Chapter 88
Chapter 88:
A faint smile ghosted across Brad’s face as he tapped the table. “She’s the key to my survival, Brock. If she prefers a low profile, we’ll see that she stays out of the limelight. Now, as for the Kirks and the Durys p>
His hand swept across the sand table, plucking up a flag and tossing it aside with finality. “Clean up the mess for her. Make sure those families don’t get another chance to rise p>
Brock gave a firm nod. “Understood, sir p>
As the gala drew near, Paola — after taking her time with hair and makeup — finally called Rylie. Her tone was sweetly apologetic. “Rylie, sorry! My styling ran late today. If I send the car now, we’ll miss the event. Would you mind getting there on your own p>
Rylie checked the time. “Only thirty minutes left, and you’re just telling me now p>
Paola’s voice came through the line, soft and apologetic. “I’m really sorry. I was up all night working on the music. I must’ve dozed off while getting ready. I can send a driver right now if you want p>
A male voice broke in from the background. “Why do you keep saying sorry to her? Does she think being part of the Owen family makes her better than everyone else? She spent time in some forgotten town and now walks around like she owns you. What kind of attitude is that p>
Without a word, Rylie ended the call. So that was the plan? They wanted to make her show up late and look ridiculous?
Without wasting another moment, she dialed a different number. The line rang twice before a deep voice answered. “Miss Owen, or should I say, Dr. Owen p>
“Just call me Rylie,” she said. “I need your help. Mind if I borrow the helicopter? I’ll subtract it from your next bill p>
Brad hadn’t expected to hear from her. He glanced down, fingers toying with the model warship on his desk. “Another emergency p>
“I have to be at the Darkwell charity gala,” she said plainly. “Can you manage it p>
Brad straightened his cuff and smiled faintly. “Funny you called. I’m heading there myself. Why don’t we go together p>
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Once the call ended, Brad turned to Brock, who was standing nearby. “Didn’t you say it’s a charity event? We shouldn’t skip something like that. Make the preparations. We’re going p>
Brock stood frozen for a second. Just earlier, Brad had insisted that he wasn’t going. Now, after that phone call, everything changed? Wasn’t this the same man who was supposed to be on medical leave?
“Alright p>
As he left to get things ready, Brock couldn’t help but mutter under his breath. It turned out that even a man like Brad wasn’t immune to flipping his decisions, especially when a woman like Rylie was involved.
Rylie stepped onto the lawn, her evening gown trailing behind her as the roar of a helicopter sliced through the air. Wind whipped around her legs, tugging at the hem of her dress.
She raised her hand to block the breeze, her hair lifting in soft waves from the downwash. The aircraft settled above the grass.
As the cabin door swung open, Brad stood in the doorway, dressed in a sharp black suit. He waited with one hand extended, his stance calm and assured.