Chapter 229
Chapter 229:
Olivia stared after her retreating figure, only letting out a breath after several long seconds. “That can’t be,” she whispered, her lips trembling slightly. “We’re about to get engaged, then married. Ryan won’t change his mind about me. He definitely won’t.” It sounded less like a statement and more like she was trying to convince herself.
What Olivia didn’t know was that she would come to regret not taking those words to heart very soon.
But that was a separate matter. Right then, fear took hold, and she hurried after Kailey, worried she might reveal things that should never come to light.
When Kailey returned to the dining area, she spotted Zaria and Ryan talking in the distance, though something about their expressions felt off.
𝖭𝖾w w𝗲𝘦kl𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝗮𝗽𝘵𝘦𝘳𝗌 𝘰𝗇
Zaria looked faintly amused. “So, Mr. Owen, are you saying that because Kailey was raised by you, all of her major life choices should be decided by you p>
Ryan maintained his composure. “Naturally p>
“That includes marriage and children as well p>
“Naturally p>
Disbelief washed over Zaria’s face as she shook her head. “I honestly don’t get it. Even biological parents don’t get to control every aspect of their child’s life, let alone someone who adopted her. Mr. Owen, your need to control things goes too far p>
His eyes narrowed slightly, and his voice dropped. “Miss Carman, you’re talking too much p>
“That’s enough,” Kailey cut in, her tone icy. “Uncle Ryan, I appreciate that you gave me an education and a comfortable upbringing. But I’m an adult now. I get to decide how I live my life. I won’t cause you any more trouble. Isn’t that what you wanted p>
She lifted her eyes to meet his, and in the depth of his dark gaze, she caught sight of her own reflection. She held herself straight, her expression firm and unwavering.
When Ryan remained silent, Kailey drew in a slow breath and continued, “I said I would repay everything you spent on me. Give me some time. Once that debt is settled, there will be nothing between us anymore p>
Olivia hurried over just in time to hear those words. Her eyes lit up, and she stopped beside them, waiting for Ryan’s reaction.
Ryan rubbed his fingertips together absentmindedly, an unspoken pressure radiating from him. His gaze remained deep and unreadable, revealing nothing of what lay behind it. The silence stretched on so long that it seemed he had no intention of responding at all — until his voice finally cut through the air.
“You think you can just say there’s no debt and be done with it p>
Kailey’s lips tightened slightly. “Then what do you want from me p>
Rather than answering, Ryan let out a low, unreadable laugh. He straightened his suit, rose to his feet, and looked down at her. “Kailey, you clearly don’t understand your position. Now that you’ve started your internship, focus on building yourself instead of saying ridiculous things to me p>
With long strides, he walked away, his departure sharp enough to stir the air around him.
Irritation flashed across Olivia’s face as she bit her lip and shot Kailey a cold glance before hurrying after him. “Ryan, slow down p>