Chapter 50

Right as Paola spotted Rylie, the look on her face stiffened.What she saw wasn't what she had imagined.Rylie had not arrived in a cheap dress, nor did she look the least bit uneasy.

Johnny narrowed his eyes and studied her. "So this is the Owen girl we've heard so much about? She's nothing like the rumors going around."

Rylie wore a form-fitting black satin gown that left her shoulders bare. Her hair was neatly pulled up. A vintage necklace rested against her collarbone. The whole look was polished and refined.

Paola forced a smile. "Of course. I've always said Rylie and I were similar. We both carry ourselves like ladies."

"She doesn't just look refined. She looks like she runs the place." Intrigued, Johnny commented, "Look at the way she interacts with others; it's the air of sophistication. It seems she's learned well to represent the Owen family without embarrassment at this gala."

Paola clenched her hands at her sides. She replied quickly, though her thoughts were in disarray.

She knew that she had to keep Johnny's interest on her. The Reid family had power, especially in maritime trade. Not quite the Morgans,but still valuable. Johnny might make a decent husband.

"I saved a seat for you, Rylie. Come sit here." Paola took slow steps toward her and looped her arm around Rylie's. Her smile looked apologetic. "Sorry about earlier. I made you late."

Rylie's eyes were cool. "Even though you and your parents are just a branch of the Owen family,you are still an Owen after all. Showing up on time is the least you could do. Do I need to keep reminding you of that?"

The words hit hard. Paola hadn't expected to be scolded like that, especially not in front of so many people. Her cheeks flushed, and her voice wavered "I worked late last night. I didn't mean to hold you up.Nexttime, I'll make sure I'm not late."

Her friends couldn't stay quiet any longer. Isabella stepped forward and said, "Paola was working on music for a director. She's exhausted. Can't you cut her some slack? You don't even work. You spend your days doing nothing but lounging around. Why should you scold her?"

"Is that so?" Rylie's stare turned sharp. "Since when does an outsider like you have the right to decide whether I can discipline my family members or not?And you say I do nothing all day. Where did that come from? If it didn't come from gossip, then it came from watching me. Either way, it's a violation of privacy.Have you been spying on our household? Did you plant devices? Or sneak into our system?"

She shifted her gaze and added plainly, "Miss Olson, I think I'll have the police inspect the entire house."

Her voice was steady but left no room for argument.Isabella stepped back, rattled. Her hands moved nervously as she blurted,"How absurd! Why would I bug your house? That's ridiculous!"

"If not that, then how else do you know what I do each day? Or are you simply spreading lies?" Rylie asked without changing her tone. "Seems like manners aren't something your family passed down very well."

Rylie had the final word, and Isabella stood humiliated.Had she chosen to escalate things, the Owen family could have easily crushed the Olsons without lifting a finger.

Sensing that the situation had spiraled out of control,Paola quickly stepped in. "Rylie, please don't be upset.Isabella meant no harm. She only said those things out of worry for me." Tears gathered in her eyes as her voice wavered, trying to appear pitiful.

"We're one family, Paola. Have you forgotten that we share each other's burdens?" Rylie's lips pulled into a faint smile, though it lacked warmth. "And yet you let your friends shame our name. Do you want people to think the Owen family breeds idleness?"

The weight of the accusation hit Paola hard. She clenched her fists but couldn't offer a single rebuttal.Her anger simmered, but all she could do was lower her gaze and mumble, "Fine, Rylie. I'll remember this."

Rylie turned from her and addressed the guests at the table with calm grace. "Please excuse the scene.I hope it hasn't disrupted your evening."

Her composure drew silent admiration. Many in the room, who had quietly dismissed her at first, now watched her more carefully.

The event was hosted by the Buckleys, known throughout the industry for their jewelry empire. This time, the auction aimed to help children living in poverty-stricken and isolated regions.

As things settled down, Celia Buckley stepped onstage.She wore a pale gold gown that shimmered beneath the lights.

Her voice rang clear as she greeted the guests."Thank you for joining us tonight. The Buckley family is honored by your presence at this charity gala."

She continued with poise after a brief pause,"Tonight's auction features pieces from our personal collection. Twenty percent of the sales will go toward education and medical needs for children in less fortunate areas."

Her words paused again as she surveyed the room.Her gaze swept across the first floor, then briefly stopped on one of the private viewing boxes above."Of course, it's not about the price of a bid. True charity lies in your intent. Whether the amount is high or low, every participant here is helping the children."

Just as Celia delivered her remarks, Isabella, still seething over her earlier embarrassment, noticed something odd. Both Celia and Rylie wore nearly identical necklaces.

Isabella studied the necklace around Rylie's neck, then turned her attention to the stage. Her earlier frustration gave way to sudden delight. "Doesn't it look like Miss Owen's necklace is exactly the same as Miss Buckley's?"

She tried to sound curious as she added, "Can anyone help me figure this out? I'd hate to accuse her unfairly and get scolded again."

A few guests began to murmur. Were the necklaces really that similar? Was Rylie wearing a fake?

The people seated nearby leaned in, comparing the two necklaces. One by one, their expressions shifted as their focus returned to Rylie

"They match perfectly. What's going on? Miss Owen,did your brothers only support Paola and not you? ls that why you couldn't get your hands on the original?"

"This is starting to look bad."

"She lectured Paola earlier like she was some authority."

Not even Paola had expected things to go this way.Still, the moment worked in her favor. Rylie's embarrassment gave her the chance to appear composed and kind. She stepped in gently. "Rylie must have made a mnistake. She probably didn't realize it was a replica. She doesn't have much knowledge about jewelry. Please don't be too harsh."

Then she leaned in close to whisper in Rylie's ear,"Take it off before too many people notice.Like you said earlier, we can't let the Owen family lose face."