Chapter 550
Chapter 550:
Another sharp breath slipped past Kailey’s lips as the fragile thread of clarity she’d been clinging to unraveled, dissolving into a tangle of doubt.
What role was Kyson playing in all of this?
Emptiness followed Kailey back into the taxi, and despair dulled her senses so completely that the driver’s voice barely reached her.
“Miss p>
“Sorry.” Confusion pulled her head up at last. “What did you ask me p>
S𝘩𝗮𝗿𝘦 𝘺𝗼𝘂𝗋 𝘁ho𝘂𝗀h𝘁𝘀 оո
He steered into a slow turn and studied her through the mirror. “The air is freezing tonight, and you’re not wearing enough layers. Should I start the heater p>
Awareness struck only after his words settled, and Kailey noticed how deeply the cold had seeped into her bones. She managed a small smile. “Yes, please p>
Warm air filled the cabin, and comfort slowly pushed back the chill. Kailey held her arms tight around herself while her hair hung loose and tangled over her shoulders, a fragility clinging to her like glass ready to crack.
Sympathy stirred in the driver as he stole another glance at her. Sorrow seemed to follow her like a shadow despite the wealth she clearly carried. He began sharing gentle advice meant to soothe her, and once the words started flowing, they kept going, one thought spilling into the next.
Drowsiness crept over Kailey while he kept talking, and she floated between sleep and wakefulness until the car rolled to a stop.
“Miss, we’re here now p>
Confusion clouded her eyes when they opened, and awareness returned slowly.
He pointed toward the buildings outside. “This is where you got out earlier. You should go home. Morning is already here p>
Pale blue light stretched across the sky at six-thirty, the sun waiting on the edge of breaking.
Kailey took out the remaining cash and handed it to the driver. “Thank you p>
She stepped out and fixed her stare on the entrance for a long moment. Home? She had no home anymore.
Urgency pushed through the fog in her mind. She needed to return at once — if anyone discovered she had slipped out, Lyman’s control would only tighten further.
Following the same route she had taken earlier, she made it back without incident.
Stillness shattered the moment she crossed the threshold. Footsteps sounded just beyond the door.
Instinct took over. Kailey stripped off her clothes, shoved them deep into the wardrobe, slipped into her loungewear, and kicked her shoes under the bed.
The third knock landed just as she pulled the door open.
Suspicion sharpened Lyman’s stare as he examined her half-awake face. “Why did you take so long p>
“Do you even realize what time it is?” Sarcasm cooled her reply. “I’m not heading to school or work, so there’s no reason to wake up early p>
Silence answered her while his eyes traveled slowly from her head to her feet. His gaze was penetrating — as if he could see straight through her.
Fear prickled along her spine, yet she kept her voice steady. “What do you want? I’m exhausted p>