Chapter 657:
Rylie hesitated, then answered, “You don’t like him, Deandre?”
“If I told you I didn’t, and Grandpa didn’t either… would you still want to be with him?”
She stayed silent.
A moment later, Deandre’s hand rested lightly on her head. His voice softened. “Truth is, I admire Brad. He risked his life for you. That kind of devotion makes him worthy to stay by your side.”
Rylie glanced up at him, a small smile on her lips.
Because of her injured leg, the planned banquet to publicly announce her return to the Owen family was postponed again and again. The Owen and Morgan families kept the news of her, Felix’s, and Brad’s injuries hidden, leaving high society clueless. Rumors began to stir.
Kendrick, distressed over his granddaughter, refused to let her leave the house. He filled her days with rare tonics and attentive care.
Rylie understood this was her family’s way of showing love, so she stayed quietly in the manor to recover—until Melany called.
She had taken Rylie’s advice, using funds from “Sweetberry” to travel and seek inspiration. The trip had filled her with ideas.
Now, in the design department, Melany had finished a complete spring collection. She sent the draft to Rylie’s email for review.
Rylie opened it, curiosity sparking.
At first glance, she felt as if spring itself had wrapped around her.
Melany had named the series Nature’s Awakening.
The centerpiece was a trench coat in a shade that hovered between tender leaf-green and the pale light before dawn.
The cotton-linen fabric carried a crisp, textured charm—natural yet elegant.
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Its cut was clean and refined, but the cuffs, shoulders, and hem bore asymmetrical pleats, like traces left by a soft spring breeze—delicate yet powerful.
What struck Rylie most was the lining, a richer lake-green silk. With each step, the fluttering hem revealed a flash of emerald, like a thawing lake coming alive. Even the accessories paired with the coat carried the same youthful, vibrant air—something “Sweetberry” had always lacked.
The spring series was complete, and the summer, autumn, and winter drafts, though still sketches, already showed promise. Rylie studied every piece, admiration clear in her eyes.
Melany had returned from her journey with treasures.
Rylie picked up her phone and dialed.
The call was answered almost immediately, Melany’s voice a mix of nervousness and anticipation. “Rylie! Did you see it?”
“I did. They’re wonderful. Just refine them along this direction,” Rylie replied warmly.
Melany exclaimed, “Really? That’s amazing! I’ll stop by the department tomorrow to finish the rest. Something came up at the company today, so I had to leave early.”
“Good.” Rylie paused, then added, “I do have one suggestion. Not about the designs—about something else.”
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