Chapter 1067:
“I know, you’re always thinking of me,” Dennis said with a smile as he accepted the tea. “Did you get a chance to see that ancient score I posted? Next time, I’ll send it directly to your home so you can examine it in peace.”
“That reminds me,” Rylie said, pulling a sheet of paper from her bag and handing it to him. “I’ve nearly finished the restoration. It was more straightforward than I expected.”
Compared to other ancient scores she had worked on, this one bore clearer stylistic markers of its period, which had simplified the process.
Dennis took the paper but didn’t study it closely. Instead, he quickly took a photo. “I’ll send this to the faculty so they can examine it. You know me—I’m much more at home with a paintbrush than with restoration work.”
“Alright,” Rylie said, a faint smile curling her lips. “Let’s eat.”
𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲ѕ𝘁 𝘤𝗁𝗮𝗉𝘁𝗲𝘳s 𝘰𝗻 𝗴𝗮𝘭𝘯𝘰𝗏е𝗅ѕ.с𝘰𝗆
Halfway through the meal, Dennis looked up. “Rylie, are you free tomorrow?”
“What’s on your mind?” Rylie asked.
Dennis leaned forward, his tone earnest. “The Music Department has its semester evaluation tomorrow. Would you be willing to sit in as an external judge? I trust your ear completely—it’s exceptional.”
Worried she might decline, he quickly added, “All you’d need to do is listen to their performances and assign grades—A through D. That’s it.”
Rylie tilted her head slightly. “So this is the academy’s official placement exam?”
Dennis nodded. “Exactly. Every semester begins with this review. Top performers advance; those who fall short are moved down a tier. It keeps everyone motivated. The Academy has followed this tradition for over a century.”
Rylie hesitated, unsure if it was her place to step in. But when she saw the hopeful look in Dennis’s eyes, she found herself unable to refuse. After a moment, she nodded. “Alright, I’ll help.”
“Oh, and one more thing,” Dennis added, his expression turning more serious. “The lead designer from your company—Melany, right? She started her intake physical. The school provides free checkups for new students, and the doctor mentioned she’s pregnant. Were you aware?”
“Yes,” Rylie murmured, her voice tinged with concern. “Could you please keep an eye on her? Her safety is important, and discretion is key. She’s carrying Deandre’s child, and he hasn’t found out yet.”
Dennis’s eyes widened. “Deandre? I thought he was a notorious playboy. He doesn’t want the baby, does he? That puts her in quite a delicate position.”
Rylie shook her head gently. “He may seem careless, but he’s different with Melany. He just doesn’t know yet. I’d appreciate it if you could watch over her—she’s going to be my sister-in-law, after all.”
Dennis took a slow sip of water, collecting himself before nodding. “Alright, I’ll make sure she’s looked after. Kendrick’s great-grandson is someone I’ll certainly keep an eye out for.”
Meanwhile, a small group of students wandered near the restaurant, looking for a quick bite.
“If I don’t get some decent food soon, I’m going to lose it,” one of them grumbled. “Mr. Holden’s lab sessions are rare enough as it is.”
Another sighed. “These stop-and-start biology experiments are exhausting.”
“Angie, why are you lagging behind?” someone called back.
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