Chapter 73
Chapter 73:
The message couldn’t have been clearer. Paola had no intention of stepping in, and she certainly wouldn’t risk crossing Deandre for someone like Fiona, no matter her fame.
Frustration swelled inside Fiona as she ended the call, her fists clenched at her sides.
Instead of giving up, she chose to remain seated on the plush sofa outside the CEO’s office, determined not to leave just yet. Soon, she noticed a group of receptionists approaching, each carrying plates piled high with gorgeous, expensive pastries.
A hopeful spark appeared in Fiona’s eyes. “Are those for me p>
A receptionist offered a polite smile. “They’re for Miss Owen. Mr. Owen was worried she might have skipped lunch to come here, so he had us put together a little spread p>
“Miss Owen?” The name froze Fiona for a moment, the memory of Paola’s earlier complaints rushing back into her mind.
That conversation had been about the long-lost Owen daughter, newly returned and settling in at Serenity Manor.
Realization dawned—could it be the eccentric woman she’d glimpsed earlier? That unusual young woman was actually the missing Owen daughter. As she watched the receptionists disappear inside with their plates, Fiona’s thoughts twisted into knots.
Not long after, the office door swung open and Rylie emerged. Fiona sprang to her feet, offering a strained, apologetic grin as she moved to block Rylie’s way. “I’m so sorry, Miss Owen. I didn’t realize who you were earlier p>
Rylie immediately recognized Fiona from the silver screen — after all, Fiona was a well-known actress, the star cast in Spencer’s upcoming movie.
It was a curious overlap, since Paola happened to be composing for the film, which was still in its early development stages.
Rylie paused a moment, then stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Rylie p>
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Fiona quickly grasped Rylie’s hand, introduced herself with practiced poise, and asked, “Do you know if Deandre is available p>
“You’ve got ten minutes,” Rylie replied, her tone polite but brisk. “He has a meeting after that, so you can catch him now if you hurry p>
That answer left Fiona blinking in surprise. “He actually agreed to see me?” With a faint, knowing smile, Rylie explained, “I let him know you’d been waiting a long time out here, hoping for a chance to talk p>
In an instant, Fiona’s whole demeanor changed. “Rylie, let’s exchange contact information! If you ever want to go to a concert or a movie premiere, just tell me — I’ll get you tickets, front row p>
“No problem,” Rylie said, passing along her contact info before heading on her way.
The thought never would have crossed Fiona’s mind that someone as steadfast as Deandre — who wouldn’t even listen to Paola — would so easily bend for Rylie. Clearly, this newly returned daughter held real influence within the Owen family.
Earlier, in Deandre’s office, Rylie had asked if she might join his advanced medical research project. Thinking that she was simply curious, Deandre agreed to let her visit the lab once the group was formed and the funds secured. But then Rylie brought up Fiona’s situation, and Deandre’s demeanor soured.