Chapter 254
Chapter 254:
The Blake family and the Owen family had once been neighbors, acquainted for years — yet their recent interactions had been strictly business. Ryan had stayed in Aslesall partly because he wanted to meet Kyson, and had tried several times to arrange it. The man who had kept his distance now appeared like this, without warning.
Ryan inhaled slowly. His gaze brushed past the girl beside Kyson, his voice steady though something sharp ran beneath it. “Mr. Blake, I heard from your company’s staff that you were away on a business trip. Did you come back early p>
A business trip? Kyson had been with her the entire time. Kailey lowered her head and let Kyson guide her to a seat.
Kyson poured a glass of water and set it in front of her as if nothing were unusual. “I came back early. There’s someone important at home who needs me p>
The private room was not large. The two men sat facing each other while Kailey remained between them. The air held no open hostility, yet a quiet tension lingered and slowly tightened. Ryan clenched his jaw, the muscles along his cheek twitching, before he pulled out a chair and sat down. “Then you’d better keep a close eye on her, Mr. Blake p>
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No matter what Kyson was thinking or what his connection to Kailey truly was, Ryan knew better than to challenge him outright. Their partnership had only just begun, and it could fall apart at any moment. This project would determine Owen Group’s revenue for the entire coming year.
Kailey caught the tension hidden beneath their words. She took a small sip of water to steady herself and forced her voice to sound calm. “Why are you here? Where’s Uncle Lionel p>
“He had something urgent come up and left.” Ryan studied her closely, his brows drawn together. “Are you disappointed to see me p>
“Of course not.” She was merely surprised.
Kailey pulled together a polite smile. “But next time you can just call me. Kyson and I both get busy, so it’s easier if we plan ahead p>
With Kyson sitting beside her, Ryan held back many of the things he wanted to say. His expression stayed serious as he reached over and pressed the service bell. “Let’s eat first. After that, you can head back. I need to talk business with Mr. Blake p>
“Kyson and I p>
“I know Mr. Blake has been taking good care of you while you’ve been in Aslesall.” Ryan cut her off before she could finish. His deep gaze made it clear he did not want to be challenged. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to thank him properly. But —” his tone shifted as his eyes moved to the man beside her. “After all, he watched you grow up. He probably sees you as a younger sister. Isn’t that right, Mr. Blake p>
Kyson’s eyes flickered. A faint smile curved his lips as his long fingers tapped lightly against the edge of the table, slow and deliberate. When he looked at Kailey, he lifted his brows slightly in a subtle, almost unreadable way — seeming to savor Ryan’s words before giving a slow nod.
Kailey immediately sensed something off and shot him a warning look.