Chapter 498
Chapter 498:
Lyman had already changed. A dark suit wrapped him in distance and sharpened every line of his presence. He glanced at her when she entered but said nothing.
Tension settled into Kailey’s shoulders as she took her seat. The maid poured milk and set the toast on the table.
“Take that away,” Kailey said.
The maid froze, eyes shifting toward Lyman. Displeasure creased his brow for an instant before he dismissed her with a brief look. Then he rolled up his sleeves, reached for the bread, and spread blueberry jam across the toast with careful, even strokes. “The cook isn’t here today. You’ll have to settle for this p>
Kailey glanced at the toast placed in front of her. Her gaze rose to meet his. “So this is how it works now? You control where I go, and you decide what I eat p>
Lyman frowned deeply. For a heartbeat, Kailey thought he might actually snap.
He didn’t. His displeasure lasted only two seconds before dissolving back into composure. He set the toast onto her plate, then wiped his hands with a napkin. “Leave it there if you don’t want it. Skipping one meal won’t kill you p>
Kailey pressed her lips tight and said nothing.
𝗨р𝘥𝗮𝘁е𝗌 𝘦𝗏e𝘳𝗒 we𝘦k о𝘯
“A doctor will arrive at noon to check your hand. Tell the maid if you need anything,” he added, then left.
By reflex, her numb palm curled weakly in her lap. She watched him go until he disappeared from view, then sat alone in the dining room for a long while without moving.
When the door finally opened again, a bodyguard escorted in a doctor — a young woman. “Ms. Evans p>
“We’ll go upstairs,” Kailey said, her voice dry.
Youth showed in the doctor’s face, though sharp beauty balanced it. Gold-rimmed glasses softened her features and added a faint, rebellious edge. At first glance, she somehow resembled Lyman.
“Did you hurt your hand?” the doctor asked when Kailey stayed silent. “You can tell me what’s bothering you. Let me take a look p>
Kailey turned to the guard. “Leave p>
“But p>
“I have to take my clothes off. Do you plan to stay and watch p>
Embarrassment flushed his face, and he stepped out quickly, pulling the door shut behind him.
The doctor studied Kailey with quiet curiosity. “Is there something you want to say to me p>
Kailey stared straight at her face. “What are you to Lyman p>
“Nothing at all.” A small smile. “I’m simply a doctor. I haven’t met Mr. Vasquez before p>
Desperation lay flat beneath Kailey’s expression. “Then call the police for me. He’s keeping me here against my will p>
Shock erased the warmth from the doctor’s face. Her smile froze in place, and a heavy silence followed before she steadied herself. “Why is he keeping you here p>
Words gathered on Kailey’s tongue and fell apart before they formed.
“I’m sorry.” Regret softened the doctor’s voice when she saw Kailey’s pale face. “Mr. Vasquez isn’t someone I can offend. If I contact the police without proof, the consequences fall on me. I need to understand the situation first p>
Silence swallowed Kailey again as her gaze dropped.