Chapter 343
Chapter 343:
Something told her this trip was bound to get complicated. Nearly every recent encounter with Ryan had dissolved into tension. Would he truly accept her decision to marry Kyson? Agreement or not, the path she had chosen would not change.
“What’s on your mind?” Kyson’s voice came suddenly from beside her.
Kailey looked up to find him standing at her side. “How long have you been back?” she asked, blinking in surprise.
He glanced at the sleek watch around his wrist. “About three minutes p>
𝗥e𝗮𝘥 𝘵h𝗲 𝗹a𝗍е𝘀t 𝘁𝗋𝘦ոds 𝗈𝘯.с𝘰m
“Okay.” She hesitated before bringing up the matter. “What do you think would be a suitable gift for Ryan p>
His expression tightened almost imperceptibly, one brow lifting as his piercing gaze grew intent. “Let me handle it p>
The calm certainty in his voice was enough. Kailey released the tight knot of worry in her chest and chose to set the matter aside.
Irene had already reserved flights for the following day, and Kailey spent the afternoon tidying up unfinished tasks before filing a formal leave request with HR.
Zaria leaned against the desk with a playful grin. “The company’s basically yours anyway. Do you really have to go through all that paperwork p>
“Rules exist for a reason,” Kailey answered. “Even now, I’m sure plenty of people whisper that I pull strings behind the scenes. I don’t really care what they say—but acting however I want? That’s something I’d only do if p>
“If what p>
“If the company actually belonged to me.” At present, it still didn’t. Though Kyson’s influence could easily open doors and lift her higher, she refused to stand beneath that spotlight and enjoy its warmth without earning her place through her own effort.
With a small, thoughtful nod, Zaria offered warmly, “I hope your trip goes smoothly p>
Kailey exhaled deeply. Smooth or not hardly seemed within her control, and with Ryan and Olivia around, conflict felt almost guaranteed.
At dawn the following day, they were already on their way to the airport. Because of his tight schedule, Kyson’s father would meet them in Jucridge directly.
The plane pushed forward through dense banks of cloud as though slipping into another realm. Beyond the oval window stretched a boundless, deeper blue sky, sunlight pouring across the wings in brilliant sheets of gold. Three hours later, Jucridge appeared below.
The moment she stepped off the plane, Irene lifted her chin and drew in a long breath. “Jucridge may not be especially cold, but the damp chill seeps straight into your bones. Make sure to keep your coat on, Kailey p>
“Okay p>
Just as Kailey began slipping her fingers free from her gloves, Kyson gently pivoted her around to face him. With quiet efficiency, he drew her zipper all the way up and tugged the hood forward until it framed her cheeks snugly.
Wrapped entirely in soft white layers, Kailey looked like a fluffy bear, only her wide, glimmering eyes peeking out from the fluff. Kyson, dressed in stark contrast, wore a tailored black overcoat and sharply pressed suit trousers that traced the powerful lines of his long legs, lending him an air of cool dominance and quiet control. One figure radiated gentle innocence, while the other carried a composed, unreadable depth.