Perla understood, but she still softly said, “The Morgan family owes us a lifesaving debt. As long as Zaylee asks, Brad must marry her. Whether they match or not doesn’t matter, as long as my daughter likes him.”

Melany was momentarily at a loss for words, stunned by the reasoning. After a beat, her eyes dropped to the ruined cake. “You know what? I don’t pity you at all now. Like mother, like daughter. You’re just as exasperating as she is.”

Melany spun around and quickened her pace to catch up with Brad. When he glanced over his shoulder, he spotted Perla but didn’t bother questioning why she was there. She could manage on her own.

Brad had arranged for someone to escort Melany home. Since he hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol, he opted to drive Rylie and himself back to the Morgan family villa.

Zaylee’s birthday celebration had wrapped up earlier than expected, largely because many of her classmates were expected home by curfew. Once back, she wasted no time diving into the stack of birthday presents the butler had neatly arranged in her bedroom.

The moment she opened the package from her closest friend and discovered a daring, low-cut nightgown, her cheeks flushed a vivid crimson.

She dialed her friend immediately. “What is this? Why would you give me something like that?”

“It’s meant for you to wear for someone special, obviously!” her friend replied, practically bursting with excitement. “Come on, you’re not a kid anymore. You can finally enjoy all the things grown-ups do. Don’t you want to? I’ve seen Brad on the news; he’s exactly the kind of mysterious, dangerously attractive man I’ve always fantasized about.”

Zaylee had once tried to make a move on Brad, but her attempt had been cut short when Rylie showed up.

“I heard he’s coming back today.” Zaylee held up the nearly see-through lace nightgown. “Isn’t this a bit too much?”

“You’re missing the point. My brother says men are drawn to girls who look sweet but have a hidden bold side,” the girl explained. “You’re too reserved sometimes, it kills the excitement.”

Zaylee understood the logic. She’d seen the same kind of advice all over the internet.

“Fine, I get it. Brad’s coming back tonight. I’ll wear it for him.”

“I’ll be waiting to hear how it goes!”

After ending the call, Zaylee gazed at the nightgown in her hand, a determined look settling in her eyes. Sean had mentioned that Brad would be returning this evening.

At that moment, Brad’s car pulled up to the house, and inside, Rylie had already drifted into a light sleep. After throwing up, she felt worse, and the enclosed space only added to her discomfort. Despite Brad’s attempts to stop her, she had opened the window, letting in the cold night air from the street. Her stomach felt a bit better, but her head grew heavier.

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