Chapter 296:
But before her hands could touch him, the butler — quietly observing from the side — stepped in.
Having served the Morgans for years, he could read Brad’s mood better than anyone. “Zaylee, your hands are best used for holding books. Study hard, and get into a good university. Massaging isn’t your job.”
His words, though soft, carried weight — a subtle reminder to maintain her dignity.
Zaylee faltered. “I just wanted to help Brad relax.”
“There’s no need,” Brad said, turning to her with a cold, unreadable expression.
“I’m not looking for repayment.”
Rylie, who had left the dinner table while they were talking, came back with two jars of jelly. She handed one to Brad. “This one’s pretty good. Try it.”
Zaylee’s face went pale the moment she saw it. She blurted, “It’s not safe to eat!”
Brad had already opened the lid. “Why not?”
“A classmate gave it to me. It looked spoiled, so I threw it out. Rylie, why would you give Brad something from the trash? What if it makes him sick?” Zaylee stammered, biting her lip.
Rylie leisurely dipped her spoon into the jelly, savoring a bite as her gaze remained fixed on Zaylee. “You threw them in the trash? I don’t get it. You’re from the countryside too — you know how hard your mother works just to make ends meet. So how could you so casually toss away desserts made by someone else’s mother? Doesn’t that make you feel even a little ashamed?”
Zaylee blinked, startled by the accusation, and rushed to defend herself. “I didn’t waste anything! I told you, it was spoiled, Rylie! Why are you blaming me without hearing me out?”
“Zaylee.” Brad’s voice sliced through the room, cold and sharp. “How did your classmates get home last night?”
Zaylee stiffened, her words catching in her throat. “I had a driver take them.”
“I can’t stand liars.” Brad twisted open a jar of jelly, took a bite, and instantly recognized that it was perfectly fine.
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He turned to Zaylee, whose face had gone ghostly pale. “I drove Melany home — with Rylie. Her mother welcomed us warmly, and the desserts she made weren’t spoiled at all.”
Zaylee’s fingers fumbled with the hem of her dress, tugging and twisting nervously. The room turned heavy, even the butler holding his breath.
“I just…” Zaylee’s voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over her lashes.
Brad’s tone remained detached. “You’ve experienced the luxury and grandeur of Crolens. But I hoped you’d remember where you came from.”
Zaylee bowed her head, her voice small. “I’m sorry, Brad. Another classmate told me the desserts were spoiled, and I believed her too quickly. I was wrong. I won’t let it happen again.”
Brad said nothing. The subtle coolness of the Snow Mint spread through his mouth, lifting his mood as he looked away from her.
Seeing his indifference, Zaylee shot a dark glare at Rylie before storming off without touching her breakfast, heading straight for school.
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