Rylee stood before the mirror, smoothing the fabric of her dress, her phone pressed between shoulder and ear. Sadie’s voice crackled through the line, sharp and familiar.
“So Daddy Byrd swoops in, signs off your freedom in one day, and now he wants dinner? Sounds like a setup.”
Rylee rolled her eyes, fastening an earring. “It’s not a setup. He said it’s an ‘important matter.’”
Sadie snorted. “Important matter? Please. That man only has two important matters: golf and control.”
Rylee smiled faintly, though her stomach twisted. “Still… I can’t shake the feeling it’s bigger than that.”
Sadie’s tone softened. “Just remember, you’re free now. No Sebastian, no Cecilia, no Maya. Whatever he says tonight, you walk in as your own woman.”
Rylee glanced at the decree folded neatly on her dresse
