Chapter 177
Chapter 177:
Kailey had held herself together for as long as she could, clinging to reason with everything she had. She had always been strong. But hearing her uncle’s voice at last — steady and familiar — broke whatever strength she had left. Tears spilled freely, and her nose reddened as she cried.
Devin stood at the doorway with eyes that looked just as raw. He cursed under his breath. Kailey had only just arrived in the city. Who could she have possibly offended?
Once their emotions settled, the officers stepped forward to take her statement. Kailey answered each question honestly and included what had happened earlier on the road.
“Do you have anyone in mind, Miss Evans?” the officer asked as he wrote. “Has anyone had a recent disagreement with you p>
𝖱𝘰𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼е ոо𝘃𝖾𝗹𝘀 𝗈𝘯 ѕ.𝖼𝘰m
Kailey shook her head. “No. I only go from home to work, and I hardly know anyone in Aslesall p>
Her words faded as a name rose in her mind. Dana. She hadn’t seen Dana since the incident. Dana had clearly resigned, and rumor had it her career had taken a heavy blow. Could she have been desperate enough to do this?
The officer noticed the shift in Kailey’s expression. “Miss Evans, did something occur to you p>
Kailey moistened her dry lips before speaking. “I had some trouble at work with a colleague, but she left the company.” The officer wrote down the details without rushing her. “Don’t worry. We will find the kidnapper and bring you answers p>
Kailey’s voice came out faint. “Thank you p>
Once the officers finished inspecting the room and checking the nearby footage, they took their leave.
Lionel hovered over Kailey again and again until he finally relaxed after confirming she had no injuries. “Thank God you’re safe. Kailey, please move in with us. I can’t sleep knowing you live by yourself p>
Kailey’s eyes drifted toward Devin. He quickly shifted his focus to the window, pretending to study the view outside, though every bit of his attention was clearly on her. She allowed a small smile to surface. “No. I stay with my boyfriend p>
She never felt the need to explain her relationship with Kyson to anyone, yet she saw no reason to hide it either.
A flicker of surprise lit up Lionel’s face. “You’re seeing someone p>
Kailey gave a simple nod and left it at that.
“That’s fine. Even so, I hope you’ll reconsider staying with us. If something like this happens again, I wouldn’t know how to face your mother.” Worry clouded Lionel’s gaze. “When the kidnapper called me, my heart nearly stopped. I was terrified something would happen to you p>
Kailey looked at him for a long moment, then bit her lip before speaking. “I’m sorry for causing you such fear p>
Yet a single question tugged at her mind. Her uncle had only just returned to the country. How had the kidnapper reached him with such accuracy?
A realization quietly settled over her. Ryan would be back in Jucridge by now, far away. Lionel, however, had returned in a way that had drawn attention — anyone with bad intentions could trace him easily. With that thought, her doubts eased, and she chose not to push the matter further. After a few more gentle exchanges with Lionel, she prepared to leave with Devin.