Chapter 578:
Rylie could feel the warmth of Kendrick’s faith in her, and her lips curved into a subtle yet cutting smile. She brushed her fingers over the name “Rylie” on the invitation and said, “Grandpa, don’t worry. I’ll attend this banquet the right way.”
That evening, Terrance’s newly acquired mansion was alive with celebration.
A massive crystal chandelier poured light into the high-ceilinged living room as if it were midday. The smooth notes of string music drifted through the air, mingling with the soft chime of clinking glasses.
Among the guests were Terrance’s and Laurel’s close friends, Detour Inc.’s top executives, and long-term business associates.
The atmosphere was thick with flattery, subtle probing, and the unspoken scramble for status and wealth.
Terrance, sharp in a tailored suit, held a champagne glass and accepted congratulations with a glowing smile.
Laurel, in an elegant gown, moved gracefully among the elite women. In a far corner, Paola stood with her back straight, trying to reclaim her poise. Yet the shadow of timidity still clung to her expression.
Rylie’s earlier blows to her pride had been heavy. Mocked by outsiders and shamed into silence, Paola had stayed away from the public eye for a long time.
“Congratulations on the new home, Mr. Owen! The Crystal Bay is truly a lucky place!”
“Indeed! A thriving career and now a beautiful home — double blessings!”
“I heard the Owen family’s daughter is coming tonight. Is it true Mr. Kendrick Owen plans to hand Detour Inc to her?”
“Oh, please. She’s just a country girl. She’s here for show, nothing more.”
“Exactly. Detour Inc is huge. Mr. Owen has been running it for ages. She can’t compare to him. Not in a million years.”
“She’ll probably just sign the papers and settle for dividends. And if she’s foolish enough to meddle, she’ll regret it.”
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Their words flowed like a hidden current beneath the polite surface.
The executives traded looks, their respect for Terrance growing.
To them, the night’s outcome was already decided — Rylie was only here to play the part of a symbolic heir.
Paola, catching these whispers, eased a little and leaned toward her mother. “Mom… She won’t really take Detour Inc over, right? Everyone says she won’t.”
Laurel sipped her champagne, her gaze drifting toward the entrance. Her voice was cool and sure, laced with a touch of disdain. “Relax. Your father’s information is never wrong. She told your grandfather and Felix herself she’s not interested in taking over Detour Inc. She’s just a newcomer to wealth, with no network, no experience. She can’t fight your father. Inviting her tonight is simply to give her a way out — so she can publicly step back and let your father take over without a fuss. If she’s smart, she’ll know that winning without a fight is the wisest move. Why walk into humiliation?”
Her eyes sharpened as they landed on her daughter. “So stand tall. Carry yourself like the true daughter of privilege you are. She’s just a girl from a small town. Once Detour Inc is fully your father’s, it will be yours in time. If you crumble now, how will you stand beside him in business?”
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