Chapter 231
Chapter 231:
Even with family ties, she knew she had no right to control anyone’s life — especially not a girl who had joined their family at eight. That authority had never belonged to her. Aleena carried a softness that came with clear judgment.
Kailey’s lashes quivered. “Let’s not tell him yet. For now, it’s better if he doesn’t know p>
Zaria’s words echoed in her mind. With Ryan’s need for control, he would never agree to her marrying at this stage. That thought hardened her resolve, and her tone grew firm.
“When I’m ready to get married, I’ll tell him myself p>
Before turning in for the night, Kailey spent some time talking with Aleena. The following day unfolded at an easy pace, and the team relaxed far more than they usually did.
As dusk settled in, Zaria suddenly raised her voice with enthusiasm. “Since we’re leaving tomorrow, how about a poolside barbecue tonight p>
“A barbecue by the pool? That means we’ll need drinks, right p>
“And if there are drinks, we can’t skip the music p>
“That actually sounds like a lot of fun p>
Excitement rippled through the group as they tossed ideas around, even debating whether to change into nicer outfits for better photos. Curiosity piqued, Kailey walked over to Zaria. “Why did you suddenly think of a barbecue? Does the resort even have fresh ingredients for that p>
“Nope p>
𝖫𝘢𝗍𝘦𝘀𝘁 сhаp𝘁еr𝘀 𝘰𝗻 ѕ.𝘤𝗼𝗆
“Huh p>
“We can prepare them ourselves.” Zaria’s eyes lit up with a mysterious kind of excitement. “There’s a surprise guest coming later, and they’ll bring everything we need. Aren’t you curious p>
Kailey offered a faint, noncommittal smile. “Sure. Very p>
The idea of a so-called surprise guest did nothing to interest her. While everyone else headed back to their rooms to get ready, she stayed behind on a couch in the lobby, gazing absently at the fountain outside.
Two short vibrations came from her phone. When she picked it up, Kyson’s name appeared on the screen.
Without thinking, Kailey straightened slightly.
The message read: “What are you doing right now p>
She replied, “Spacing out. And you p>
“On the road p>
After reading that, Kailey sent a voice message instead. “Keep your attention on driving. I might get busy later. Zaria said some surprise guest is showing up p>
Kyson replied shortly after: “Got it. We’ll talk once I’m there p>
Nothing about it struck her as unusual, so Kailey slipped her phone away and went to change into something comfortable. She wondered what kind of surprise guest could cause this much buildup. Most likely, it was just that elusive boss everyone kept mentioning. She really did not see why it was such a big deal.
With those quiet thoughts lingering, Kailey waited as evening settled in and excitement spread through the team. Around the pool, the resort staff arranged flowers and greenery, turning the space into an inviting nighttime scene.
When the time crept close to eight, Kailey finally asked, “Did your surprise guest lose their way p>
“Careful what you say. You might regret it,” Zaria whispered with a playful edge, leaning in close.
Amused, Kailey laughed. “And how exactly would I regret it p>