Chapter 736:
A shadow darkened Laurel’s face as she realized these influential figures now regarded her with clear disdain, fully convinced by Selah’s words.
Paola had never expected Rylie’s reputation to be so solid that no one dared to challenge her.
Spotting Kyla in the crowd, Paola hesitated, then leaned toward Laurel, whispering with a hint of panic, “Mom, wasn’t Kyla meant to be the face of Meridian Future? Her image fits perfectly with Elegance. So why is she standing with them?”
“Kyla chose not to collaborate with us,” Laurel said, her expression growing even darker. Even offers from Buckley Jewelry and promises to support Kyla’s music career had failed to sway her.
Paola’s fists clenched at her sides. “Rylie, Rylie, Rylie! It’s all your fault!”
“Rylie’s about to make her appearance — the party is starting.”
A hush swept through the hall, and the murmuring crowd fell silent, every gaze lifting toward the balcony on the second floor.
Rylie stood there, perfectly poised, wearing a flawlessly tailored gown and the simplest of jewelry. A gentle smile curved her lips, and a calm, magnetic presence seemed to fill the room.
Aware that this banquet was a formal event hosted by her family, Rylie set aside her usual casual demeanor, embodying the polished elegance of the most distinguished daughter of the country’s wealthiest family.
“She’s even more stunning in person than in the videos online.”
In no time, several men found themselves drawn to her delicate beauty and perfect form.
That evening, Rylie carried herself with a quiet majesty, each movement turning heads and holding gazes.
Johnny lingered at the edge of the crowd. It had been so long since he had last seen her, and Brad remained firmly at her side. Watching her now, he felt a pull he could not ignore.
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Her charm seemed to grow with each passing day, like a hidden pearl finally catching the sunlight and dazzling everything around it.
Selah, after finishing her conversation below, was guided onto the balcony, slipping smoothly into her place beside Rylie.
Even at such a lavish event, Selah looked slightly uneasy. “I’m not getting any younger. You don’t need to flaunt me like this.”
“You’re like family to me,” Rylie said with a gentle smile. “For a night like this, you have to be here.”
Kendrick nodded. “Exactly. I’ll never forget the kindness you’ve shown her.”
Rylie slipped her arm through her grandfather’s while Selah took the other. Behind them, her three brothers followed, each carrying his own quiet presence, forming a line of five as they neared the balcony’s edge.
Kendrick, clad in traditional formal attire, stood tall and commanding, a proud smile illuminating his face. He gently patted Rylie’s hand resting on his arm before turning to the crowd below, his voice rich and steady.
“Greetings, honored guests and cherished friends. I deeply appreciate your presence tonight as we celebrate this homecoming banquet for my beloved granddaughter, Rylie.”
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