Chapter 129
Chapter 129:
The dinner dragged on for nearly two hours, during which Lionel kept asking about Kailey’s current life. Learning that she worked at a jewelry design company genuinely surprised him. “With the Owen family’s resources, why didn’t you work at one of their companies p>
Kailey paused before answering evenly, “I need a life that belongs to me p>
“I suppose that’s fair,” Lionel replied, sensing tension between Kailey and the Owen family without knowing enough to probe deeper. “Building your own career is a good thing. No matter what, you’re not without support p>
Once they stepped out of the restaurant, Lionel offered to take Kailey home.
“There’s no need. I already arranged transportation,” Kailey replied without hesitation.
Still, something lingered in her thoughts. Hadn’t Lionel intended to discuss her mother’s inheritance? The entire dinner had passed without a single mention of it.
After a brief pause, she spoke again. “About the thing my mother asked you to give to me p>
“Oh, that?” Lionel reacted as though the memory had just surfaced. “Your mother left a will stating that it would be transferred to you once you turned eighteen. I was so focused on meeting you today that I didn’t bring it with me. We’ll handle it next time p>
When Kailey remained quiet, he continued, “If that’s what you’re worried about, you can come back with me right now p>
“There’s no need p>
𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘋𝘍𝘴 𝘰𝘯
Kailey held his gaze, quietly hoping to catch a trace of sincerity. In the end, she found nothing there. Even though Lionel’s company did not rank among the largest corporations, decades spent navigating business had sharpened his instincts, leaving him calculating and difficult to read.
Keeping her expression steady, she repeated calmly, “There’s no need. I’m not pressed for time p>
A mild smile spread across Lionel’s face. “There’s no rush at all. Everything will eventually be yours p>
Just then, the car Kailey had arranged pulled up, and she raised a hand in farewell. With her hands tucked into her pockets and a casual, easy air about her, Dagmar called out, “See you around, Kailey p>
Kailey gave a small nod and stepped into the car.
It was only after the white vehicle disappeared from view that Lionel turned sharply, his face tightening. “If you keep acting impulsively, I’ll send you straight back to Ustuijan. Do you have any idea how close you came to ruining my plan p>
Dagmar reacted with a careless shrug. “Ruining what exactly? Your scheme against your niece p>
“Watch your mouth p>
“Why? What did I say that was wrong?” Dagmar replied with a mocking smile as she waved down a passing taxi. “If you’re worried I’ll mess things up, then don’t involve me next time p>
Lionel stood there watching his defiant daughter leave, anger churning with nowhere to go. After lingering in place for a moment longer, his phone suddenly began to ring. Still simmering, he picked up and snapped, “Say it p>
After a short pause, a low, composed voice came through the line. “Mr. Ward, you sound rather unhappy to hear from me p>