servant signaled for a second attendant to wheel in a cart. Gasps filled the room when the towering eight-layer cake appeared, each tier more ornate than the last.
Perplexity furrowed Deandre’s brow. “Why would Brad send a massive cake just for Paola p>
Though confusion flickered across Paola’s face, she didn’t let it diminish her happiness. After all, it was the first present Brad had ever sent her. Percy explained, “Brad’s always off somewhere and probably has no clue what girls really like. He must have figured a fancy cake was a safe bet p>
Laurel broke into another warm chuckle. “It’s a lovely gesture regardless. The decoration is so elaborate, it must have come from that top-tier bakery downtown. And a cake of this size can’t have been cheap p>
Paola picked up the cake knife, ready to make the first cut, when the servant suddenly paused as if remembering something important. She hurried forward and fished two envelopes from her apron, looking flustered. “Forgive me, I nearly forgot. Mr. Morgan wrote two personal letters — one for Mr. Kendrick Owen and p>