Chapter 140
Chapter 140:
Ryan studied Kailey’s familiar features, noticing that her eyes had lost their usual spark of defiance. In their place was only seriousness, resolve, and an unwavering confidence. A strange ache tightened in his chest, as though something essential had suddenly been ripped away. The feeling was gone before he could fully understand it.
He forced a faint, bitter smile and asked through gritted teeth, “Are you absolutely certain p>
Kailey nodded. “I am p>
She held his gaze and added, “Let me say this one last time, Uncle Ryan. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and I’ll find my own way to repay you. But from this moment on, we need to go our separate ways. Living together just isn’t right for us.” With Olivia’s presence and her own, things would only get messier, even without any extra complications. It simply wasn’t worth the trouble.
Ryan’s eyes reddened as he glared at her, silent for several moments, his chest rising and falling with barely contained anger. Kailey stood firm, patiently waiting for whatever he might say next.
“If you’ve made your decision, there’s nothing left for me to add.” Ryan’s hands curled into fists at his sides, his face pale. “Just remember — don’t come to regret this p>
A faint smile appeared on Kailey’s lips. “I won’t regret it.” She realized how liberating life could feel without any lingering feelings for him.
“Alright.” Ryan’s glare sharpened, the urge to lash out clear in his expression, but he settled for a mocking laugh. “You claim you won’t regret it, but are you sure you’re not plotting something behind my back? Kailey, you really have learned how to get under my skin. Do you have any idea how cutthroat the working world is? Are you prepared to face everything on your own in Aslesall p>
Kailey’s eyes stayed calm. “I know what’s ahead, and I can manage it p>
He scoffed. “Manage it? You mean like the times you’d charm me into giving you money p>
𝘗𝘋𝗙ѕ 𝗈𝗇
Kailey pressed her lips together and didn’t reply. She had done that before, but only when she still believed she might build a future with him. She had pressured him for money only to turn around and buy him gifts in return.
Ryan saw her silence and took it as proof that she wasn’t ready. He was certain she wouldn’t last. She had been protected from real hardship, and he expected her to give up after a month at most. Closing his eyes, he said sternly, “Olivia may have been harsh, but she means well. You shouldn’t hold a grudge against her. Come home with me tomorrow and apologize to her, or else p>
“Or else what?” she challenged, refusing to back down.
“Then act like we’re strangers from now on p>
The words struck Kailey like a blow. Her eyes grew wide as she stared at him, searching his face for the man she thought she knew. He looked just as he had all those years ago, but in that moment she realized she perhaps had never truly known him at all.
“I won’t go back, and I’m not going to apologize to Olivia.” Kailey’s voice was rough with emotion. “I’m sorry, Uncle Ryan.” She rose from her chair, gave him a deep bow, and walked out of the room with unwavering steps.