Chapter 354:
“She does,” Rylie answered, unfazed. “But the school listed your number as her contact. Are you coming or not?”
“I’m actually near the school right now. I’ll head over,” Brad replied, his voice firm but calm. Then, catching the edge in her tone, he added, “And Rylie… don’t be upset.”
She ended the call without another word.
Gorman’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of unease crossing his face as he processed the exchange between Rylie and Brad. He stared at her, his expression twisted with disbelief. “Miss Owen… was that really Admiral Morgan?”
Rylie slipped her phone back into her pocket, entirely unbothered. “Why? Do you think I staged it?”
Gorman let out a nervous laugh. “I didn’t mean that. It’s just… Admiral Morgan is always tied up with military matters. I never imagined he’d…” He trailed off, clearly struggling to accept what he’d just heard.
Beside them, Melany clutched the hem of her shirt, nerves written all over her face. Even though she believed in Rylie’s strength, this was the Morgan family — Zaylee ruled the school because of their backing, didn’t she?
Rylie noticed the uncertainty in both of them but didn’t bother explaining. She simply guided Melany to the sofa and handed her a piece of chocolate. “Sit down. We’ll wait.”
Melany whispered her thanks, holding the treat like it was a lifeline.
Gorman stood there, staring at Rylie, increasingly unsettled. She was too calm — far too calm. Could she really know Brad Morgan personally?
The office fell into an eerie silence. After some thought, Gorman decided to have a passing student go to the classroom and call Zaylee over first.
“Zaylee, Mr. Robertson wants you in the office.”
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The moment she heard that, Zaylee’s thoughts flew to Rylie. This woman must’ve gone ahead to speak up for Melany. Pressing her lips together, she asked, “Did they say what it’s about?”
Her classmate shrugged. “Not exactly. I didn’t catch it clearly.”
Zaylee entered the office and greeted Gorman politely. Her gaze shifted to Rylie, who lounged nearby like she had no cares at all. “Is something the matter, Mr. Robertson?”
Gorman didn’t hesitate. “It’s about the stolen necklace. The other family wants to hear what you have to say.”
Zaylee turned toward Rylie, her voice soft. “I never meant to cause a fuss over this. I just thought Melany would say sorry, and we’d move on like before.”
Rylie’s tone was cool. “So it wasn’t your idea to suggest expulsion? That came from Mr. Robertson?”
Gorman argued, “Only because Melany refused to…”
Rylie glanced at Melany, whose eyes were already welling with tears. “Why should she apologize when she didn’t do it?”
Melany bit her lip, her voice shaky. “I don’t even care about that sunflower necklace. We’ve got tons like it at home.”
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