Chapter 185
Chapter 185:
Kailey had no real response. She forced a polite smile and let the topic drop.
Kyson’s car waited along the curb outside. He sounded the horn and stepped out. Kailey walked toward him, a smile rising without effort. “Did you wait long p>
“Not really.” Kyson took her bag without a second thought. “Are you starving p>
Kailey shook her head, then remembered the woman beside her. “Oh, right. Let me introduce you. This is Zaria Carman, our design director. And this is Kyson Blake, my fiancé p>
From the moment they had started walking, Zaria had kept her eyes lowered, nothing like the animated chatterbox from earlier. After the introduction, she finally lifted her head and offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you p>
Kyson gave her a brief look, clasped her hand for a moment, then let go. “Kailey is still new here. I appreciate you looking after her.” His voice was even and pleasant.
Zaria swallowed. “It’s nothing. Just part of my job p>
Kailey was taken aback once more, her confusion deepening. For a first encounter, wasn’t Zaria being overly formal?
Catching Kailey’s puzzled expression, Kyson rested a hand lightly on her shoulder and guided her toward the car, speaking to Zaria as he did. “I’m not as scary as you think.” There was a faint trace of amusement in his voice.
“Right.” Zaria smiled stiffly and pressed her lips together as she climbed inside. What was that supposed to mean? He clearly didn’t think much of her impression.
Since Kyson needed to return to work afterward, he selected a restaurant close to Fantasy Fusion. Kailey had eaten there before and liked the food. “Zaria, any allergies or preferences p>
𝖩о𝗂𝗻 𝗍𝗵о𝘂𝘴aոdѕ 𝘰𝗳 𝗳𝘢𝗇𝘴 oո
“No, I eat anything.” Zaria smiled, shaking her head, her eyes flicking toward Kyson without thinking. He was focused on the menu, occasionally asking Kailey what she liked. Only around her did he show such calm attentiveness — with everyone else, his manner turned distant.
Zaria noticed and quietly poured water for both of them.
“Does this work?” Kailey leaned toward Kyson after they finished choosing, then passed the menu to Zaria. “See if there’s something you want to add p>
Zaria waved it off quickly. “I’m easy. Whatever you choose is fine p>
“Alright, then we’ll go with this.” Kailey handed the menu to the server, gesturing for her to place the order.
Most of the table talk stayed light, though Zaria occasionally nudged the discussion toward work matters. Kailey worried Kyson would feel out of place, so she avoided expanding on those topics. “Where did you grow up, Zaria p>
Zaria paused, took a sip of water, then answered, “Douxledo p>
Kailey’s eyes widened. “Really? Kyson and I were raised there too. What a coincidence p>
“Yes, it is.” Zaria smiled and lifted her gaze, only to meet Kyson’s calm stare. It felt sharp and all-seeing, as if nothing could be concealed beneath it.