Chapter 667:
Felix spoke coldly, sealing it. “She’s the ambassador for Nexus Future. But she won’t be needing that deal much longer.”
The brothers sat at the table ready to spring, but Rylie stayed steady and said,
“Do not rush in to shield me. Maybe Ainsley took those photos by accident.”
Deandre eyed her with doubt. “You are not that forgiving, Rylie, are you? It’s not always right to be too merciful,” he said with quiet weight.
Rylie laughed, the sound breaking the tension. “Relax, Deandre. I know what to do.”
When her plate was clear, she slipped into her running gear and set off into the night, her legs eager for the stretch.
By the time she circled back toward the villa, Brad appeared on the path, dressed the same way.
Rylie eased her pace. “I did not expect to bump into you here.”
Brad kept his tone cool. “Looks like fate had other plans.”
Ever since their kiss, the space between them had gnawed at him. Seeing her on the run, he had pulled on his own shoes, making their meeting look like chance.
He held out a bottle of water. “Are you really going to ignore the rumors? How many times will you let them slide?”
Rylie drank, drops of sweat tracing the line of her neck. Breathing out, she said, “There is no reason to worry. The truth will come out soon enough.”
They walked beneath the trees. Brad’s voice dropped low. “So what have you been wrapped up in?”
“Searching for models.” Rylie mentioned the Sweetberry issue, only to fill the silence.
In contests like Meridian Future, models were generally well-known figures or established runway professionals representing brands. Now, with Melany’s four-season collection approaching the ready-to-wear phase, Rylie had to prioritize casting the right models.
Lаtєst chαptєrs in g𝗮l𝗻ov𝗲ls.ｃοm
But her circle of stars was small. She only knew Zander and Fiona. Fiona’s years clashed with Sweetberry’s youthful image. Zander, with his boy band fame and easy charm, fit perfectly. Even so, she still needed a female lead.
She could not decide who to ask.
“I know someone shooting a film here who could work,” Brad said after a pause.
“I will be visiting tomorrow for business. Want to come along?”
Rylie agreed with a small nod. “All right.”
Brad smiled, stepping out from shadow into light. She stopped suddenly and caught his arm. “Hold on.”
He froze, his gaze dropping to hers. “What is it?”
She rose on her toes, her hand lifting to his face, worry lining her brow.
He bent to close the space, letting her fingers graze his skin. At last he caught her wrist, his breath warm against her palm. “Tell me, why are you touching me?”
She missed the hunger in his eyes and lifted her gaze, her face set with quiet sternness. “You have been relying too much on supplements. Once your strength returns, you need to stop.”
Brad paused, his fingers brushing against her wrist as his eyes lingered on her lips. “The meals are staff-prepared. I asked them to keep things plain.”
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