Chapter 78

Paola's eyes flickered at Rylie's words. A question formed in her mind-had Marcus really invited Rylie as a special guest?

Isabella snapped, "Alright, Miss Owen, we all remember how you caused a scene at the last auction. I'll admit you've got some taste, but Marcus only invites top-tier musicians. Are you one of them?"

Rylie smirked."I could be."

Isabella rolled her eyes and scoffed. "I studied music formally. I know all the top musicians, except for the mysterious X. Aria. And you, Miss Owen-I've never heard of."

Paola quietly agreed. X. Aria had lived abroad for years and was known only through his music. It didn't seem likely Rylie had any ties to someone like that.

Paola didn't doubt Rylie had some talent, but as a special guest? That was hard to believe.

She lowered her gaze and said softly, "Rylie, today is Marcus' solo concert. I want everything to go perfectly,please."

The people nearby began to look at Rylie with disapproval. Baila frowned. "Miss Owen, Paola is your cousin,so maybe you think you can push her around. But today isn't the day. Don't embarrass the Owen family."

Rylie nodded."Alright."

She stood, then glanced around. "But if I don't sit in front, I won't have a seat at all."

Paola smiled gently. "Then take mine. I'll stand beside you."

Isabella muttered under her breath, "So Marcus didn't even give her a ticket? She's in the standing area."

Baila added, "Not every Owen likes this girl who suddenly popped up. She's nowhere near Paola's level."

Another woman chimed in, "Paola is also a guest of Marcus. She can't be standing at the back-what does that look like? Since Rylie has a standing ticket, she should stand. She's still an Owen, after all. How can she take someone else's seat?"

Rylie had seen through these little tricks before-with Stacey, with others. Back then, she'd sayed quiet for the sake of family, and it only made things worse. She wasn't going to make the same mistake twice.

Just as she reached for her phone to call Marcus over to deal with them, a deep, lazy voice interrupted."Sorry I'm late."

The voice was familiar. She turned, stunned, as the spotlight caught a tall figure walking in. Brad's once pale skin now glowed with health. His sharp features, high nose bridge, and that faint smile made him stand out effortlessly.

He walked straight toward her. "Why didn't you sit? You got here before me." He sat down on the VIP sofa next to her and looked up with a light smile. Then he scooted to one side and patted the narrow space left."What are you standing for? I bought a standing ticket. Don't tell me you're going back on your word and won't let me sit."

Gasps followed.The women stared in disbelief. Had Rylie bought the VIP seat-and Brad was just tagging along?

Rylie hesitated but eventually sat down in the small space he had made for her.

The sight of them sitting shoulder to shoulder shifted the mood entirely.

Confused looks circled the room. Wasn't this Brad- the naval hero? The admiral who rose to the top by thirty? Head of a powerful family? Yet here he was, sitting beside Rylie so casually... Amost intimately.

Paola's heart clenched. Her fingers gripped her dress tightly, though her face remained calm.

"So you did have a seat, Rylie," Paola said with a strained smile. "Why didn't you say something?|misunderstood. Everyone, please sit. The concert's about to begin."

The ladies kept quiet, but their eyes couldn't help drifting back to Brad.

The single VIP seat wasn't spacious, so their arms and shoulders brushed together. The faint cedar scent from Brad, laced with a bit of medicine, mixed with his body's warmth, making Rylie stiffen slightly.

Brad leaned in with a teasing tone. "Dr. Owen, nervous? I thought you didn't care about my body. But it seems you quite like the way I look dressed."

His voice was low, and she felt the vibration through his chest as it reached her shoulder- soft and strangely electric.

Rylie adjusted her position, and her knee brushed his.

Brad chuckled and suddenly placed a hand on her waist. "Stop moving. You're about to push me off the seat."

His touch was warm, steady- and left her no room to escape.

All eyes were locked on them now, especially Paola, whose expression twisted slightly, like she'd just tasted something bitter. Who would've thought the usually cold Brad could be this close with Rylie?

Rylie didn't pull away. Once she was settled, she replied lightly, "No wonder Deandre calls you a flirt.I see it now for myself."