Chapter 714:
Laurel squeezed Percy’s shoulder, her grip tight. “If your father and I lose our footing, all of this — your privileges, your future — will disappear. You look up to Brad and want that kind of life, but Brad’s made too many enemies. Mark my words, he won’t last long. So keep your distance from him, or you might get dragged into it one day.”
The change in his mother left Percy shaken. He staggered back, staring at her with wide, haunted eyes.
His voice trembled. “Why, Mom? What could make you hate Rylie so much? She was just a child — why go so far?”
Laurel’s expression stayed icy and unmoved. “Her parents started digging into business that never concerned them. They went places they shouldn’t have.”
Percy shook his head, his voice tight with frustration. “No matter what secrets the adults were after, Rylie was just a kid! She didn’t know anything — she never even had a chance to choose!”
A harsh laugh escaped Laurel. “You really don’t get it, do you? Haven’t you ever heard that loose ends always get cut? Rylie was one of those loose ends. If we’d shown her mercy, she would’ve been our undoing.”
Percy was stunned silent, anger and disbelief fighting across his face.
Laurel’s gaze sharpened, her words final. “You have a choice to make, Percy. Stand with us and treat Rylie and Brad as enemies — or wait until everything we own is torn away and our name’s dragged through the mud. It’s that simple.”
Back in Crolens, Brad made his way to a private gathering with his brother. Frank had promised to meet Brad at an auction, bringing Kristen along for the night. But since Frank hadn’t arrived, Brock stepped in to play messenger.
Brad normally had no patience for social events like this, but Brock leaned in with a sly grin. “Are you going to buy something at the auction as a gift for Dr. Owen at her homecoming party?”
Brad replied with little emotion, “She already turned down my first gift.” He remembered offering some of his assets and even a beautiful dress — but she’d wanted nothing from him.
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Sensing Brad’s mood, Brock quickly switched gears. “You wouldn’t believe the frenzy at the luxury malls lately. Those young, wealthy men who received invitations are flocking to buy gifts for Dr. Owen as meeting gifts. Seems like the whole city’s trying to impress her.”
A dangerous glint sparked in Brad’s eyes. His voice dropped low. “Those young men, you say?”
Brock nodded, a hint of mischief in his grin. “Of course. You didn’t hear?”
Brad’s face stayed blank. “What did you just ask me? Say it again.”
Brock blinked, caught off guard but complied. “I said, are you heading to the auction to pick out something for Dr. Owen at her homecoming banquet?”
Brad stood up, grabbing the suit.
Brad stood up, grabbing the suit draped over the chair. “Go get the car ready.”
Brock hesitated, confusion flickering across his face.
Brad shot him a look that could freeze stone. “Did you suddenly go deaf?”
That snapped Brock into action. “On it!”
Hurrying downstairs, Brock muttered under his breath, “If he’s this jealous, why doesn’t he just say so? No wonder he’s still single.”
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