Chapter 162
Chapter 162:
Back inside her room, Kailey shut the door with a soft click and released a long breath, pressing a hand over her racing heart. Embarrassment burned hot in her chest. That was far too forward. How had those reckless words slipped out so easily? “But we’re getting married soon anyway, so he probably won’t mind… right?” she murmured under her breath, clinging to the fragile comfort of her own reasoning.
While absentmindedly scrolling through Dagmar’s social media posts, she suddenly saw Lionel’s name light up her screen.
“I’m sorry, Kailey,” Lionel said, his tone apologetic yet gentle. “I was tied up meeting someone important earlier. I didn’t keep you waiting too long, did I p>
“It’s alright,” Kailey answered. “If you’re swamped, we can just talk tomorrow p>
“Oh, that won’t do at all. Now that I’m back, you come first. I was actually about to call you myself. My wife has already straightened up the house — just tell us when you’re free, and she’ll cook something nice for you p>
With a small smile, Kailey agreed, leaving Dagmar’s name out of the conversation entirely. After a few light, polite exchanges, she ended the call.
Lionel remained still, staring at the dimmed screen in his hand, brows faintly knit as unease crept into his thoughts. He could never quite figure Kailey out — she accepted everything so readily, never probing, never questioning — yet an odd, elusive distance always lingered in the way she carried herself.
𝗜ո𝘀𝘵a𝗻t aс𝖼𝖾𝗌ѕ о𝘯.с𝘰𝘮
“Mr. Ward, that was quite a long call, wasn’t it p>
A voice rose unexpectedly from behind him, sharp enough to make Lionel flinch. He pivoted quickly, then settled his expression into a courteous smile. “Mr. Owen, you understand how it is. I’ve only just returned to the country and haven’t seen Kailey in years. Whenever there’s a chance, I just want to catch up on how she’s doing. I hope you don’t take offense p>
Muted hallway lights spilled across Ryan’s tall silhouette, outlining him in a subdued glow. At the sound of Kailey’s name, a faint crease formed between his brows. “You were on the phone with Kailey just now p>
“That’s right,” Lionel answered, watching Ryan carefully. “Our place is finally ready, and my wife invited her over for dinner. Mr. Owen, if you’re free, you’re more than welcome to come by p>
Ryan’s lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze turning unreadable, as if a veil had dropped over his thoughts. Kailey’s earlier words continued to reverberate in his head. A boyfriend? She had always been impossibly selective, dismissing nearly everyone around her — no one but him had ever seemed worthy in her eyes. For the past few days, Ryan had been caught in a hazy, misguided assumption, convinced she had secretly fallen for someone else. Now clarity struck him all at once — this had merely been her way of provoking him, a deliberate nudge meant to force his hand.
Frost crept across his features as he answered in a clipped, unyielding tone, “If this is a family get-together, I won’t get in the way p>
The sharpness of his reply made Lionel’s gaze waver for a heartbeat. “Did Kailey do something to offend you p>