Chapter 65:
Paola turned to Kendrick with a soft smile. “Grandpa, maybe I could take her out to find some clothes that suit her, something that would make her feel comfortable. She’ll want to look her best when people come by.”
Among all the families in Kouhron, the Owens stood at the very top. Their reputation depended on their connections, and they never missed a social event. Paola had a practical suggestion, but Kendrick didn’t want his granddaughter to feel uncomfortable or pressured. After a moment of thought, he said, “If you want to pick out something new, I can give you money for it. But you don’t have to change a thing if you’re happy as you are.”
No one would call Rylie carefree, especially surrounded by relatives she barely knew. She could see that this world operated by rules that left little room for hoodies and worn jackets.
She spoke up, her voice steady. “I do want to get a few new things.”
Without hesitation, Kendrick’s expression brightened. He produced a black card, placing it gently in her palm as if handing over something priceless. “I don’t really know what young women like to wear, so to be safe, I bought a shopping mall. Everything in there is yours for the choosing.”
Stunned, Paola stood frozen, watching Kendrick present the card.
The mall wasn’t just any store — it was the largest in Crolens, worth more than most people could imagine.
Paola had spent years in the Owen household, sometimes receiving lavish gifts from the family, the kind that drew attention at any gathering. But the thought of gifting an entire shopping center was beyond belief.
Kendrick’s love for his granddaughter was plain to see. As Paola watched, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of envy and anxiety.
Understanding the magnitude of the gesture, Rylie tried to refuse. “Grandpa, I have my own money.”
Still, Kendrick insisted that she take the card. “Let me make up for the years you’ve been lost to us.”
Her resistance faded, and she nodded. “Okay.”
Paola leaned closer and suggested, “If you’re free, we could shop together. I’ll help you pick out some outfits, and there’s a big charity event coming up. It could be a nice way to meet people.”
A quick nod was all Rylie offered. “Sure,” she said.
Paola’s expression shifted, a glint of something unkind flickering in her eyes. In her mind, no matter how fond the Owens were of Rylie, all that affection would crumble when society caught a glimpse of Rylie’s lack of polish at the upcoming gala.
Kendrick clapped his hands together. “Felix’s operation is tomorrow, so let’s all get some sleep,” he said, signaling the end of the gathering. One by one, everyone filtered out of the study.
Military General Hospital would host Felix’s operation, and Rylie arrived at dawn. She had already told Rory that she wanted to observe the procedure. While the surgical staff prepared Felix for surgery, he caught sight of Rory and Rylie deep in conversation just outside the operating theater. At first, Felix thought he was witnessing a classic teacher-student exchange. But as the discussion unfolded, something felt off.
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