Chapter 223
Chapter 223:
Without hesitation, Zaria handed her a mask. “Put this on. You don’t want to get sick on your first day here. I’m not paying for that p>
“Who said you’d be paying for anything?” Kailey replied lightly.
“Obviously, it’s p>
Her sentence cut off mid-thought. Turning her head aside, Zaria forced a smile. “It’s nothing p>
Kailey looked at her for a second, and that familiar sense of unease crept back in.
“We’re here. Come on, let’s get out,” Zaria said quickly, giving her a light pat to redirect her attention.
Once everyone stepped out and gathered their luggage, the resort manager came out to welcome them. His eyes moved across the group before pausing briefly on Kailey, then settling on Zaria with a polite smile. “You must be Ms. Carman. Everything’s ready. Please follow me p>
While leading them inside, he described the layout of the resort. The newly built property looked immaculate, its spotless marble floors seemingly barely touched.
ѕ𝗍o𝘳𝗶е𝘴 yo𝘂 𝘸on’𝗍 𝗉𝗎𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝘯 оn.с𝘰𝘮
“The surroundings are excellent — mountains and water on all sides. I’ve heard there are two ancient structures preserved behind the mountain as well. They’re quite a sight p>
“So does that mean we’re the first guests p>
“That’s right. Ms. Carman, you really have impressive connections to secure a place like this for us p>
Curiosity buzzed through the group, and conversations sparked up instantly.
Inside the lobby, the manager turned to the front desk and gave instructions. “Ms. Carman, since the resort hasn’t officially opened yet, we’re upgrading everyone to luxury suites at no extra cost. We hope you have a productive and enjoyable stay.” As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Kailey more than once.
Zaria understood immediately that everything was moving so smoothly because of Kailey. With a smile, she hooked her arm through Kailey’s and said, “Thank you. We won’t take up any more of your time p>
The manager gave a polite nod. “I’m happy to help p>
As he walked away, Kailey’s eyes followed him, her brows drawing together. “Why did it feel like he kept looking at me strangely p>
Zaria let out a slightly forced laugh. “Did it really come across that way p>
“It did p>
“Maybe it’s because you stand out the most,” Zaria said lightly, pinching Kailey’s cheek before steering her toward the stairs. “Come on. With this many people around, there’s no reason for him to pay us special attention. Let’s check out your room first — we still have work to do today p>
For the moment, Kailey pushed the thought aside.
After settling in, the group grabbed a quick meal and held a brief meeting before heading out. Although she had been assigned to stay with Zaria, Kailey soon found herself on her own. She was just about to send Zaria a message when her eyes caught sight of two familiar yet entirely unexpected figures.
Ryan and Olivia were dressed in matching windbreakers, standing close together. With his height exceeding hers by half a head, they looked like a picture-perfect couple — though the sight did nothing to impress Kailey.
“Uncle Ryan,” she greeted, her tone reluctant.
Ryan’s face remained unreadable. “What are you doing here p>
“It’s a company retreat p>