Chapter 70
Chapter 70:
Shaken to her core, the receptionist nearly collapsed, her hand trembling so much that she dropped the phone. All she could do was stare at Rylie, who lounged against the counter with an air of effortless composure.
A faint, mocking smile played on Rylie’s lips. “Surprised? Amazing what one phone call can do p>
Fred couldn’t help but wonder about the abrupt change, though he had another agenda. Tapping the countertop, he said, “By the way, someone should let Mr. Owen know that Fred is here about the three-hundred-million business partnership we discussed p>
By now, the receptionist could barely register Fred’s demand. Panic overtook her as she rushed to Rylie’s side, tears streaking down her cheeks while she bowed low. “Please, I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize you were Mr. Owen’s sister—I swear I thought it was Paola! Please don’t let them fire me. I can’t lose this job p>
Compassion rarely extended from Rylie to people who wore cruelty like a badge. “You had every chance to double-check the facts,” she said, voice cool and steady. “But instead, you let arrogance decide for you. People like p>
“You end up driving away good clients just because of how someone’s dressed.” Fred and Casper stood frozen, completely thrown off by what was unfolding.
Fred tried to regain control of the situation, his nerves taut. “What do you mean — sister? Who is Rylie supposed to be related to? Someone explain p>
Incoherent with fear, the receptionist could only sink to her knees, grabbing hold of Rylie’s pant leg. “Miss Kirk, I’m begging you — don’t let them dismiss me! I really need this job p>
Working the reception desk at the Owen Group’s branch didn’t require special qualifications, but it paid handsomely for those who could maintain the right appearances. The thought of losing that easy security had her begging at Rylie’s feet, desperate for mercy.
Everyone who had jeered at Rylie earlier had disappeared, not daring to breathe too loudly, hoping she wouldn’t remember their faces.
With barely a glance down, Rylie offered only a cold warning, saying, “Everyone gets taught lessons by life. What you do with them is your choice p>
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Security personnel entered next, not to remove Rylie, but to gently pry the receptionist away from Rylie’s clothes. The woman was led out, already facing the reality of a severance check and a quick exit. Rylie didn’t so much as flinch.
Fred and Casper exchanged uneasy glances, their faces drained of color. The evidence before them was hard to ignore — maybe Rylie did have real ties to the Owen family. Still, they struggled to understand how someone they had looked down on could possibly share the Owen bloodline.
Suddenly, the elevator chimed. An impeccably dressed assistant stepped out, followed by a half-dozen bodyguards in black, each moving with practiced precision.
The assistant’s presence immediately caught Fred’s attention; he recognized the man from earlier contract negotiations, always seen at the side of Felix and trusted with all the important paperwork.
With an ingratiating grin, Fred hurried over. “There’s really no need for you to trouble yourself, Mr. Cullen. We could have just gone up to the conference room on our own p>