Chapter 22
Chapter 22:
Kailey met his eyes, unfazed. “How could you call my friend a bad influence p>
All she had done was browse some shops with Nora. Not checking in with him didn’t mean anything was wrong.
But Ryan’s attention had settled on the shopping bag in her hand. Not long ago, Olivia had dragged him into that very store—a place known for tailored menswear. It wasn’t designer-level expensive, but it was far from cheap. Typically, Kailey would have charged her purchases to his card, yet there had been no alerts about spending today.
He had met both of her friends before and knew neither could afford anything from that shop. The only explanation was that she had gone with a man. Otherwise, why would she end up in a men’s boutique at all?
Ryan’s frown deepened as the pieces fell into place. “Have I not told you to stay away from men who don’t have your best interests at heart? They’re not after friendship, Kailey p>
“According to you, everyone except yourself is out to get me,” Kailey replied carefully. “But I’m not a child anymore. Even if I decided to date someone, that would be perfectly normal. Isn’t that exactly what you’ve been hoping for p>
Ryan faltered for a moment, blindsided by her candor. She was right—if she started seeing someone, maybe she would finally stop chasing after him. So why did that thought unsettle him so much?
He looked away, struggling to collect himself before finally saying, “You’re allowed to date, but only if the person is completely trustworthy. I’m just worried about you, Kailey p>
Kailey watched him, her expression unreadable, unwilling to argue any further. With a quiet sigh, she said, “I went shopping with Nora. There’s nothing for you to be anxious about p>
𝖮𝘳𝘨а𝗇і𝗓𝗲 𝘺𝘰𝘂𝘳 𝗅𝗶𝗯r𝗮𝗋y оn
She slipped away to her bedroom and quietly tucked Kyson’s gift into a neat box.
Confiding in Ryan had crossed her mind, but after the way he had behaved, she saw no point in trying. If he found out, there was every chance he would find a way to keep her from ever leaving Jucridge at all.
Watching her retreat upstairs, Ryan’s expression only darkened.
A sudden ring cut through the silence. He drifted back to the living room, lowered himself onto the couch, and absently rubbed his brow as he answered the phone.
“Ryan, are you home?” Olivia’s voice came through, soft but edged with worry. “Kailey’s not a child anymore. Please don’t be too hard on her just because I brought something up. I don’t want her holding a grudge against you, even if she won’t say it out loud p>
Ryan let out a short, humorless laugh. Did Olivia really think Kailey was quietly bottling up her resentment? She had been anything but subtle about her feelings lately.
He exhaled, his voice flat. “I haven’t given her a lecture p>
Across town, Olivia gripped the phone, frustrated by his indifference. She had opened up to him, and he didn’t seem to care in the slightest. She forced herself to stay composed. “Is Kailey doing alright p>