Chapter 59

The familiar voice caught Rylie's attention, and her eyes found Leland in the crowd. Surprise flickered across his face-clearly, he hadn't expected to see her today.

Only a few days had passed since their last encounter, yet Leland appeared almost gaunt, deep shadows circling his eyes - a testament to exhaustion and sleepless nights.

Most likely, the constant turmoil at home was taking its toll, leaving every responsibility directly on his shoulders.

Rylie quickly looked away, her features cool and unreadable, making no effort to acknowledge him.

Regret pressed heavily on Leland; beneath the surface, anguish simmered. The Kirk family's business had stumbled again, all thanks to entanglements with the Durys. Every new venture crumbled, misfortune dogging his every step.

A desperate need for comfort gnawed at him, but with chaos already consuming the household,he kept his worries hidden, unwilling to burden anyone else.

The seminar invitation had come after much effort-one small hope to seek help for Brad and perhaps lift the Kirks' fortunes, though he doubted that it would be enough.

Standing among a roomful of celebrated physicians,Leland felt the weight of every glance. The Kirk family's troubles were common knowledge, and few cared to interact with him.

After wrestling with his thoughts, he finally crossed the room to where Rylie sat and took the seat beside her. "Could we talk for a moment?"

Rylie's gaze slid over, detached and even. "We've already gone our separate ways. Remember? I am no longer a Kirk. What's left to discuss?"

A lump rose in Leland's throat. "Nicolas... He's scheduled for amputation next week."

Her face betrayed nothing, the news met with cold silence.

Holding back his sorrow, Leland continued, "Since you walked away, everything at home has unraveled.Please,Rylie-come back. Help Nicolas. Help Mom."

Rylie rested her chin on her palm, pausing thoughtfully before answering, "Alright. I'll come back'-if you send Stacey packing."

His reply was immediate, almost defensive. "Rylie,you're an Owen now and have all the wealth. If I kick Stacey out, she'll have nowhere to go."

"Pfft." A sudden, cold laugh escaped Rylie. "So when you demanded I walk out on the Kirks, did it cross your mind that I might end up homeless, too?"

Leland's mouth opened, but words failed him. "l..."

With a look of pure disdain, Rylie turned away. "Don't waste my time.Go."

For a moment, Leland hesitated, then added, his voice low, "I've heard about you and your mentor,how you supposedly stole the Wildes' medical formula. If Brad or Sean hears about this, even being the richest man's granddaughter won't shield you in Crolens, the territory of Morgan family."

"Huh." Rylie's lips curled into a sneer. "After all the times the Wildes have played you for a fool, you still buy their lies?"

That jab left Leland momentarily speechless.

Still, the Wildes' reputation in medicine was ironclad,and as a staff member at VitaLink Hospital, Leland couldn't help but lean on their authority.

"I know you're talented, Rylie. You wouldn't have won Aetheris Pharmacy's trust if you weren't. You brought back rare meds for Nicolas and Mom." He tried again,softer now. "But you're not in Ms. Wilde's league.She's seen more patients than you could imagine."

His words were meant to be advice, but to Rylie, it was just pointless lecturing.

She flicked her gaze toward the door, dismissing him with a wave. "Looks like the show's about to start. If you stay here nagging, you'll lose your shot to get the Wildes' attention."

A glance was all it took-Leland noticed the shift outside, shot to his feet, and hurried off, leaving Rylie in the corner.

In this world of white coats and quiet power,reputation was everything. The room buzzed with conversation, doctors from top schools and families mingling easily - yet every single one of them deliberately left the young woman by the window out of their circle.

A pharmacy whose name no one recognized was bound to be dismissed, written off as unworthy of respect.

The contrast was stark. Evita swept into the hall and instantly became the center of attention, half the crowd quick to cluster around her. "Ms. Wilde, what a pleasure to see you!"

A composed "Yes," was her response, as Evita moved gracefully through the throng. Marsha kept pace beside her, greeting acquaintances with the easy polish of someone used to admiration.

For the Wildes, this event belonged to them; what happened outside was insignificant!

Standing tall, Evita and Marsha advanced, not bothering to acknowledge Rylie as they strode past.

The reason for Rylie's isolation was no secret; it wasn't just her obscure pharmacy background.The Wildes' public accusation- that she'd stolen their high-purity medication to treat Brad, slipping in under false pretenses - had poisoned her reputation.

Most present viewed her with thinly veiled contempt.

The air was rich with the scent of fresh coffee.

Unfazed by the coldness that surrounded her, Rylie drummed her fingers on the chair's arm, sitting alone in the corner.

Her eyes dropped to her cup, a faint, enigmatic smile touching her lips. As far as she was concerned, the real fireworks had yet to begin.

A sudden, commanding voice cut through the hum of conversation. "Attention, please." The words echoed from above, silencing the room for a moment.

Heads turned as Brad, immaculate in a dark tailored suit, began his slow descent from the second floor.