Chapter 97

With Selah's fierce resolve, the Dury family was thrown out completely - along with several large boxes of proposal gifts.

Rylie looked them in the eye and warned, "Don't come near me again. If you do, I won't hold back next time."

The Dury family finally gathered their things and left in silence.Their departure didn't go unnoticed-several neighbors witnessed the scene.

Evie Clayton, who always loved a spectacle, stood at the door snacking and remarked, "Those gifts add up to a few million. Rylie, why won't you agree to such a good family? If you marry into them, you won't have to struggle keeping that little pharmacy afloat. You'd be living the good life."

Rylie paused at the door before closing it and said calmly, "A man who can't be faithful won't bring happiness, no matter how rich he is."

Evie scoffed, "Marriage is just about daily life. As long as there's money, what's the big deal? All men stray.Just turn a blind eye. Everyone knows you were kicked out of the Kirk family, and your engagement was broken off. Life can't be easy now."

Not everyone knew Rylie had become the granddaughter of a powerful business magnate -news didn't spread as fast outside the elite circles.

Before Rylie could reply, Selah came out, her expression sharp. "Money isn't everything. True happiness comes from love and respect. If he truly loves and protects her, that's all that matters."

Rylie couldn't stand women who gossiped and dragged others down. She cut in suddenly, saying,"Didn't your daughter marry into a family that moved here from another city? New money, right? How's that going?"

Just then, another neighbor, Leona Ruiz, strolled by with a basket of vegetables and chimed in, "She came back the other day asking for money. That so-called rich husband has a mistress, and rumor says she's pregnant with a son. He's showering her with gifts too."

Evie's face darkened at once. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Leona didn't back down. "You don't want people talking about you, but you're quick to badmouth Rylie just because HaloFlow Pharmacy charges a little more for your medicine? Those same medicines cost twice as much at big chain stores. HaloFlow raised prices just a bit, and you start spreading rumors?"

Evie's face flushed with anger. "I didn't start any rumors! It's all in the news-plain as day. Rylie's an abandoned woman with a broken engagement.In our village, that's unwanted. The Dury family wants to marry her, and I'm just looking out for her!"

Leona snapped back, "Save it! Rylie already has a boyfriend-handsome,too,with that upright military vibe. Did you see that luxury car parked near the alley?My son said it's a global limited edition worth nearly ten millions. The Dury family's gifts can't compare!"

Rylie blinked.Boyfriend? What boyfriend?

Selah, on the other hand, seemed to catch on. Her eyes lit up as she took Rylie's hand. "Oh, it's him?That's great. I've always thought he was a good kid. A little thin maybe, but steady and kind. And he's good -looking,too."

Leona nodded excitedly. "Exactly! He's worlds ahead of Evie's flashy son-in-law."

Evie, clearly irritated by the comparison, muttered,"I've never seen this so-called boyfriend. Does he only visit at night? That's suspicious. What if he already has a family or a girlfriend? I'm just saying-I don't want Rylie to get hurt."

Selah hesitated and looked at Rylie with concern."He's probably in his thirties. Have you asked him carefully?

Rylie sighed, a little overwhelmed. "This is ridiculous He's not my boyfriend."

Evie jumped on that. "Then why do you always meet him at night? Are you two hiding something? Rylie,you can't be doing things you'll regret!"

Leona added with a playful smile, "Why not just ask him? We've got nothing to hide."

Selah now looked even more unsure.

Though Rylie was irritated by the gossip, Selah's worried expression made her give in. She pulled out her phone and sent a message.

"Are you free? Selah thinks you're my boyfriend. Can you help me clear it up?"

To her surprise, he replied almost instantly. "I'm free."

Since he was up for it, Rylie turned to Selah. "I'll call him."

She tapped the video call icon.

Moments Later, the screen lit up.

Brad appeared in a dark suit, seated in a leather chair,his expression calm and eyes sharp. Behind him was a wide screen and a massive floor-to-ceiling window showing the landmarks of a bustling financial district.

Rylie raised an eyebrow."Are you in a meeting? I can call back."

Brad set his pen down and answered gently, "No need.It's just wrapping up."

Across the room, his team sat frozen. Wrapping up?What was wrapping up? Just a moment ago, Brad had been scolding them over internal issues at Morgan Group. Layoffs were looming. Now, one video call later, their strict boss had transformed into a charming gentleman.

Whoever was on the call had clearly saved them.Before this call, they were unsure if they would be the next ones to be dealt with by Brad.

Brad glanced around the long table. That was enough

Several department heads quietly began packing up,sneaking glances at the screen. Some whispered,wondering who could soften Brad's gaze like that.

"No bother at all-my team just stepped out," Brad said calmly. From the cracked door, a few team members could still hear his warm baritone drifting out. One even joked that it had to be Brad's twin in there.

Brock. who knew better than anyone, smiled faintly 'That's what love does to him."