Chapter 783:
Rylie, watching the scene unfold, let a faintly mocking smile appear. “Your companion,” she remarked to Mylo, “is not only blind but also rather inventive with her stories.”
Mylo, certain of Lenny’s character, knew that he would never sink to such low conduct, least of all toward someone his friend held in regard.
Still, he chose to shield Paola and answered Rylie, “She belongs to the Owen family. As her family member, you ought to stand by her.”
Rylie’s expression remained cool. “Her surname is Garrett,” she corrected. “My uncle married into that household, so both he and his family have little to do with the Owen family.”
Left without a rebuttal, Mylo’s patience snapped. He signaled the staff sharply. “She’s not welcome here. Security, see her out.”
“Mylo.” Lenny stepped forward. “My family has ties with Miss Owen, and now she’s one of my friends. I suggest you think carefully before acting rashly.”
Paola, caught in the middle, tried to smooth things over. Tugging at Mylo’s sleeve, she said, “I misunderstood Mr. Buckley just now, and now I can’t afford to upset Rylie either. Let’s drop it, it’s my fault.”
Seeing her so vulnerable stirred both sympathy and unease in Mylo, yet to him, Paola had always been the picture of his ideal woman. His long-held admiration clouded his judgment, keeping him blind to her true nature. All he could do was shield her, guiding her gently back toward the booth.
Passing Lenny, he said, “It was nothing but a misunderstanding. I’ll replace the drinks. Let’s go back to the booth.”
As Mylo led her away, Paola’s eyes narrowed at the sight of Rylie handing a business card to Lenny, the two exchanging a few quiet words. Fury welled up inside her.
That wretched woman already had Brad, and now she dared set her sights on Lenny as well?
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When Rylie handed him the card, her words were simple. “If you’re ever unwell, come to HaloFlow Hospital and ask for me.”
She had noticed the unnatural pallor of his complexion and the faint instability in his eyes. His outward calm was too deliberate, the sort that came from restraint rather than ease.
Lenny accepted the card. Now that he had no interest in rejoining the booth with Paola and Mylo, he said, “I’ve no patience for the woman Mylo clings to. Let them wallow together. Why don’t you invite me for a drink instead?”
“You’d be better off with my colleagues,” Rylie answered. “I have a friend waiting.”
“Fair enough,” Lenny replied.
Meanwhile, Paola grew restless over his absence. Even with Mylo showering her with comfort, unease gnawed at her. At last, she spoke up, her voice trembling. “Why hasn’t Mr. Buckley come over? I want to apologize to him properly for earlier.”
Her lashes glistened with tears as she added, “I’m so drained by everything that’s happened.”
“I know, I understand,” Mylo murmured, pulling her close, his heart tightening at her fragility. “This is all part of Rylie’s scheme. She’s doing it just to outshine you.”
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