Chapter 804:

Brad’s suspension had been confirmed as indefinite.

The investigation report did not reveal the internal explosion. Although the sole remaining survivor had pulled through, the psychological trauma was severe, leaving no valuable information to work with. The long recovery process made the situation all the more unbearable for Brad.

Johnny had been on a streak of triumphs lately, yet matters of the heart continued to escape him. His mind often drifted back to Rylie, the woman who had taken root in his thoughts and glowed there with a calm, enduring light.

There was something magnetic about her, a quiet allure that drew him in.

With Brad’s situation far from favorable, Johnny’s thoughts grew increasingly unsettled, pushing him toward a bold decision.

To celebrate the growing success of the Reid family’s business, Johnny arranged a lavish maritime gathering aboard a custom-built cruise ship, the Royal Asteria, inviting the most distinguished figures of Crolens’ high society to attend. Both Rylie and Brad were among the guests listed on the invitation.

Included with the invitation was a personal note from Johnny, in which he conveyed his interest in the microchip that Felix had been developing.

Rylie believed that it would be more appropriate for Johnny to discuss the matter directly with Felix, but since Felix was away on business, he had asked her to meet Johnny in his place. Because of this, Rylie, who had had no intention of boarding the cruise at first, eventually decided to go.

Johnny later called Felix to express his thanks, but Felix’s tone remained cold. “If Mrs. Reid hadn’t personally spoken to me, I wouldn’t have allowed her to attend. You know the situation between her and Brad as well as I do.”

After a brief silence, Johnny said, “I’ve watched quietly for long enough. Now that Brad is caught in scandal and his influence is slipping, why shouldn’t I take this opportunity?”

Felix let out a quiet, dismissive laugh. “Such confidence. You remind me of youth itself.”

𝔐𝔬𝔯𝔢 𝔲𝔭𝔡𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔰 𝔦𝔫 𝔤𝔞𝔩𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔰.𝔠𝔬𝔪

He offered no further comment before ending the call.

Privately, Felix regarded Johnny as a level-headed and trustworthy man. If his sister chose him, she might find a more peaceful happiness by his side. Still, he had no intention of intervening; it was a choice only she could make.

When the day of the cruise arrived, the sun blazed bright above the horizon, and the cries of seagulls echoed over the shimmering waves. As the Royal Asteria’s whistle resounded across Crolens Port, Rylie adjusted her hat and stepped gracefully onto the deck.

Accompanied by Marcus and their grandfather, she joined the celebration, where Johnny had sent invitations to the elders and daughters of many prestigious families. A number of members of the Owen family had also arrived to take part in the grand affair.

By then, the daughters of Crolens’ high society had already gathered on the deck. Marcus, gentle by nature yet uncomfortable in bustling crowds, had little desire to be swept into the lively scene. Upon boarding, he left the task of socializing to Rylie

and quietly retreated to his cabin, where he could lose himself in his music and compositions.

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