Chapter 32
James spotted Ethan’s expression darken and he braced for bad news. “Bro, what’s the word?”
The best advice we got is for Kylie to apologize,” Ethan said, his face grim. “The PR firm the Lampard family hired is infamous in Jardora. They can spin anything. Truth won’t matter, they’ll smear Kylie’s name.”
James knew Ethan was right. Even as a small fish in the entertainment pond, he understood the murky depths. Reality was often manufactured, and the truth was only as strong as your bank account and connections.
The idea of Kylie being bullied and now slandered tore James and Ethan up. They would take the hits for he
artheat
“We need another plan. Thinking about Kylie getting hurt kills me,” James said, his brows furrowing deeply.
Ethan’s lips thinned as he looked at James. If my friends say that, it means there’s almost no other way unless we can get the Walters Group’s PR on our side.”
Hearing the Walters Group’s PR mentioned, James’s face fell. He thought, “No way. That’s impossible!
On her way to the hospital, Kylie had stopped at a florist for a bouquet. When she arrived at the ward with the flowers, Noreen was in the middle of a chat with an elderly gentleman.
As Kylie entered, Noreen was quick to introduce her. “This is Trevor’s wife I was telling you about. Beautiful, isn’t she? And she has such a sweet temperament. Trevor’s one lucky guy.”
“Kylie, why did you go through the trouble of buying flowers? Aren’t they heavy?‘ Noreen said, her eyes brightening. Ive been feeling like the ward’s been too plain lately. With your flowers, it’s much more cheerful.”
“And this is Xander, the one I mentioned yesterday. He’s been wanting you to visit his collection and check out his antiques, Noreen continued.
Kylie approached and greeted him politely. “Xander.”
“You’ve always had a knack for judging character. This one’s a gem. Xander said with a warm smile.
Kylie recognized Xander from somewhere, like a news broadcast. The Xander on TV had been stern and off–putting. But the Xander before her was kind and approachable, without the intimidating presence she recalled.
As she arranged the flowers in a vase, Kylie’s small face was always graced with a gentle smile.
“Once I’m discharged in a couple of days, I’ll take Kylie to your place, Noreen said.
Xander nodded, his gaze on Kylie soft. “Whatever catches your eye, it’s yours, Kylie.”
“Xander’s got a lot of wonderful pieces. Don’t be shy when you visit. If you see something you like, just tell me, and I’ll have Xander give it to you, Noreen told Kylie.
It was clear the two seniors had a long–standing friendship, the kind where they could talk freely, Kylie, smiling, nodded at them. Thank you, Xander.”
“There’s no need to stand on ceremony with Xander. He used to be quite smitten with Felicia, Noreen said, feeling nostalgic. The events of her youthi seemed like they were just yesterday. She had never thought life would go by so fast.
Xander listened with a smile as Noreen spoke, but at the mention of Felicia, his eyes glistened with a fleeting touch of tears. “I’ve never been afraid of anyone, but I was inost afraid of her.”
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Chapter 32
What was there to fear? She had a tender heart and gave so much for us. All we wanted was for her to be truly happy. She told me that during those years in the countryside, having Kylie with her made her very happy, Noreen said.
Listening to the elders talk about Felicia, Kylie felt a lump in her throat; she missed Felicia deeply. In her heart, Felicia was even closer than her own grandmother.
Felicia seldom spoke of the past, and Kylie had never asked. Of, Felicia would stare into the distance, lost in thought for hours. At those times, Kylie thought Felicia was lonely and made a silent promise to stay with her and let her know she had family.
“Kylie, did Felicia ever mention me? Xander suddenly asked, hope gleaming in his eyes.
Kylie shook her head, honestly saying. “Felicia rarely talked about the past. She said some people and thing
the heart, never to be forgotten.”
Xander paused and then nodded absently. “Yes, as long as they’re remembered.”
Noreen’s eyes also reddened “She always saw things so clearly.”
Then the two elders didn’t mention Felicia again. After a few more words, Xander left, inviting Kylie to visit the Woodward residence when she had time to keep him company.
Noreen gave Xander a playful glare, telling him not to try to steal Kylie away. Watching the two bicker like children. Kylie couldn’t help but laugh.
When Trevor entered the room, he found both of them laughing. The ward was filled with a warm atmosphere.
Trevor’s gaze lingered on Kylie’s smiling face before turning to Noreen. ‘Grandma.”
The more Noreen liked Kylie, the more she disapproved of her own grandson. She found Kylie so endearing, someone she wanted to pamper and care for. As for her grandson, he was growing more distant, rarely smiling, as if his face was covered in a cold mask.
Noreen snorted, and Trevor, who was used to her disdain, remained unfazed.
“Kylie’s been talking with me and Xander for ages. She must be thirsty. Peel her an apple. Noreen said to Trevor.
Trevor raised an eyebrow, thinking. Peel an apple for Kylie?”
“Grandma, I just had some water. I’m not thirsty, and I couldn’t eat an apple now. I’ll peel one myself when I’m hungry,” Kylie quickly said. She didn’t dare let Trevor peel an apple for her They weren’t that close.
Upon hearing Kylie’s words, Trevor, who tried to reach for the apple, retracted his hand.
Their eyes met inadvertently. They started to look away at the same time, but they suddenly felt Noreen’s sharp gaze on them, as if she had sensed something Their gazes froze.
Kylie realized she should be cautious in front of others, but in front of Noreen, they were a real couple and couldn’t avoid being close.
Seeing their locked eyes, Noreen’s mind raced, imagining the romantic possibilities, like the beginnings of love she’d seen in reality TV shows.
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