Chapter 27

Taking a close look at the second envelope, the servant studied the name before finally saying, "The other for Miss Kirk."

Paola's features went rigid. "Who did you say it's for?"

Disbelief flickered in Percy's eyes as he lunged for the letter. "What are you saying? How could that be for Rylie? She's only just arrived today. There's no way she even knows Brad."

His eyes caught the name. It was impossible to deny -it was for Rylie. "How could this be?"

Rylie had come from the countryside, returning to the Owen family for the first time today. The thought of her somehow knowing Brad made no sense at all.

Confusion clouded not only the Garretts, but also the

ens. No one could figure out why Brad would send Rylie a cake out of nowhere.

Disappointment crept across Paola's face as she read the name herself. All her earlier excitement now felt ridiculous. She forced a thin smile and looked straight at Rylie. "So, you and Brad already knew each other? Seems I made a mistake."

Laurel's usual calm was starting to crumble, leaving her with only an uneasy grin.

From the moment Rylie had seen the oversized cake,she suspected what was happening. Percy, though reluctant, surrendered the envelope to her.

With careful hands, Kendrick broke the seal and scanned the letter. The note explained how Rylie had spent her birthday at the Kirk family with Stacey. A frown darkened his brow as he tried to mask the pain, then he passed the letter to Felix. "To be honest, if it weren't for Brad, we never would have found Rylie. He wrote to congratulate me for reuniting with my granddaughter and clearly said the cake is meant for her."

Felix, after reading, handed the note to his brothers.His expression grew even grimmer. "Today isn't Rylie's real birthday. Her actual birthday falls on Christmas. There's no mistaking it."

Deandre, always the careful one, spoke up. "I've known Brad a long time, and he's never sent a birthday present to any girl before. Why is Rylie special the moment she walks back into our lives?"

A laugh slipped out of Marcus as he gave Deandre's shoulder a reassuring pat. "No sense worrying.Maybe Brad just wanted to be thoughtful."

Deandre's tone grew unyielding. "He's. never gone out of his way for anyone else, not once."

That remark struck Paola hard, making her squirm inwardly.

Brad's message to Rylie was nothing more than a brief, heartfelt wish: "Happy Birthday, Rylie."

Back when they had that dinner high above the city,he'd paid attention to her every word.

Aside from a handful of colleagues and her own patients, Rylie had never encountered someone who listened to her so closely-and acted on it.

A faint, wistful smile touched Rylie's mouth. "The Kirks picked the day they adopted me to be my birthday. For years, I marked the occasion, not realizing it wasn't the real one."

As Brad's letter crumpled in his grip, Deandre spoke with quiet resolve. "From now on, every single birthday, we'll celebrate in style. Count on it."

Gratitude filled Rylie's voice. "Let's slice the cake.Everyone should have a piece."

The sight of that cake grated on Paola's nerves. She excused herself quickly. "I'mstuffed. I'll be in the piano room working on music," she said, escaping the room.

Once everyone had enjoyed dessert, Rylie checked the clock and rose to take her leave.

Worry clouded Kendrick's features. He tightened his

old on her hand. "W/hy are you heading out so late?Are you not happy spending time with us?"

Noticing the worry etched on her grandfather's face,Rylie offered a gentle smile. A touch of warmth entered her voice as she explained, "Of course I enjoy staying with you. I've got a race tonight. If l don't head out soon, I'll miss the start."

The mention of racing caught Kendrick completely off guard. "A race? You're a racer, Rylie?"

Grinning, she replied, "I am, and I'm actually pretty good at it!"

Deandre, curiosity piqued, chimed in right away, "Let me drive you over there."

Felix, however, held up a hand to intervene. "It isn't a good idea for you to be out right now. Marcus, you go with her."

Turning to Felix, Rylie said, "Felix, I can get there on my own. Just let Rory keep me posted about your surgery. I'd like to assist when it happens."

Felix looked stunned. "You'd do the surgery yourself? Aren't you still a student?"

Despite knowing his sister's skills, a little doubt flickered across his face. He worried that she was still gaining experience.

Rylie picked up on his unease and tried to put him at ease. "I won't be operating alone. I'll be observing while another doctor handles it."

Since Felix was now her brother, she felt that only by staying by his side during his surgery couId she feel at ease.

Eventually, Felix gave a nod, this time with full confidence. "If you want to get hands-on experience,go for it.I can handle it."

Her laugh was soft and sincere. "Thank you, Felix.That means a lot."

Before leaving, she promised Kendrick that she would come back soon. Just as she reached the door, her phone buzzed-Britton had messaged to say that the race was moved to an off-road track three days ago and wanted to know her timne of arrival.

Rylie, riding her motorcycle, stopped just outside the estate. She checked the time and called Britton. "Put me last in the lineup. There's a chance I'll be late."

Suddenly, a high-end car slid past her, then eased back in reverse.

The window at the rear lowered, and Brad's striking features appeared. "Out this late-where are you off to?"

Catching sight of Brad, Rylie instantly saw her opportunity to make up for lost time. She left her bike on the curb and leaned against his car window."There's a race at the mountain circuit tonight. I have to be there by eight. Any chance you could help? I'll knock some off your next treatment bill."

Brad, although scheduled for an international meeting at the same hour, paused to check the time and quickly weighed his options. "Hop in. I'll have a helicopter ready for you,"' Brad replied, making arrangements without hesitation.