Chapter 118
Chapter 118:
Ryan figured that sounded right. By now, Kailey was probably settling comfortably into her new position. A question about her lodging nearly slipped from his lips, yet he swallowed it at the last second. Her small circle guarded one another fiercely, and the last thing he wanted was Kailey catching word that he was prying and drawing fresh conclusions.
That thought drained the remaining warmth from his expression. “You’re all grown adults,” he said coolly. “Maybe discuss something worthwhile instead of gossip fit for cheap tabloids. It’s nothing but wasted breath p>
Watching Ryan’s figure fade down the corridor, Carlos released a quiet, scornful chuckle.
Darrell cut him a sharp sideways glance. “What’s so funny p>
Carlos lifted his shoulders in a lazy shrug. “I’m only putting up with this because of Kailey. Otherwise, I wouldn’t give him a second of my time. Does he seriously think he’s that impressive? Just because he’s a few years older, he thinks he can lecture me like some wise elder? That’s laughable p>
𝘈d𝘥𝘪c𝗍𝗶𝘃𝗲 nо𝗏e𝗅𝘴 𝗈n
Relief flickered across Darrell’s eyes as he glanced down the corridor and confirmed Ryan had walked far enough away not to hear. Lowering his voice, he warned sharply, “We’re in public — keep your mouth in check p>
With both hands buried in his pockets and his chin tipped up in stubborn defiance, Carlos shot back, “So what’s the big deal? If he’s got any backbone, he can stop working with us himself p>
In truth, even if Ryan had caught every word, it wouldn’t have changed a thing. Other than leaning on the Craig family, he had nowhere else to turn at the moment. Irritation simmered inside Carlos whenever that self-important expression of Ryan’s came to mind. Honestly, it wasn’t surprising Kailey had walked away from him.
After heading downstairs, Ryan slid into the driver’s seat and dialed Olivia’s number. A few blocks away in a softly lit spa, she noticed his name flash across the screen and motioned the aesthetician to pause. “Ryan? All wrapped up for today p>
The warmth in her voice eased the tight lines around his face. “Yeah. Where are you right now? I’ll swing by and pick you up p>
“I’ll text you the location p>
After ending the call, Olivia peeled the cool sheet mask from her cheeks and set it aside.
“Miss Marsh, we still have about ten minutes remaining p>
“I’m finished.” Pushing herself upright on the treatment bed, she sent her live location, a buoyant smile lifting her lips. “My boyfriend is on his way. I don’t want to keep him waiting. Just rinse it off for me, please. I’ll sign up for the platinum package next week p>
Delighted, the aesthetician reached for a warm towel. “You’re incredibly sweet, Miss Marsh. He’s a fortunate man p>
“I’m well aware,” Olivia replied with a playful curve to her smile. “We’re already planning the engagement p>
“Oh, that’s wonderful! You both must be deeply in love p>
Deeply in love? Maybe. Ever since her teenage years, Olivia’s heart had stayed stubbornly anchored to Ryan, refusing to drift no matter how much time passed. No other man had ever fit into the picture she imagined for her life. In her mind, the future already carried his last name beside hers. Nothing in the world felt strong enough to shake that decision. Not a single obstacle seemed capable of standing in her way.