Chapter 192
Chapter 192:
A sudden hush fell over the room. Rylie turned to her, voice calm. “That’s very specific. How would you know what he’s feeling? Did you meet him again last night p>
“I didn’t! I just p>
Paola stumbled backward, nearly hiding behind Laurel. “He often talks to me about these things p>
Laurel stepped in, smiling gently as she took Rylie’s hand. “Paola’s a kind girl. Johnny confides in her often. She’s been more anxious than anyone since this happened p>
She cast a glance toward Kendrick. “It’s nice to see the young ones getting close. Makes us older folks happy p>
Rylie pulled her hand back, her smile subtle. “So you’re saying Johnny’s interested in Paola? Then I guess we should congratulate them p>
Laurel chuckled, one hand raised to her lips. “Let’s not speak of such things so openly p>
Rylie’s smile lingered as she shifted the topic. “But Johnny told me he didn’t tell anyone about the jewelry. Paola, did he lie to me? Because if that’s true, this isn’t just a misunderstanding. The Reid family wouldn’t have tried to hurt me on purpose — would they p>
A stiff look settled on Paola’s face. In a rush, she said, “No, I would never suggest that. The Reid family wouldn’t dream of hurting you p>
Her earlier remarks had been nothing more than a performance for the Owens. She wanted everyone to believe she and Johnny were practically in love, which would make any marriage talks seem natural. The Reids held unmatched sway in Crolens, second only to Brad, with their control over the shipping world.
“Wait, Rylie, that’s not what Paola meant at all,” Laurel cut in, forcing a cheerful expression as her fingers twisted anxiously around the strap of her purse. “She worries about you. Maybe she heard it from some other people and panicked. That’s all it was p>
Not missing a beat, Paola quickly softened her expression and offered a sweet smile. “Absolutely. My mom is right p>
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Her gaze wavered, and she lowered her voice. “Johnny… he’s always careful, you know p>
Rylie decided not to push the point. She knew the Owen family could see through Paola’s act. They realized she was desperate to keep the man she had set her sights on.
Laurel wasted no time steering the conversation elsewhere, sending Paola a pointed look — frustrated by her knack for being both too clever and too slow at the worst moments.
Inside the hospital room, the family was engaged in small talk when the Reids swept in alongside Johnny, their entrance nothing short of dramatic. As the doors opened, the entire Reid clan poured into Rylie’s suite — the most exclusive room in the hospital — making it feel cramped in seconds.
This time, it wasn’t just Johnny and Hulda who had shown up. Even Johnny’s parents, rarely seen in Crolens because of work, had flown in overnight. Their reason was clear: they came to offer an apology for Rylie’s troubles, their sincerity impossible to question.