Chapter 37:
Outrage flashed across Phillip’s face. “That trophy marked my first win on the track, and you hand it over without a second thought?”
Without responding, Rylie shoved every keepsake deeper into Stacey’s grasp. The Kirk family grew tense, their rigid postures betraying the shock of realizing that Rylie had retrieved each piece just moments earlier.
Stacey faltered, struggling to find her words. “Wait, Rylie, these are yours. I can’t accept them…”
Offering no comfort, Rylie replied, “Enjoy your new title as the Kirk family’s real daughter.”
Lifting her voice, she made a public announcement to the assembled crowd. “Let everyone here be a witness. I was never part of the Kirk family, nor will I ever be.”
Ironically, the words that everyone expected the Kirks to say to Rylie ended up coming from her instead, leaving the room unsettled.
A moment later, Rylie fixed her gaze on Fred. “And one more thing. I want nothing to do with a fool. Fred, you and Stacey make a lovely pair. I’m breaking off our engagement right now. Kirk family, stop pestering me — your constant meddling has become intolerable.”
By saying this, she cast Fred in an unfavorable light and didn’t spare Stacey from insult either. Instead of basking in celebration, Stacey found herself overshadowed by Rylie’s decisive stand.
Word of the scene immediately damaged the Dury family’s reputation, prompting Fred to snap back. “You dare call me a fool? Take a look at yourself, always trailing behind me like some desperate country girl. The truth is, I’ve always preferred someone like Stacey. If anyone is ending this engagement, it’ll be my decision, not yours!”
A voice from the crowd piped up right away. “You know, the Dury family just landed a three hundred million contract with the Owen family, and everyone says Mr. Dury himself closed the deal. Honestly, with that kind of skill, Rylie must have lashed out from pure envy.”
Fred puffed out his chest, eager to impress. “Soon enough, our family will join Crolens’ social elite. Rylie, do you honestly believe you measure up to me? You’re better off returning to that little town and your uneventful life.”
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Tessa, seeing how unyielding Rylie had become, refused to tolerate her anymore. Clutching Stacey close, she addressed the guests in a clear, unwavering tone. “Let it be known, the engagement with the Dury family was always meant for the Kirk family’s rightful daughter.”
“No impostors, no confusion. Stacey is my real daughter. Rylie’s connection to the Kirks ends here.”
Without warning, Leland broke the tense silence. “Rylie, if you could just change your attitude toward Mom, nothing’s stopping you from coming back. Things could go back to how they were.”
A flicker of hurt flashed in Stacey’s eyes as she heard Leland’s plea. Trying to hide her disappointment, she put on a sympathetic front. “If you want, Rylie, I’m willing to step aside. I’ve known all along how you feel about Fred. Stop fighting us, and he’s yours.”
Laughter escaped Rylie as she looked them over, a trace of mockery in her gaze. “Don’t bother. Like I said, you and that fool are a perfect match.”
Casper’s temper snapped. “Rylie! Walk out that door and you’re out for good!”
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