Chapter 128
Chapter 128:
The comment visibly startled Lionel, and he quickly realized he might have pushed the conversation too far. He rubbed the bridge of his nose before responding, “No matter what, he raised you and supported you for years. That kind of bond isn’t something we should overlook. It wouldn’t hurt to check in once in a while p>
“I get it.” Kailey gave a small nod.
After that exchange, the warmth at the table faded noticeably. She resumed her meal at an unhurried pace, the soft clink of utensils breaking the silence. Dagmar, who had remained detached until then, finally showed a hint of interest as she observed Kailey’s composed reaction.
With a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, she said, “Dad, Kailey went out of her way to bring gifts for us. As her uncle, shouldn’t you at least show some appreciation?” She had caught part of his phone conversation earlier and heard him asking about Kailey’s preferences.
Lionel hesitated, and his expression stiffened for a brief second before irritation crept into his voice. “Of course I prepared something. What kind of nonsense are you saying?” He turned back to Kailey. “Kailey, I honestly didn’t know what you liked, so I didn’t buy anything specific. Take this instead and treat yourself at the mall.” As he spoke, he slid a bank card across the table.
U𝗉𝘥𝘢𝘁𝖾𝗌 𝖾𝘷e𝗋у 𝗐𝗲𝖾k 𝗼ո
Kailey waved it away. “There’s really no need. I have my own money p>
Lionel refused to back down and lifted the card again, pressing it into her hand. “I mean it. If you keep refusing, I’ll honestly be offended p>
Turning people down usually came easily to Kailey, but dealing with her mother’s family was different. No matter her feelings toward this uncle, his position and seniority were not something she could ignore. At a loss for words, she lowered her gaze to the card resting in her palm, uncertainty settling in.
Something subtle flashed through Lionel’s eyes, and regret briefly shaped his expression. Letting out a heavy sigh, he began explaining the limits and hardships of the past few years. “Now that you’ve started working, you should understand how hard it’s been for me to build everything overseas. When your mother passed away, the company was at a critical stage, and my wife was also seriously ill p>
“Excuse me!” Dagmar cleared her throat sharply, cutting Lionel off with obvious intent.
Lionel shot her a warning look, his brows knitting together, then continued, holding Kailey’s hand. “Either way, I failed to be there for you and your mother. I’ll be staying in Aslesall for some time. Let me make things right while I’m here, alright p>
Maintaining her composure, Kailey offered a courteous smile. “I know things weren’t easy for you. There’s really no need to make it up to me, so please don’t feel burdened p>
She had grown up under the Owen family’s care, and her life had been stable all these years. Even if there had been hardships back then, compensation at this point would not change anything.
Lionel realized that although his niece appeared gentle on the surface, she was not someone who could be easily swayed. If he wanted to gain her trust, it would take more than a few well-chosen words.