Chapter 882:
Rylie’s bodyguard immediately pried Paola’s hand from her coat. The tall, broad-shouldered man stepped forward, his imposing frame shielding the poised young woman as they entered the restaurant.
Outside, Laurel felt the weight of the crowd pressing down on her, the sting of countless judgmental eyes burning into her. Former acquaintances whispered behind their hands, their glances sharp as blades. Her cheeks flushed with humiliation as she leaned toward her daughter, her voice dropping into a venomous whisper.
“How much longer do you plan to disgrace us like this? Don’t make both of us a public spectacle. Come with me.”
Paola trembled under her mother’s grip, powerless to resist as she was dragged toward the private dining room.
The moment she crossed the threshold, her breath caught in her throat. At the head of the table sat an elderly man, his face deeply lined with age, his cloudy eyes gleaming with a lecherous intent that made her stomach twist.
Under the unyielding gazes of her parents, Paola stiffly lowered herself into the seat beside him. Her fingers curled into tight fists in her lap, her lips pressed into a pale, rigid line, refusing to lift into even a pretense of a smile.
Meanwhile, several employees at Savory Haven noticed Rylie’s arrival and quickly informed Clive’s family, who were gathered in the office discussing plans to entrust the restaurant to Mylo for training.
Clive said thoughtfully,
“We owe everything to Mr. Morgan and Miss Owen. Without their help, Paola would still be taking advantage of you. You should go and thank her properly.”
Veda’s lips curved into a gentle, approving smile.
“You’ve matured a great deal, Mylo. Think of this rooftop restaurant as your first true trial.”
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The ordeal with Paola had changed Mylo completely, stripping away the arrogance he once carried. He nodded earnestly.
“I’ll go to the restaurant later to greet Rylie and apologize. I misjudged her before.”
Clive’s gaze softened with quiet pride.
“I’m glad you can recognize your mistakes. It’s not too late. And you know what? It was Miss Owen’s remarkable skill that healed my leg. I will never be able to repay such kindness.”
Only then did Mylo notice his father walking unaided, his steps steady and sure, as though the old injury had never existed. The sight struck him with painful clarity. He had turned a blind eye to his parents’ well-being, their feelings, and even the future of the family business, all for the sake of a woman. His eyes reddened, his voice firm yet heavy with remorse.
“You’re right. We owe her a great deal.”
Inside the private room, Terrance finally brought up the matter of Paola’s marriage to Gregg.
Terrance rubbed his palms together, his tone smooth and calculating.
“Mr. Baxter, you’re in your prime—accomplished, successful, and well respected. I’ve long believed my daughter would be a fine match for you. What are your thoughts?”
Gregg, notorious though he was, had never been involved with anyone quite like Paola. Once praised as the poised and untouchable daughter of the Owen family, she still retained traces of that grace and beauty, even beneath the shadow of scandal.
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