Chapter 17
Chapter 17:
Kailey’s hands paused, her good mood dimming slightly. After a moment, she answered, “I’m about to start work, so I wanted to visit Dad, Mom, and Grandma while I still can p>
Although Kailey had grown up beside Ryan, it was his brother and sister-in-law—Sawyer Owen and Aleena Owen—who had legally adopted her. They had treated her with genuine warmth, like true family.
This trip to Aslesall might not be a short one. She didn’t even know whether she would come back. If she was leaving for good, she owed them a proper goodbye.
Ryan had tensed for a brief moment, but once he heard her reason, something in him eased. “So when are you going? I can drive you p>
The Owen family’s roots weren’t in Jucridge. Their origins traced back to the nearby city of Douxledo.
Kailey gave a small shake of her head. “That’s not necessary. I can manage on my own p>
Ryan didn’t respond right away. She glanced up and caught the faint confusion in his expression.
She understood it perfectly. He had never been used to her refusing him, because she almost never had.
After a brief pause, she added, “You should stay with Olivia. I’m not a child anymore. I can handle a trip by myself p>
A𝗰ti𝘃𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝗎𝗇i𝘵у on
The moment Olivia’s name left her lips, Ryan’s expression shifted. His voice turned cool. “Olivia just came back. Naturally, I need to be around while she settles in. Fine—go alone. But don’t say anything unnecessary to your parents. Kailey, you know me. Don’t try any pointless tricks p>
Kailey watched him walk away, his indifference carved into every step. A faint smile touched her lips as she lowered her gaze. Did he truly think she was going back just to complain about him? Thankfully, she had moved on. If it had been any other time, those words would have cut deeply.
She drew a steady breath and finished packing what remained.
When she finally sat down, a message from Kyson arrived asking how things were going.
She replied, “Still sorting out a few things. I’m planning to visit my parents and grandma p>
His response came quickly. “Alright. Let me know if you need anything p>
Not long after, another message followed. He suggested she stop by Nora’s center and have her waist checked again. Before she could refuse, a voice message arrived, his tone unusually serious. “Nora told me about your injury. If you leave it untreated, it could cause problems for a long time. Is that really a risk you want to take p>
Just imagining it made Kailey shiver. She had no desire to carry that kind of pain into her future.
After ending the exchange with Kyson, she gathered her things and went outside to flag down a taxi.
About thirty minutes later, she arrived at the center.
The receptionist clearly recognized her and greeted her with a polite smile. “Nora’s tied up at the moment. Would you mind waiting a little while p>
Kailey nodded and let herself be guided to the waiting area.
After some time had passed, the door to a nearby room swung open and Olivia stepped out.