Chapter 711:
Felix shifted his tone, voice gentler. “Then, did you manage to uncover anything new?”
Rylie slid a worn folder across the table, its corners creased with age but the words inside as sharp as ever. “When I vanished in Chasey all those years ago, it was Renata who got the order to smuggle me to Malvren.”
A heavy frown settled on Felix’s face, regret flickering in his eyes. “Deandre and I scoured Malvren looking for you, but we always missed the mark. All that searching, and you still had to endure it alone.”
She waved off his guilt with a gentle shake of her head. “None of that was your fault. Laurel set the entire thing in motion. The Malvren Dyeing Factory was her front — just a cover to move dirty money. I was nothing more than a bargaining chip in her game.”
Felix’s demeanor changed, his eyes darkening with anger. “But why target you at all? You’re no threat, Rylie. Even with the assets our parents left you, they pale in comparison to what I’ve inherited. What could they possibly have to gain?”
Rylie’s tone dropped, carrying the weight of suspicion. “That’s just it. I think there’s a bigger player pulling strings from the shadows. I don’t believe our parents died by accident. They must’ve uncovered something dangerous — something that got them killed.”
For years, everyone thought it was a tragic car accident, but Rylie’s revelation cast everything into uncertainty.
Felix looked lost. “Something dangerous? What could it be? Our family’s always done honest business. Who would see us as a threat?”
She let out a frustrated sigh. “That’s what I’m still trying to figure out. For now, Laurel’s my only lead. Felix, I want to take on the Garretts — and Terrance. Grandpa won’t stop me, will he?”
A new voice answered from the doorway, Kendrick stepping inside with pride shining in his eyes as he said, “You’ve always had my support, Rylie. Take back what belongs to you. Those distant relatives can’t hold a candle to my favorite granddaughter.”
gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․com, where the best stories live
Turning toward him, Rylie offered a warm greeting. “Grandpa, how are you feeling these days?”
Kendrick grinned, standing tall. “With your herbal teas and those herbal meals you insist on, I feel like a new man. Haven’t touched my cane in weeks — some days I think I’m steadier than all you youngsters put together.”
Kendrick cupped Rylie’s cheek with a gentle hand, warmth in his eyes. “Rylie, whatever your heart’s set on, you’ll always have my blessing. But for now, stay home with us a few days longer. Your brothers and I have pulled together a proper welcome banquet, and I want you to meet every face in high society.”
Felix’s smile was full of pride. “We’ve waited so long for this. The world deserves to know you belong to our family, Rylie.”
A rush of gratitude swept through her, and she nodded without hesitation. “Alright, I’ll stay.”
Alyssa’s call came later, her excitement practically bursting through the phone. “Miss Owen, you won’t believe what I found! That place isn’t just some dusty warehouse — it’s a goldmine! Rare art everywhere, including a painting worth a fortune! I can’t even put a number on it!”
Rylie’s tone was curious but calm. “Did you manage to locate the fabric?”
.
.
.