Chapter 167
Chapter 167:
With Bianca and Lionel at the table, the entire meal unfolded without friction, wrapping Kailey in a soft, unexpected glow of familial warmth. Once the dishes were cleared, she offered to lend a hand in the kitchen, only for Bianca to wave her off with a fond smile. “No need for you to scrub plates. Go keep your uncle company — he’s got something he wants to talk over with you p>
Catching the subtle, knowing sparkle in Bianca’s eyes, Kailey felt a quiet certainty settle in her stomach that Lionel intended to bring up the inheritance.
Dagmar sprawled in the living room, completely absorbed in her game, cursing under her breath now and then with her legs hooked high over the armrest. Lionel frowned and snapped at her. “You’re already an adult. What do you think you’re doing? Sit properly p>
Dagmar didn’t even bother to look at him, her eyes staying locked on the screen.
Lionel was about to continue when he noticed Kailey walking toward them. “Kailey,” he said, forcing his tone to soften. “Dagmar has always been careless like this. We’re family, so try not to take it to heart p>
Kailey glanced at Dagmar just as Dagmar finally looked up. Their gazes collided — one indifferent, the other carrying open contempt. Dagmar snorted quietly and muttered something under her breath, impossible to tell whether it was meant for Lionel or Kailey.
Kailey smiled and said, “I don’t mind. I had my own rebellious phase when I was younger.” That much was true. Even if it hadn’t been as extreme as Dagmar’s behavior, she had still caused Ryan more than enough trouble back then.
Lionel poured her a cup of coffee and let out a tired sigh. “I just hope this is temporary. Bianca and I are exhausted because of her. If you ever have time, maybe you could help keep an eye on her p>
Kailey lifted an eyebrow but stayed silent. She was only twenty-one herself. Help keep an eye on Dagmar?
“How is she supposed to keep an eye on me when she’s no different from me?” Dagmar said lazily, not changing her position, fingers still moving across the controller. “Do you really think Kailey is that impressive p>
𝗪𝖾e𝗄lу r𝖾𝗹𝖾𝗮sеѕ оn.с𝗼m
“Dagmar!” Lionel raised his voice, clearly furious now. “What kind of attitude is that p>
“Alright, alright. I won’t say anything. I don’t want to deal with any of you.” She turned her attention back to the game, loud and reckless all over again.
Without her interrupting, the mood in the room eased almost immediately.
Lionel looked at Kailey and said, “I know these past years haven’t been easy for you. But from now on, you have me. I won’t let you be wronged again. If anything ever comes up, you have to tell me, alright p>
“I will, Uncle,” Kailey replied. In reality, her life had not been especially difficult. Ryan had shielded her from most of it.
She took a small sip of her coffee and waited quietly for him to go on.
Lionel began talking about the past — leaving years ago, struggling to build a business overseas, dealing with rejection and hardship at every turn. Just when things had finally started to stabilize, the global economy took a downturn.
“Before your mother passed away, she called me,” he said.
Kailey slowly set her cup down. Even Dagmar stopped playing. She lowered her legs and finally sat upright.