Chapter 178:
Leona snapped back, “Save it! Rylie already has a boyfriend — handsome, too, with that upright military vibe. Did you see that luxury car parked near the alley? My son said it’s a global limited edition worth nearly ten million. The Dury family’s gifts can’t compare.”
Rylie blinked. “Boyfriend? What boyfriend?”
Selah, on the other hand, seemed to catch on. Her eyes lit up as she took Rylie’s hand. “Oh, it’s him? That’s great! I’ve always thought he was a good kid. A little thin maybe, but steady and kind. And he’s good-looking, too.”
Leona nodded excitedly. “Exactly! He’s worlds ahead of Evie’s flashy son-in-law.”
Evie, clearly irritated by the comparison, muttered, “I’ve never seen this so-called boyfriend. Does he only visit at night? That’s suspicious. What if he already has a family or a girlfriend? I’m just saying — I don’t want Rylie to get hurt.”
Selah hesitated and looked at Rylie with concern. “He’s probably in his thirties. Have you asked him carefully?”
Rylie sighed, a little overwhelmed. “This is ridiculous. He’s not my boyfriend.”
Evie jumped on that. “Then why do you always meet him at night? Are you two hiding something? Rylie, you can’t be doing things you’ll regret!”
Leona added with a playful smile, “Why not just ask him? We’ve got nothing to hide.”
Selah now looked even more unsure.
Though Rylie was irritated by the gossip, Selah’s worried expression made her give in. She pulled out her phone and sent a message.
“Are you free? Selah thinks you’re my boyfriend. Can you help me clear it up?”
To her surprise, he replied almost instantly. “I’m free.”
Since he was up for it, Rylie turned to Selah. “I’ll call him.” She tapped the video call icon.
Moments later, the screen lit up.
Lᴀtеst chαptєrs 𝑖n g𝓪lнovєls.со𝓂
Brad appeared in a dark suit, seated in a leather chair, his expression calm and eyes sharp. Behind him was a wide screen and a massive floor-to-ceiling window showing the landmarks of a bustling financial district. Rylie raised an eyebrow. “Are you in a meeting? I can call back.”
Brad set his pen down and answered gently, “No need. It’s just wrapping up.” Across the room, his team sat frozen. Wrapping up? What was wrapping up? Just a moment ago, Brad had been scolding them over internal issues at Morgan Group. Layoffs were looming. Now, one video call later, their strict boss had transformed into a charming gentleman.
Whoever was on the call had clearly saved them. Before this call, they were unsure if they would be the next ones to face Brad’s wrath.
Brad glanced around the long table. That was enough.
Several department heads quietly began packing up, sneaking glances at the screen. Some whispered, wondering who could soften Brad’s gaze like that.
“No bother at all — my team just stepped out,” Brad said calmly. From the cracked door, a few team members could still hear his warm baritone drifting out. One even joked that it had to be Brad’s twin in there.
Brock, who knew better than anyone, smiled faintly. “That’s what love does to him.”
Brad stood up from his chair, leaving the top buttons of his black shirt undone. His cool, distant demeanor only served to make his handsome features even more striking. He locked eyes with Rylie through the screen. “Where’s Selah?”
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