Chapter 165
Chapter 165:
Measured steps carried her toward the staircase, each footfall soft against the polished wood. Before long, faint murmurs drifted up from below — voices clearly tense, edged with disagreement — yet deliberately hushed, leaving her unable to catch a single word.
Upstairs, three separate doors lined the quiet hallway, their differences obvious at a glance. Straight across from the stairs stood a bedroom flaunting an oversized One Piece figurine, its vivid colors and bold stance radiating restless energy. Without question, that had to be Dagmar’s room.
Three sharp knocks echoed through the door, and an object suddenly whizzed out from the other side, clattering against the wall. “Go away! I told you I’m not eating. How many times do I have to say it p>
A subtle crease formed between Kailey’s brows. For a split second she considered turning around and walking away, but her fingers curled at her sides as she murmured softly, “It’s me, Kailey p>
Stillness settled in the hallway like dust.
After a brief pause, the door swung open, revealing Dagmar’s irritated expression, eyes narrowed with open impatience. “What now p>
Composure never left Kailey’s face as she replied evenly, “Your mom asked me to come upstairs and spend some time with you p>
T𝘩e 𝘮o𝘴𝘵 𝗉𝗼𝘱𝗎𝗅a𝗋 𝘯𝘰v𝖾l𝘀 оո
Dagmar let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. Folding her arms across her chest, she slouched against the doorframe with careless defiance. “You and me? Seriously? We barely know each other.” Then a glint of curiosity sparked in her gaze as she leaned closer, voice edged with sarcasm. “Or is this because you helped me once and suddenly think you’ve earned the right to boss me around p>
Kailey held her gaze without flinching. “Boss you around? Why would I p>
A flicker of surprise crossed Dagmar’s face, and the sharp edge in her posture faltered as a quiet realization settled in — Kailey had never treated her like an enemy at all.
“Then… you’re trying to win me over?” she asked.
Composed as ever, Kailey replied in an even tone, “Why would I need to win you over? Like you said, we’re basically strangers. I helped you before for your father’s sake — he’s my uncle, after all. So tell me, what reason would I possibly have to try winning you over p>
Dagmar parted her lips, searching for a retort, yet no sound emerged. After a short silence, she snapped, “How would I know what you’re really plotting? Maybe you’re just trying to bribe me!” With that sharp accusation hanging in the air, she spun on her heel and stomped back inside.
A brief flicker of hesitation crossed Kailey’s eyes before she quietly trailed after her.
Dagmar’s bedroom resembled a miniature anime museum curated with obsessive devotion. Towering glass cabinets lined the walls in neat pairs, every shelf crowded with detailed figurines, while the largest centerpiece stood sealed behind crystal panels, its fierce expression almost intimidating.
Dagmar lounged across the couch in a careless sprawl, flipping through a paperback without the slightest concern for posture or poise. “Be straight with me. What exactly do you want from me?” she muttered without lifting her gaze.
Though the words sounded prickly, the edge in her voice had softened.