Chapter 504:
“See that?” Brad’s voice broke the night’s hush — deep, magnetic, and carrying a quiet, unshakable warmth. “This is what you shouldn’t miss tonight.”
Brad turned his head, his gaze settling on Rylie.
Moonlight and starlight traced the fine lines of her profile, her long lashes casting delicate shadows beneath her eyes. She was gazing at the stars, her eyes mirroring the brilliance of a billion distant suns. Her usual cool demeanor seemed to melt away in this vast sea of stars, leaving only a sense of pure awe and nearly reverent tranquility.
Brad’s gaze never wavered. “Interesting, isn’t it?” he murmured, his voice barely louder than the night breeze.
Rylie gave no reply, her attention still lifted toward the endless sky.
The mountain wind whispered through the treetops, its soft susurration deepening the stillness until it felt as if the world had fallen utterly silent. Brad fell silent as well, content to simply remain beside her, sharing the quiet of the night.
After a time, Rylie lifted a finger toward a nearby mountain peak. “Is that where the students will be heading tomorrow? Have you made sure it’s safe?”
“Yes. It’s been thoroughly checked, and there won’t be any problems.” Brad reached into his pocket and produced a milk candy, offering it to her. “Briar’s daughter gave this to him.”
The wrapper bore a charming little rabbit design. Rylie glanced at it briefly before peeling it open and slipping the candy into her mouth.
As he noticed the faint puff of her cheek as she savored it, Brad’s lips curved in quiet amusement. He lifted his hand, his fingertips brushing lightly just beneath her eye, a touch so gentle that it felt almost unintentional, yet lingered with quiet warmth.
Rylie turned her head toward him.
His fingertips, calloused yet warm, grazed her skin—a fleeting touch that sent a faint shiver skimming down her spine.
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“There’s a bit of dust on your face,” Brad said in a low, even tone, as though making nothing more than an idle observation.
The gesture was so unforced, so natural, that when he withdrew his hand, it was almost as if it had never happened at all.
Yet the warmth and texture of his touch lingered on Rylie’s skin like a faint brand. She rubbed the spot with her hand. Carried on the hillside breeze came the low rumble of a truck engine, its passing headlights briefly revealing the words “refrigerated transport” stenciled on the side.
Rylie narrowed her eyes at the distant vehicle. “Delivering goods at this hour?”
Brad followed her gaze, a faint crease forming between his brows. “That shouldn’t be happening. All food supplies were stocked before yesterday.” His tone hardened. “I’ll have someone look into it.”
At the manor’s entrance, Briar George received the message and led several soldiers to intercept and inspect the delivery truck. He took the delivery slip from the driver. The soldiers swung open the truck’s rear doors, even stepping inside the cargo area for a thorough check. Once satisfied, Briar called Brad. “Admiral Morgan, I’ve inspected the shipment. It’s frozen seafood from the Obsidian Sea, delayed two days by bad road conditions. I checked the cargo area myself — no issues found.”
Report complete, Briar tapped the truck’s side. “Take it to the kitchen for processing.”
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