Chapter 226
Chapter 226:
Of course she had connections. Zaria nearly let the truth slip out — but thinking about what might follow, she swallowed the words back and shifted her stance. “Your biggest advantage is your talent. Compared to that, effort alone doesn’t stand a chance p>
Even with a trace of envy, jealousy never truly took hold. After all, Kailey had secured an international award before she even graduated, and that achievement hadn’t come out of nowhere.
Rather than brushing it off, Kailey responded with quiet seriousness, “Still, people who put in the work will always gain something. If you don’t act, then even when chances appear, they mean nothing p>
Zaria studied her refined features and chose not to argue. “So, what are you doing tonight p>
That question dimmed Kailey’s expression slightly. “I’m having dinner with my uncle p>
Surprise crossed Zaria’s face. “Your uncle is here too p>
𝗙оl𝗅оw us 𝗈𝗻
“Yeah.” Without going into detail, Kailey added casually, “Do you want to come along p>
A flicker passed through Zaria’s eyes before she smiled. “Alright. Let’s go together p>
She wanted to keep an eye on Kailey. If anything seemed out of place, she would report it to her boss right away.
Located on the first floor, the resort’s restaurant was easy to find. After a short rest and a change of clothes, Kailey and Zaria headed back downstairs together.
By the time they arrived, Ryan and Olivia were already there, seated near the window and immediately noticeable in the open, elegant dining hall. A small plate of nuts sat on the table. Olivia lifted one and offered it to Ryan, looking up at him with a gentle smile.
Lowering her voice, Zaria murmured, “They look close p>
“They are,” Kailey answered coolly. “They’re getting engaged soon p>
Zaria paused. “So does that mean you’ll need to take time off and go back to Jucridge p>
“Possibly.” If an invitation came, Kailey knew she would most likely go.
When they reached the table, Kailey spoke first. “This is our team leader, Zaria Carman. This is my uncle, Ryan Owen, and this is —” Her eyes moved to Olivia, and her tone cooled noticeably. “Olivia Marsh p>
Ryan showed no reaction, but Olivia clearly did. She hadn’t expected Kailey to treat her with such detachment, especially in front of an outsider. Her expression tightened for a brief moment before she quickly composed herself, hiding the shadow behind her eyes. With a polite smile, she said, “Miss Carman, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you for looking after Kailey p>
Zaria caught the strain between them, even as her own smile held steady. “Miss Marsh, there’s no need for formalities. Though isn’t that something Kailey’s uncle should be saying?” Her gaze shifted toward Ryan. “I’ve heard Kailey’s uncle is quite impressive. Seeing you in person, the reputation seems well earned p>
Neither Kailey nor Zaria made any effort to acknowledge Olivia’s standing beside Ryan. An uncomfortable stiffness crossed Olivia’s face at once.
“Ms. Carman, you’re impressive as well — holding a position like that at such a young age,” Ryan said, his tone noticeably cooler as he turned toward Zaria. “And still standing up for your people p>