Chapter 209
Chapter 209:
“If you’re set on sitting here till morning, I can call someone to bring jackets,” Kailey added.
Silence again.
Just as Kailey opened her mouth to speak once more, Dagmar pushed herself upright, palms pressing against the ground. “Why involve anyone else?” she said, her tone sharp with disdain. “Can’t we just leave p>
Kailey watched her walk ahead, then smiled faintly as she pulled out her phone and texted Lionel to confirm Dagmar was safe. The reply came quickly: “Good. She probably doesn’t want to see us right now. Kailey, look after her p>
Kailey paused, slipped her phone away, and jogged after Dagmar.
“Where did you park?” Dagmar asked, irritation plain in her voice.
Kailey lifted her keys. “If you don’t want to go back with me, you can stay p>
𝗕𝘦 𝗍𝘩е 𝗳𝗂𝗿𝗌𝘁 𝗍о 𝗋𝖾𝘢d 𝘰ո
Dagmar stared at her. “What did you say p>
“Your father messaged me. He said he’s stepping back. If they aren’t stopping you, I don’t see why I should.” Dagmar frowned.
“You enjoy the nightlife, don’t you?” Kailey went on. “Then stay. If you run short on cash, I can talk to the manager. Your dad can pay later p>
Dagmar searched her face, trying to tell if she was serious. “So you’re really going to leave me here p>
“Leave you? You were here before I arrived.” Kailey smiled gently, palms open. “I’m not leaving you here. I’m letting you choose. Isn’t that better than dragging you away p>
Dagmar bit her lower lip, her complexion shifting between flushed and pale.
Finally, she snapped, “I can’t let that old man pay for me. He’d tear me apart.” Before Kailey could respond, Dagmar continued, “And this place is way too noisy to rest anyway. Just lead the way. Where’s the car p>
Kailey suppressed a laugh. “Over here p>
They reached the parking area and climbed inside. Dagmar took the back seat, no longer drowsy, absently scanning the interior and fiddling with whatever caught her interest.
“You haven’t been here long either, right? Where are you staying?” she asked.
“Serene Enclave p>
Dagmar curled her lips. The name meant nothing to her.
Kailey glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “About thirty minutes. Try to relax p>
Dagmar rolled the window down, leaned into the rushing air, and chose silence. The ride passed quietly. Kailey kept her speed deliberately slow, pulling in just as dawn began to break.
Hearing the car, Karol stepped out wrapped in her coat. She paused when she noticed Dagmar. “Who’s this p>
“My cousin,” Kailey said with an easy smile. “Karol, could you make something hot? She’s been out in the cold wind for hours. I’m worried she might get sick p>
“She needs warmth,” Karol replied at once, already heading inside. “Give me ten minutes p>
Dagmar stayed quiet, her face still guarded, but her eyes lingered on Kailey with an unfamiliar depth.
Kailey remained calm as she guided her inside. “If you need anything, just ask. The car keys are by the door. Actually, forget that — driving isn’t a great idea for you p>
Dagmar bristled. “What’s that supposed to mean p>