Chapter 128
Chapter 128:
“Enough.” Brad’s voice cut through the uproar like a blade. Calm, but final. He took out a handkerchief and wiped his hand where her tears had fallen. His eyes locked on hers. “Paola, keep pushing this, and things will only get worse p>
Paola’s knees buckled, and she crumpled to the floor. The waves of tears had smeared her makeup, her carefully curled hair…
Her hair now hung in limp strands across her face. Whatever pity she once stirred had long faded. Brad turned to Rylie. “Performing pole dances with lewd content might be a bit much. Why not let Percy and Paola admit fault and apologize p>
Rylie gave a faint smile. Brad had delivered the stage perfectly. “I suppose I can be generous p>
Percy bent down to lift Paola, but she went limp in his arms.
Whether she fainted or faked it didn’t matter to Rylie. She snorted quietly and said, “That’s enough for tonight. I’ve had my fill. Take her to the hospital before something worse happens p>
Even though Percy’s frustration burned beneath the surface, he didn’t say a word. He carried his sister out of the bar, not once looking back.
Brad signaled for everyone to leave. He didn’t rush, choosing instead to trail behind Rylie at an easy pace.
Without turning around, Rylie said, “Given your condition, it’s pretty bold of you to show up here tonight p>
Brad’s tone stayed even. “I didn’t drink. Just came to settle a few things.” She let the subject drop. Once they reached the parking lot, she climbed onto her motorcycle. Before sliding on her helmet, she glanced sideways and said, “Thanks for the help. Don’t be late for your next treatment p>
He stood beside her and asked, “If I hadn’t brought up the footage, were you just going to let this go p>
Rylie gave a low laugh. “In some way, you kept Paola alive tonight. There are blind spots in this city’s surveillance. Whatever she could do in those places, I could have done far worse.” The warning in her words was clear.
Brad gave a small laugh. “So I meddled for nothing p>
Your next chapter awaits gⱯlnσν𝑒ls․cøm
She shook her head. “Not quite. For someone like Paola, who parades herself as noble, public disgrace cuts deeper than any bruise. Her reputation’s done for. And honestly, that’s kind of satisfying p>
Several days passed before the treatment resumed.
Rylie had temporarily changed the location to the research lab on campus.
With Timothy’s project team now gone, the lab belonged to her alone.
Brad showed up right on time. As he stepped inside, he saw her absorbed in calibrating the equipment. She didn’t glance his way. Under the cold lab lights, her white coat made her seem distant. Her fingers moved with precision as she worked the controls.
“You’re just in time,” she said, still facing the monitor. “Lock the door p>
Without comment, he reached back and slid the bolt into place.
He made his way to the lab bench, catching sight of a glowing blue vial resting under the lamp. “Is this the new stuff p>
She turned at last, her eyes sharp and bright above her mask. “Yes. This one’s different. It’s a neuro-support compound to prep your nerves for surgery.” She motioned toward a deep container tucked into the corner. “But it’s stronger than Nexo-7. You’ll feel like your whole system’s on fire. That’s why I brought the ice bath p>