Chapter 90:
As their conversation faded, the main doors opened with a hush.
Two staff members gave a courteous nod and announced, “Miss Owen has arrived.”
It was her first public appearance since returning to the Owen family. Naturally, every head turned in her direction.
Paola’s expression changed instantly. Her eyes widened with anticipation, tinged with glee at the thought of Rylie being humiliated. The corners of her lips lifted as she whispered with giddy disbelief, “She actually came.” And just then…
Right as Paola spotted Rylie, the look on her face stiffened. What she saw wasn’t what she had imagined. Rylie had not arrived in a cheap dress, nor did she look the least bit uneasy.
Johnny narrowed his eyes and studied her. “So this is the Owen girl we’ve heard so much about? She’s nothing like the rumors going around.”
Rylie wore a form-fitting black satin gown that left her shoulders bare. Her hair was neatly pulled up. A vintage necklace rested against her collarbone. The whole look was polished and refined.
Paola forced a smile. “Of course. I’ve always said Rylie and I were similar. We both carry ourselves like ladies.”
“She doesn’t just look refined. She looks like she runs the place.” Intrigued, Johnny commented, “Look at the way she interacts with others: it’s the air of sophistication. It seems she’s learned well to represent the Owen family without embarrassment at this gala.”
Paola clenched her hands at her sides. She replied quickly, though her thoughts were in disarray. She knew she had to keep Johnny’s interest on her. The Reid family had power, especially in maritime trade. Not quite the Morgans, but still valuable. Johnny might make a decent husband.
“I saved a seat for you, Rylie. Come sit here.” Paola took slow steps toward her and looped her arm around Rylie’s. Her smile looked apologetic. “Sorry about earlier. I made you late.”
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Rylie’s eyes were cool. “Even though you and your parents are just a branch of the Owen family, you are still an Owen after all. Showing up on time is the least you could do. Do I need to keep reminding you of that?”
The words hit hard. Paola hadn’t expected to be scolded like that, especially not in front of so many people. Her cheeks flushed, and her voice wavered. “I worked late last night. I didn’t mean to hold you up. Next time, I’ll make sure I’m not late.”
Her friends couldn’t stay quiet any longer. Isabella stepped forward and said, “Paola was working on music for a director. She’s exhausted. Can’t you cut her some slack? You don’t even work. You spend your days doing nothing but lounging around. Why should you scold her?”
“Is that so?” Rylie’s stare turned sharp. “Since when does an outsider like you have the right to decide whether I can discipline my family members or not? And you say I do nothing all day. Where did that come from? If it didn’t come from gossip, then it came from watching me. Either way, it’s a violation of privacy. Have you been spying on our household? Did you plant devices? Or sneak into our system?”
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