Chapter 166
Chapter 166:
Sliding into the vacant seat beside her, Kailey leaned back with easy composure and asked, “So… are you thinking about transferring to a local school p>
Dagmar tipped the book downward just enough to peer over the edge, her eyes flicking toward Kailey in mild annoyance. “That guy hasn’t been pestering you again, has he p>
With a crisp snap, Dagmar slammed the book shut against her knees and shot Kailey a cutting glare. “Are you finished? Honestly, having a cousin like you is humiliating p>
Instead of bristling, Kailey only blinked, tilting her head as though giving the accusation sincere thought. “Funny. I was just thinking the exact same thing p>
The unspoken meaning hung comfortably in the air — being related to Dagmar felt just as mortifying.
Heat rushed to Dagmar’s cheeks, unused to anyone sparring with her so effortlessly. “Get out of here! I’m done talking to you p>
“Same here,” Kailey replied with perfect indifference. “I’m only passing along what your mom told me p>
𝖯op𝘂𝗅а𝗋 s𝗍𝗼𝗋і𝗲𝘀 o𝘯
Dinner hour was creeping closer anyway, so there was no reason to linger. As she turned to leave, her gaze drifted by accident to the book balanced across Dagmar’s thighs — its glossy cover splashed with two lovers locked in an overly dramatic, unmistakably suggestive embrace. Prepared for almost anything, Kailey still felt a flicker of surprise tighten her expression. “You actually read that kind of thing p>
Curiosity sparked in Dagmar’s eyes as she followed Kailey’s stare to the cover. Sensing an opportunity, she straightened with sudden enthusiasm, elbows braced on her knees as she thrust the novel forward. “You interested or something p>
Silence settled over Kailey, her lips pressed into a thin, thoughtful line.
“So I heard you’ve got a boyfriend,” Dagmar teased. “Want to borrow it p>
Kailey’s silence spoke volumes.
Watching the rosy color bloom across Kailey’s cheeks, Dagmar’s eyes sparkled with delighted mischief, as though she had stumbled upon buried gold. “Come on, why so shy? It’s perfectly normal p>
Composure intact, Kailey lifted her chin. “Normal — but you’re still too young for that p>
With a casual flick of her wrist, Dagmar skimmed a few pages. “Don’t be such a fuddy-duddy p>
Drawing in a measured breath, Kailey chose the safer path of silence. “Enjoy your book. I’m going downstairs p>
Footsteps echoed behind her as Dagmar followed, sneaking curious glances like a child who had just discovered a fascinating new plaything.
From downstairs, Lionel and Bianca watched them descend together with gentle, approving smiles, clearly convinced the two had finally found common ground.
“Dagmar, since you and your cousin seem to get along so well now, make sure you keep in touch — and try steering clear of those shady friends of yours p>
Under normal circumstances, that remark would have drawn a sharp, biting comeback. This time, however, Dagmar answered breezily. “Of course. I actually like hanging out with my cousin. We’ll definitely pick things up from each other p>
That pointed stress on “pick things up” sent a faint chill skittering across Kailey’s scalp. Impatience simmered quietly in her chest, and she found herself counting the minutes until dinner ended so she could escape home.