Chapter 1250:
Johnny had never imagined he would run into Rylie there, much less witness Brad’s betrayal unfolding right before his eyes. The scene struck him like a blade to the chest. Acting on instinct, he crossed the room, took one look at how thin her outfit was, and draped his coat gently over her shoulders.
“I came to discuss a contract,” he said. He looked more composed than before. He guided Rylie out of the venue and invited her to have dinner with him.
Novalee tactfully stepped aside, finished what she needed to do, and slipped away without drawing attention.
What she didn’t anticipate was Brad’s car blocking her path at a quiet, deserted intersection. The driver rolled down the window, and Brad gestured for her to get in.
уou𝗿 ոe𝘹𝘁 𝗳𝘢𝘷о𝗋𝗶𝘁𝗲 r𝗲𝘢𝘥 𝗶𝘀 𝘰n 𝗴a𝘭nо𝗏𝘦ls.𝘤𝘰𝘮
He sat inside with one leg crossed over the other, a heavy, oppressive stillness surrounding him. Novalee swallowed before asking carefully, “Is this about Rylie?”
“Too many people have been dishonest with me,” Brad said, his voice low. “I want the truth.”
After a brief pause, Novalee met his gaze. “I don’t know what’s changed in you, sir, but everyone in Eshea knows that Rylie has always been your one true love. After the crash, she searched everywhere for you. Now that she’s finally found you alive, you’re already someone else’s man.”
Brad’s jaw tightened. “She left me behind.” His fingers moved instinctively to his injured leg, as though to underscore the point.
Though Novalee knew nothing about the deserted island or how he had survived, she answered without hesitation. “Rylie would never abandon someone without reason. If she left, then something must have happened first — something you did.”
Before she closed the door, she turned back to him, her eyes sincere. “Kari isn’t who you think she is. If you insist on staying with her, then perhaps it’s a blessing that Rylie was spared from a man who doesn’t truly value her.” She added firmly, “There are countless men who treasure her. Even without you, there would be no shortage of people willing to give her the devotion she deserves.”
Long after she left, her words continued to echo in Brad’s mind.
At an upscale restaurant in the Indoria Federation, Brad — heir apparent to Havenridge Group and newly entrusted by Luther with several projects to sharpen his leadership — entered the main dining room with a line of executives trailing respectfully behind him. They crossed the elegant lobby together, heading toward the private rooms on the upper floor.
His steps faltered when he caught sight of a pair seated near the window.
Johnny filled a glass with juice and passed it to Rylie. She accepted it and asked softly, “How is Hulda doing?”
He smiled faintly. “She’s doing well. You look happier yourself.”
“Now that my biggest concerns are behind me, of course I’m feeling lighter,” Rylie replied.
Johnny hesitated, then looked at her seriously. “I’ve heard a few rumors. I don’t believe he’s coming back to you. Have you thought about what you’ll do next?”
“Do I really have to decide anything right now?” she answered calmly.
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