Chapter 531
Chapter 531:
For the first time, Candice’s voice turned serious — even tinged with something that resembled sympathy. “You should speak with Lionel about that fire. He knows more than anyone about the person responsible p>
A brief rigidity passed through Kailey’s shoulders before she walked straight into the villa without another word.
Candice watched her go with a crooked smile. “Kailey, you don’t seriously think I lied, do you? Tsk. Your life isn’t much better than mine,” she murmured to herself, grabbing her bag and heading out. She had no intention of returning here again.
The midday sun had been bright, but by afternoon the sky turned overcast. Rain was forecast yet refused to fall, and the air felt tight and oppressive, as though the weather itself was holding its breath.
Kailey stood by the window, the wind pressing cold against her face.
“Ms. Evans, please take care of your health. Mr. Vasquez would worry if you fell ill.” The housekeeper stepped close and draped a shawl gently over Kailey’s shoulders.
Kailey glanced at her and smiled. “There’s nothing between Lyman and me p>
The housekeeper looked around. The bodyguards were far away, but she lowered her voice all the same. “I know — but his feelings are obvious. Perhaps you’re unaware, but he spends many nights without sleep. One time, I brought him coffee at midnight and found him staring at your photograph p>
Ne𝗐 𝘤𝘩𝖺𝘱𝘁e𝘳s e𝗏𝖾𝗋𝘺 w𝗲𝖾𝗄 о𝘯 ѕ.𝖼𝗈m
She sighed. She would never risk speaking so freely in front of Lyman, yet time spent beside Kailey had convinced her the girl had a kind heart. “I can’t understand the concerns of you young people. But what is life supposed to be? Mr. Vasquez is far too rigid, and you’re too carefree.” She believed Kailey could walk away if she truly wished — so why stay, and yet not give Lyman a chance?
She would never understand how the young minds worked.
Work called the housekeeper away, and she offered a few last reminders before disappearing down the hall.
Kailey pulled the shawl closer around her shoulders. The cold wind stung her face until her nose flushed red, and memory dragged her back to the first trip she and Lionel had shared at the mountain.
Back then, Lionel never stopped talking, circling old memories and sharing childhood stories about Alissa. According to him, they had shared a bond nothing could break — which made the thought of his link to the fire feel impossible.
But if he wasn’t involved, then why would Candice lie?
Kailey couldn’t unravel it. She had always tried not to assume the worst of people, yet time and again, human nature revealed its fragility under pressure and taught her a harsh lesson.
Time slipped past without her noticing, and the growl of an engine finally pulled her attention toward the yard.
The wind kept raging without pause.
The car door swung open and Lyman stepped out, his tall frame holding steady against the gale as if the weather carried no weight at all.
He slowed when he lifted his head and locked eyes with Kailey through the window.
Something unseen stretched between them, the air tied tight by a silent thread. Neither said a word.