Chapter 1279:
Rylie accepted Kari’s apology with quiet composure, raising her glass lightly. “Since I’ve accepted your invitation, I’ll give everyone the performance I promised.”
She made her way to the piano and gently placed her fingers on the keys. What followed was nothing short of mesmerizing. As X. Aria, she let the music flow with effortless grace, her melodies drifting through the room and drawing every guest into her world.
When the final note of the blessing piece dissolved into silence, the entire venue erupted in thunderous applause.
Any lingering skepticism vanished after that performance, replaced by genuine admiration and respect from every person in attendance.
Even Brad found himself watching Rylie a moment longer than necessary—and that did not escape Kari’s notice. A flicker of jealousy crossed her face. “Why do you keep staring at her?” she asked, her voice cool. “Don’t tell me you’ve developed feelings.”
Brad shifted his gaze and replied calmly, “Since when did you start doubting your own appeal?”
Caught off guard, Kari softened her tone. “Brad, this is a crucial time for your future with Havenridge Group. My father is watching you closely, deciding whether you’re fit to inherit everything. One mistake could ruin your chances. I’m only reminding you because I care,” she said, her fingers lightly grazing his chest.
A subtle smile curved Brad’s lips as his gaze drifted toward a quiet corner of the room. Sherwood, disguised in a waiter’s uniform, stepped out from the shadows carrying a tray and moved toward Kari with a glass of wine.
𝖱𝘦а𝘥 𝘸𝗶𝗍𝘩𝗈𝘶𝗍 𝗶ո𝗍𝖾r𝘳u𝗽ti𝗼ns 𝘰𝗇 𝗴𝗮lnо𝘷𝖾l𝘀.cо𝗆
Kari’s expression darkened the moment she saw him. The fact that he had managed to slip aboard unnoticed made her inwardly furious—in her mind, the entire security team deserved to be dismissed on the spot.
“What are you doing here?” she demanded sharply.
“Kari.” His voice was low, carrying an intimacy that only she would recognize. “Let’s talk somewhere private. There are things Brad doesn’t need to see.”
Kari frowned, ready to dismiss him outright—until she caught sight of a phone partially visible beneath the tray. On the screen was a photograph of two people locked in a close embrace. The woman’s face was unmistakably hers.
Her pupils contracted, and the color drained from her face as the meaning registered. He had secretly taken photographs during their past encounters.
“How dare you—” she started, her voice trembling.
Sherwood calmly withdrew the phone, gestured for her to follow, and walked toward a more secluded section of the ship.
At that moment, Brad turned around. “That waiter seems familiar. What’s going on?”
Not wanting Brad to uncover anything from her past, Kari steadied herself. “It’s nothing. I just feel a little chilly,” she said evenly. “I’m going to change into something warmer. Can you look after the guests for a while?”
Brad nodded. “Of course.”
Taking a quiet breath, Kari gathered her gown and hurried after Sherwood.
The moment the door closed behind them, she slapped him hard across the face.
“Sherwood! Have you lost your mind?” she hissed. “How dare you try to blackmail me?”
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