Chapter 43

Chapter 43:

By echoing Percy’s words, she meant to make herself sound generous and kind-hearted. But things didn’t unfold quite how she planned.

Rylie didn’t hesitate to cut Paola off, saying, “That won’t be necessary. I have no plans to sleep in the guest room. I’ll be heading home tonight p>

Her intentions were clear — she had come only to acknowledge the family bond, not to get tangled in the games that came with old money.

“A simple dinner is all I’m here for,” Rylie suggested. “There’s something else I need to take care of later p>

As soon as Percy uttered “guest room,” Kendrick’s face grew thunderous. His voice stiffened. “Guest room? Are you telling me my granddaughter is relegated to the guest room in her own house p>

Felix’s gaze turned cold too as he leveled it at Percy. “Have you forgotten whose name is on this deed? You and Paola live here by my grace. Every meal, every luxury, comes from my pocket. My sister comes home, and you think her room is up for debate p>

Deandre’s tone was sharp, his glare colder still. “It seems running this estate has gone to your head, Percy. You’re suggesting my sister should take the piano room as if she needs a handout from Paola?” Neither of Rylie’s brothers would stand by and watch their newly returned sister slighted by relatives acting above their place.

Paola’s hands shook, color drained from her cheeks. “No, I swear, that wasn’t my intention — I never meant to treat Rylie like a charity case p>

A dismissive snort came from Deandre. “If that’s so, then why not pack your things and clear out of the room yourself p>

Paola’s mouth fell open in shock. “What do you mean? Where am I supposed to stay p>

Marcus gave a mild smile, his voice smooth yet edged with quiet mockery. “You’ll be fine in the piano room. You’re composing for the film, aren’t you? It makes sense not to move your instrument around. Besides, the master suite you’ve been using always belonged to my sister. Giving it back is just putting things right p>

Outrage exploded from Percy as he jumped to Paola’s defense. “Marcus, Deandre, why are you picking on her? She’s on track to be a musician, Marcus, just like you! Isn’t that more impressive than someone who grew up in the sticks and just got here? You’re just playing favorites p>

Laurel, recognizing that Percy had gone too far, gave him a quick smack on the arm and hissed, “That’s enough out of you! Don’t be ridiculous p>

Percy, refusing to back down, retorted, “Why are you coming after me? I’m just telling it straight. This place has plenty of rooms — why kick Paola out the minute Rylie walks in p>

Paola, struggling to mask her embarrassment, cut in before the argument escalated further. Turning to Rylie, she softened her voice. “Your brothers are right, but Percy doesn’t mean any harm. He only wants to look out for me. If you’d prefer the piano room or my bedroom, you’re welcome to it p>

Watching the way Paola maneuvered, Rylie couldn’t help but think of Stacey’s familiar manipulative tactics. For a moment, she was left at a loss for words.

Switching tactics, Paola put on a show of indignation and snapped at Percy. “Percy, apologize to Rylie. She’s your cousin p>

A sneer curled on Percy’s lips. “Cousin? That’s a stretch p>

At that instant, Kendrick — having had quite enough — slammed his cup down so hard that water splashed by Percy’s feet. The sharp sound made Percy flinch. Without a hint of warmth, Kendrick flicked the water from his hand and delivered a cold stare. “By blood, she is my granddaughter. Not worthy of being your cousin? You’d do well to remember where you come from p>