Chapter 24

Everyone turned to see what the commotion was about.

Most of the Owen relatives, except for Rylie's brothers, expected her to look rough and run-down because of where she came from. What they saw instead left them stunned.

Rylie walked in wearing a leather jacket and fitted black pants. Her skin looked so smooth that it almost glowed. Her features, sharp yet graceful, mirrored her brothers'.

Considering how Felix, Marcus, and Deandre each had the kind of looks people remembered,it was only natural that Rylie had a striking face too.

Paola's heart dropped. Her fingers curled tightly over her knees.

"Oh, my sweet granddaughter!" Kendrick couldn't hold back anymore. He pushed himself up with his cane and stretched a hand toward her. "Come here,quick. Let me really see you."

The two men standing beside him-Rylie's brothers -were clearly trying not tocry.

Rylie hadn't known family love in years. Kendrick's warmth felt unfamiliar but comforting. His wrinkled hand clutched hers with surprising strength.

"You're finally here," he said. Tears welled in Kendrick's eyes. "If I hadn't found you, I wouldn't know what to say to your parents when I see them again."

Rylie didn't know what to say. But the way he held her hand made her feel something she hadn't in a long time. She leaned closer and said gently,"Grandpa."

"Oh, my dear girl!"

That one word undid him. His heart felt full, like he could hand her everything he had and still want to give more.

"I'm Felix. I'm your oldest brother." Felix sat on the sofa, his voice soft with emotion. "Can you believe my own sister ended up saving my life? That has to be fate."

Rylie remembered the carved token that he had given her. She gave him a nod and asked, "Weren't you supposed to be in the hospital for surgery? What brought you back?"

"I didn't want to miss this," said Felix, his tone calm."We've looked for you for so long. I've waited years for this moment. The surgery can wait. A few days won't hurt."

She hadn't expected anyone to care so deeply.Maybe this was what having a real family felt like. Her voice turned soft. "Thanks, Felix. But your health matters more."

"I'm here too," said the second man, stepping up.

"I'm Marcus." Marcus greeted her with a warm hug, polite and kind. "I knew it was you when I saw you at school. I just knew it. Turns out, what I said at that time was right-you're indeed my sister."

Rylie gave him a quiet smile in return.

The last one was her third brother, the one sent to bring her home. Rylie turned toward Deandre and gave him a warm smile.

Kendrick's face lit up. "What a blessing. All my grandchildren, finally together."

Just then, Laurel Garrett, Rylie's aunt, broke the moment. "Now that Rylie's back, will she stay here in Crolens or return to Kouhron?"

That was when Rylie noticed another family seated nearby. Kendrick gestured toward them. "That's your aunt Laurel Garrett, and with her are her children Paola and Percy."①

Paola rose with grace and gave Rylie a polite smile."It's lovely to meet.you."

Percy Garrett stood up as well, though far less eag Kendrick turned back to Rylie with a gentle voice."Would you rather stay here for now, or come back to Kouhron with me?"

Rylie thought of Brad, stilI waiting for her care. She answered softly, "I'll stay in Crolens for now.I haven't finished my studies."

Kendrick gave a quiet nod. "Then I'll stay here too."He turned toward Laurel. "Have the rooms been arranged?"

Laurel hesitated, caught off guard. She hadn't expected Rylie to stay. Paola quickly spoke up."Mom's already making plans to convert my piano room into Rylie's bedroom."

Laurel gave Paola a nod of approval. "Yes, we've already started."

Percy's reaction was swift. He frowned and said,"Why not just use the guest room? Why touch Paola's piano room? She's been working on a film score for Director Spencer Aguilar."

Spencer's films were always major hits, and his opening music drew huge attention.

Laurel raised her eyebrows, pretending to be surprised. "So Paola's gotten that good? No wonder she's been skipping meals and locking herself in that room."

Paola glanced quickly at Marcus, then answered in a quiet voice. "Marcus inspired me. That's the only reason I got this opportunity."

Laurel turned back to Rylie. "Since Paola needs the piano room - how about we place you in the guest room for now? If you don't like it, we'll find you another. Just say the word."

"Mom, I really don't mind. My work is just a small matter." Paola forced a gracious tone. "Let Rylie take the piano room. She's been away for years. I'm sure she hasn't had a proper rest in a long time."

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