Chapter 733:
In Crolens’s upper circles, every family with an eligible son had sent him to the banquet, each hoping to impress Rylie and form a marriage alliance with the Owen family.
Those young women who still relied on marriage to secure their place in society now felt anxious.
Some had already chosen their partners, yet the presence of a poised and wealthy young woman from the Owen family made them uneasy, afraid that she might win their suitors with a glance or a smile.
As the night unfolded, talk split sharply in two.
The older generation praised Rylie without restraint, while many of the younger women let quiet jealousy darken their mood.
Laurel and Terrance arrived with their children right on schedule, every step they took drawing attention.
As the Owen family’s closest relatives, they were under a silent spotlight. It did not take long before someone walked up to Terrance and bluntly asked about the rumors surrounding Detour Inc.
Terrance listened without flinching. When someone asked harsh questions, he would even act as if he had suffered a great deal because of Rylie but still wanted to cover for her.
He gave a rueful smile. “It’s true. Detour Inc. was a gift from my cousin when it was still a small start-up, meant for Rylie. If not for her parents’ accident, I would never have touched it. But she was still too young and inexperienced, and such a company needed guidance. I…”
“I couldn’t watch it collapse and let her parents’ last legacy disappear, so I took charge until she was capable.”
A guest remarked with admiration, “You must care deeply for your niece.”
Terrance nodded. “Detour Inc. is now worth more than ten billion. It represents my entire career. If Rylie wants it back, I will return it to her without hesitation, provided she honors the dream her parents built.”
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“Does Miss Owen dabble in business as well?” one of the ladies nearby asked thoughtfully. “From what I’ve read online, her focus has always been medicine, and her skills in that field are widely recognized. Oh, I heard she also plays the piano beautifully, but those refined talents have nothing to do with running a company. After all, no one can master everything. If Mr. Owen really hands the corporation over to her, wouldn’t that be the same as announcing Detour Inc.’s collapse? Once that happens, countless employees will lose their livelihoods, and society itself will suffer.”
Her words carried weight, and the people around her exchanged looks. A quiet murmur of agreement began to ripple through the group.
Terrance forced a bitter smile. “But she insists on taking over her parents’ business. What can I do to stop her?”
“If that’s the case, I find her rather narrow-minded,” a young man from a wealthy family interjected. “She already possesses more than enough wealth, yet I heard she snatched the Sweetberry clothing brand from your wife. Now the company headquarters is in chaos. Most of the stores have shut down, and the brand is on the verge of collapse.”
Before he could continue, his mother tugged him aside and whispered harshly, “I didn’t bring you here to gossip and slander. You’re supposed to win Miss Owen’s favor, not ruin your chances.”
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