Chapter 999:
Brock, who had been mingling nearby, slipped up next to Brad with a bright grin. “Admiral Morgan, the rumors have been wild. Tell us, is Miss Owen actually your girlfriend?”
Though Brock spoke quietly, his question carried. The officers chatting with Brad immediately fell silent and shifted their attention toward him, each wearing either a curious smirk or an amused smile.
Brad felt the weight of every gaze settle over him. Even the music seemed to fade, giving the room a moment of suspended anticipation.
With everyone watching, Brad made a move that appeared both effortless and intentional. He turned toward Rylie and slid his arm around her slender waist, drawing her gently but firmly into his side.
The gesture radiated both protection and clear affection.
He answered without hesitation, “Of course.”
Then he looked down at Rylie beside him, his eyes filled with certainty and warmth. “She’s my girlfriend.”
“Wow!” someone blurted out, and the words set off a wave of laughter, cheers, and applause throughout the crowd.
𝖭𝖾w 𝘄𝘦𝖾𝗸𝗅𝗒 𝗰𝗁a𝗉𝘁е𝗿𝘀 𝘰n 𝗴𝖺l𝗻𝘰𝘷е𝗹ѕ.𝘤𝗼𝗺
A young girl wearing an outfit identical to the one Rylie had worn in court pushed her way forward, nearly trembling with excitement. “Rylie, you’re my idol! You’re amazing! Can we take a picture together?”
Rylie agreed with an easy smile and took the photo. “Is the outfit comfortable?” she asked.
The girl nodded eagerly. “It’s perfect! I thought it was just cute, but it’s actually so comfortable too. I managed to get one right away, but the pre-orders are already booked solid until next year. So many foreigners are trying to get one now!”
Rylie offered a small, warm smile. “Sweetberry is working hard to increase production so we can meet the high demand.”
After a short while of mingling with the guests, Brad noticed Frank making his way toward them with Kristen at his side.
Frank spoke up first, calling out, “Brad.”
Brad asked, “What brings you here?”
Frank offered a mild smile. “I told you before that I hoped to join the company, but you turned me down. So I decided I needed to carve out my own route. I asked Grandpa to arrange a basic position for me in the military. I want to follow the path you walked before rising to the rank of admiral.”
“The admiral’s path?” A veteran officer strolled past, caught Frank’s words, and let out a booming chuckle. “It was far from the paperwork you are dealing with. He stepped onto real battlefields before he was even grown.”
The remark nearly made Frank’s expression falter. “Is that so?”
“I spend plenty of time handling reports as well,” Brad replied in a steady tone, stepping in to restore some of Frank’s pride. “Doing that properly is no simple task.”
Frank managed a faint smile. Surrounded by the constant movement of personnel, he abruptly asked, “Do you actually dislike me, Brad?”
Several people nearby turned their heads again.
Brad responded, “What makes you think that?”
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