Chapter 63
Chapter 63:
A voice, ice-cold and unmistakably female, broke in from the shadows. “That’s not your call to make p>
With a swift motion, Rylie removed her helmet, her gaze hardening. Her hand shot out, grabbing the nearest man’s collar and jerking him backward. He stumbled, barely managing a gasp before her knee struck his midsection, sending him crumpling to the ground in agony.
Two more thugs lunged forward, clubs raised. Rylie pivoted, catching the first one’s wrist and twisting it violently. Bone cracked as the club fell to the ground. Before the second could react, she spun, sweeping his legs from under him and forcing him to kneel in the dirt.
She pressed her foot down on a broken stick, her tone cold and final as she surveyed the group. “Anyone tries coming for HaloFlow Pharmacy again, and they’ll be lucky if they can hold a toothbrush p>
Yosef stood frozen, shock flickering in his eyes. He hadn’t expected a girl who looked so fragile and unassuming to decimate his hired muscle in seconds.
A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes. “You don’t get it, Rylie. The Wilde family could have every last person at HaloFlow thrown in jail for theft anytime they want p>
A sneer curled on Rylie’s lips. “Who ends up in handcuffs hasn’t been decided yet p>
Yosef’s nerves frayed as he tried to regain control. “Don’t get too full of yourself. The Morgans are holding another seminar for Mr. Brad Morgan. That’s your official invite — from Ms. Wilde. If you’ve got the nerve, show up. We’ll see who gets unmasked as the real thief p>
Rylie snatched the invitation from midair, her glare like ice. “Tell her I’ll be there. And warn the Wilde family to keep their noses clean — they might find trouble they’re not ready for p>
Yosef let out a laugh, as if she had told the most ridiculous joke. “You think the Wilde family is just a bit of trouble? Let’s get something straight — no one in Crolens dares cross them. The Wildes control everything here, and you’d do well to keep that in mind p>
“I won’t forget,” Rylie replied, her lips curling into a cool smirk, her eyes shadowed with something unreadable.
ᗰσ𝓇𝑒 υ𝐩𝓭𝑎𝓉𝑒𝓈 ι𝐧
Once Yosef and his men finally cleared out, the onlookers faded away as well, leaving behind only the staff and a few regulars. Several patients approached Selah, who looked shaken and pale, murmuring words of comfort. “Don’t let them get to you. We know how skilled you are, Dr. Hobbes p>
A forced smile flickered on Selah’s lips as she instructed the nearby pharmacist to show the last guests out and lock the doors.
Rylie gently guided Selah into a chair. “I never thought the Wilde family’s fakes would stir up trouble here. I’m sorry you had to be dragged into it p>
Selah let out a long breath, brushing off the blame. “Don’t apologize. I’ve never gotten along with the Wilde family anyway p>
Settling beside her, Rylie patted Selah’s back in quiet support. “The way they spoke, it sounds like you have a past with the Wilde family. You’ve never told me about it p>
A shadow crossed Selah’s face as she looked away, refusing to revisit old wounds. “It’s ancient history. Nothing that needs retelling.” Her eyes flickered to the invitation in Rylie’s hand. “Please don’t go to that meeting. The Wilde family never fights fair — they’ll try anything to hurt you p>
Rylie didn’t pry further, simply waving the invitation with a shrug. “I can handle them. This time, the Wilde family is the one getting wiped out p>