Chapter 274:
The shop owner, however, stood his ground. “You defend her because you don’t know what she has done! This girl came to my shop nearly an hour ago, begging me for a part-time job. I felt sorry for her and let her serve tables. But in no time, she dropped dishes for two tables and had the nerve to blame me for giving her too much to carry! You’re young, so don’t act as if you were already too weak to work. If you really can’t handle it, maybe you should stay home and enjoy the comforts of your family,” he said in frustration. “I tried to be kind, and this is what I get!”
Zaylee’s tears spilled as she bowed repeatedly, her humility as raw as it could be.
Brad sighed, clearly annoyed, and pulled out all the cash from his wallet, handing it to the shop owner. “Will this cover the damage?”
The shop owner took only what was needed to pay for the broken dishes and waved his hand. “I won’t take more than what’s fair. Pay for the two tables and take this girl away. She’s bad luck.”
Once the crowd dispersed, Brad signaled for Zaylee to follow, and the three of them stepped onto the night market street.
Zaylee apologized to Brad. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin everything. It’s all my fault. Please don’t be mad.”
“You should be focused on studying, not working part-time,” Brad said sternly.
He frowned, his tone cutting. “You’re 18 now. Don’t you know what’s important?
You’re not poor. The Morgan family offers everything you and your mother need. What you should do is study hard to be enrolled in a prestigious university.”
“I just…” Zaylee’s voice faltered.
“No need to think that you owe us. I’ve told you before,” Brad said, his voice flat, “the money the Morgan family gives you and your mother is like loose change to us — completely…”
“Insignificant. No one really cares.” Those last words hit Zaylee like a blow. Her face turned pale.
“Enough,” Rylie interjected, rolling the mint candy on her tongue. “I still have a report to finish, so let’s wrap this up.”
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Zaylee noticed how Brad, this famously influential man, actually quieted down when Rylie spoke. He even opened the passenger door for her, allowing her to sit in the front.
Rylie bent down and got into his car without hesitation.
Watching them, Zaylee couldn’t help but remember Brad’s early errands that morning, including the breakfast he had prepared — just for Rylie.
She had heard that Rylie came from a wealthy family, someone she could never compare to. All Zaylee had was Sean’s promise to her family.
Sitting silently in the back seat, Zaylee stared at the front for a while before whispering, “Brad, who is this lady?”
Rylie spoke with a friendly tone. “I’m Rylie Owen. I live next door to Brad.”
Zaylee’s eyes lit up with admiration. “Are you a student too? You look so young and beautiful.”
Leaning back against the seat, Rylie replied casually, “Yeah. I study at the medical university.”
Zaylee’s voice was full of envy. “Wow, you’re studying medicine. That’s incredible! You must have excellent grades.”
Before Rylie could answer, Brad cut in, saying proudly, “Her grades are outstanding. She’s very smart.” His tone softened when he mentioned Rylie.
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