Chapter 134
Chapter 134:
Once the call ended, Ryan’s chest rose and fell with heavier breaths. Aleena’s words kept replaying in his mind. Let her live her own life. What did that even mean? All he wanted was for Kailey to live simply, to avoid pointless hardships, and to stop being misled by people with hidden motives. Everything he did was for her sake. Even if she dated, married, or had children someday, it should still be…
Ryan leaned back against the seat and shut his eyes, his throat tightening as he swallowed. Just imagining that future made his chest feel unbearably tight, as if something unseen was closing in around his heart and stealing the air from his lungs.
He brushed the feeling aside, convincing himself it was nothing more than a guardian’s instinct acting up. After all, how could the girl he had raised possibly be taken away so easily by someone else? Kailey had clearly grown bolder — but what of it? He could always find a way to bring her back.
Less than half an hour later, Ryan arrived at the airport. Jarred stepped forward and passed him his identification and suitcase.
“Mr. Owen, would you like me to come with you p>
Ryan shot him a brief look and replied coolly, “Do you plan on leaving the company behind p>
Jarred froze, momentarily speechless. As if it were his company to begin with. If even the boss was walking away without concern, did all the responsibility really fall on him, an assistant? That kind of pressure was far beyond what his paycheck justified.
Taking the suitcase from Jarred’s hand, Ryan spoke without expression. “Attend the meetings on my behalf and handle the upcoming social engagements. Do it properly, and your pay this month will nearly triple p>
Jarred’s eyes immediately lit up, energy surging through him. “Leave it to me, Mr. Owen. I’ll make sure everything goes smoothly p>
Ryan gave him a brief glance before turning toward the security checkpoint.
𝗥𝗲а𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾 lа𝘵𝖾𝗌𝘵 𝗍𝗿𝘦𝗇𝖽𝘀 𝗼𝗻
Meanwhile, once Kailey wrapped up her meeting with Lionel and had no further plans, she headed home. Spotting Karol trimming the dead branches in the garden, she changed into comfortable clothes and went out to help. The entire afternoon passed as they worked side by side, and by the time they finished, the neglected yard had been restored to a neat and livable state.
“I’ll stop by the flower market later and pick up some sturdy plants to fill the empty spots. That should wrap up the renovation perfectly p>
Tending to plants and fixing up the garden had always brought Karol simple joy. Watching how animated he looked, Kailey smiled without realizing it. “Alright, make sure you call me when you head out. I can help you carry everything p>
“That won’t be a problem at all,” Karol answered brightly.
At that moment, a low and pleasant male voice drifted in from the hallway. “Where are you heading p>
The smile on Kailey’s face slowly disappeared. “So… you’re at home p>