Chapter 382
Chapter 382:
“You—I—” Words tangled on Dagmar’s tongue as she pointed at Kailey and then at herself. They failed her in the end, and frustration twisted into disappointed anger on her face. “I had you figured out, Kailey. You’re hopelessly foolish.” In a huff, she stormed out.
Kailey remained unfazed and continued sipping her coffee in peace.
She wasn’t unaware of Lionel’s ulterior motives. On the contrary, it was precisely because she knew that she had agreed to Dagmar’s request. Secrets rarely surfaced without a gamble. Refusal would only push Lionel to scheme elsewhere, while open cooperation gave her a clearer view of whatever treasure he believed the mountain concealed.
Kailey’s judgment proved accurate, and Lionel’s impatience showed the moment she agreed. A courier arrived at the villa before the next day had even settled, a thick borrowing contract waiting in his hands. Urgency clung to him as he stood there expecting her signature and an immediate return.
𝘓𝖺𝘁𝖾st ch𝗮𝗽t𝖾𝗋ѕ 𝘰𝘯 𝗀𝗮𝘭𝘯o𝗏е𝗹ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝘮
If this were simply borrowing a mountain for research, there was no purpose in signing such complicated documents.
Amusement softened her smile as Kailey read every page at an unhurried pace, and she signed after confirming nothing suspicious appeared.
The door closed behind the courier, and Kailey immediately reached out to the local forestry service. Dry air marked the arrival of spring, and wildfire risk followed close behind. Using forest fire prevention as her reason, she personally funded the installation of cameras at key road junctions, placing them in slightly concealed spots to prevent theft.
Notes filled the staff member’s records as she explained the plan, and another thought surfaced. “My mother built a small house up there, and hikers use it as a resting point now. I want a couple of cameras installed there too, in case something goes wrong p>
“That’s no problem.” The staff member took note and expressed gratitude to Kailey.
The call ended, and a quiet breath slipped from her chest in relief. “What are you planning, Uncle? What surprise are you hiding for me p>
Evening arrived at seven o’clock, and Karol announced that dinner was ready—yet an unexpected call from Kyson interrupted the calm and sent Devin to collect Kailey instead.
“A friend just flew back from overseas. You should come meet him,” Kyson said.
The wedding had passed without that friend present, and he chose today to appear? The thought stalled Kailey for a moment, though she kept the question to herself.
After a quick change of clothes, she headed downstairs and stepped into Devin’s car.
“Congratulations on your marriage,” Devin said, his cheerful tone carrying genuine warmth.
“Thank you.” Kailey smiled. “Do you know who this friend Kyson mentioned is p>
“I don’t.” Devin glanced into the rearview mirror. “Are you feeling nervous p>
Kailey shook her head, yet an uneasy ripple still lingered inside her.
Sure enough, the moment she entered the private room, the sight of the man inside wiped the calm from her face in an instant.