Chapter 463:
He hadn’t come for her. He wasn’t here because he cared. He wasn’t worried about how the drama might affect her.
He repeated those words in his head. Again and again.
Then, he turned away. But his arrival stirred the room.
The students whispered excitedly. Rumors had long been flying that Zaylee was secretly dating the Morgan family’s son — the young military hero. A forbidden love, they called it. Something between family and romance.
Now, it looked like the rumors were true.
Gunter didn’t look surprised to see Brad. He picked up the mic once more. “With the exam simulation now over, I want to thank all our teachers and students for their hard work. To better prepare for the college entrance exam, we’re partnering with the military to hold a winter wilderness camp later this month. We hope you’ll all take part enthusiastically. A special thanks to our sponsor, Admiral Morgan. Let’s give him a warm welcome.”
So that was the reason for Brad’s appearance. He was dressed sharp in a suit and tie — not for Zaylee, not for drama — but simply to give a speech and motivate the students.
As Brad stepped onto the stage, Rylie quietly stepped down with Melany. She gave him a polite nod as she passed.
Behind her, she could hear the girls whispering again.
“We begged him for a winter camp so many times. He always said no. But now he agreed — and even came here himself.”
“It must be because of Zaylee.”
“That girl might be trouble, but she sure knows how to pick a man. He’s handsome, rich, and spoils her. Look at that suit! It’s stretched tight on his arms — he’s built like a soldier.”
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Overhearing the gossip, Melany turned to Rylie in distress, blurting out, “None of it’s true, Rylie. Zaylee’s just spreading lies at school. I’ve never seen Mr. Morgan act familiar with her, not once.”
Moreover, Melany was well aware of the gentle gaze that Brad had for Rylie on the terrace of Savory Haven that day.
“Let them talk,” Rylie said, reaching out and ruffling Melany’s hair with a warm smile. “Your exam scores were impressive this time, so I got you a little something.”
As they walked to Rylie’s luxury car, she swung open the door, and Melany’s eyes went wide at the sight of neatly folded clothes sporting stylish brand logos. “These must have cost a fortune!”
A soft chuckle escaped Rylie. “They’re just right for someone your age, and honestly, they weren’t that expensive.”
She meant it. The outfits were from select brands popular with young women — not luxury items, but stylish and thoughtfully chosen, ranging from a few hundred up to just over a thousand.
Still, Melany regarded them as treasures. Her eyes shimmered with gratitude. “Rylie, you’re always so good to me.”
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