Chapter 269:
“I heard you’re the Owen family’s recently returned daughter, Rylie.”
A man appeared at her side, and Rylie turned, her expression calm. “And you are?”
“Jaxon Rodgers. Navy Deputy Commander,” he said, offering a brief nod. “I’ve worked under Brad for years, but this is the first time I’ve seen him ignore protocol and bring a girlfriend to camp.”
Rylie looked at him. “I’m the first?”
Jaxon tapped his glass lightly against hers. “Yes. The very first.”
She took a small sip from her drink without reacting. Jaxon leaned in a little closer, his tone casual. “Brad seems healthier these days. I heard the Morgan family brought in a top specialist for his treatment.”
Rylie watched Brad from a distance, surrounded by soldiers. “You’re his subordinate. Shouldn’t you know that better than I do?”
“He keeps his health private,” Jaxon replied. “I’m just asking out of concern.”
“I don’t know much. Maybe he’s recovered,” she said, keeping her tone neutral. Jaxon tried to edge closer, but she gave him nothing. As he turned away, the smile he wore fell from his face.
A subordinate leaned in and whispered, “Did you get anything?”
His voice flat, Jaxon replied, “She’s not his girlfriend. Brad probably brought her here to show he’s recovered, just to protect his position and rank.”
The other man’s eyes narrowed slightly. “If that’s true, then the Commander-in-Chief must believe in him. Without stronger proof, taking control of oil field operations won’t be easy.”
Jaxon kept up his false smile as he continued chatting, but his eyes never left Brad.
He soon noticed something off. Brad wasn’t drinking, and he was carefully watching what he ate. Though he moved through the crowd with ease, he clearly avoided anything that might harm his health.
Jaxon whispered, “We need stronger proof.”
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One of his men leaned in. “Word is Brad’s team has been digging into Ronan’s affairs. The deputy mayor of Crolens hasn’t been seen in weeks. A protection request came through, but nobody knows why. Do you think the two are connected? Is there a way we can use that?”
Jaxon pondered briefly, then grinned, appreciatively patting his subordinate’s shoulder. “If I can secure the command, your promotion won’t be far off.”
Rylie found herself surrounded by soldiers and female medics, all eager to pry into how she and Brad had fallen in love.
Candice sat nearby, pretending not to listen, though her ears were tuned to every word.
One of the female soldiers leaned forward. “Mr. Morgan spends almost the whole year at sea with the Navy. When he comes back, he’s always in the military compound. How did you two even meet?”
Rylie glanced at Brad’s back and said casually, “We met at the hospital.”
Candice cut in, her tone sharp. “Brad hardly stays in any hospital. His condition is a closely guarded secret, and he hires private doctors. Miss Owen, you wouldn’t have met him there.”
Rylie’s voice stayed firm. “We did meet at the hospital.”
Candice narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. “Brad is so busy. How did a relationship even start?”
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