Chapter 278
Chapter 278:
Zaria hesitated, guilt flashing in her eyes. “Well — I didn’t expect him to turn out this unsettling p>
Kailey let out a quiet sigh and kept walking, gripping her hiking pole as she focused on her breathing. “He agreed to help without hesitation. Clearly, there’s something about me that he thinks is worth trading for.” Still, she could sense that Quentin’s attention didn’t carry the usual interest a man showed toward a woman.
“So what do we do now?” Zaria murmured. “If the boss finds out I pushed you to contact another man, I’m done for p>
“Let’s pick up the pace. I can’t stay out here too long — I already made plans for tonight and need to be back before it gets dark.” She had agreed to meet Kyson’s friends, and backing out was not an option.
The mountain trail narrowed as they continued forward. These mountains were rarely visited by locals, and the paths existed only because frequent hikers had worn them down over time. Thorny bushes spread unchecked along both sides, and one careless step was enough to catch fabric with a sharp scrape.
Kailey worked out from time to time, but even so, the terrain left her breathing hard and drenched in sweat. Her coworkers struggled even more — most of them spent their days sitting behind desks with little exercise.
After more than an hour of hiking, Quentin finally called for a break.
W𝘩a𝘁 e𝘷𝖾ry𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘴 𝗿𝗲𝘢𝖽𝘪ո𝘨 o𝗇
“We’re close. Just a little farther.” He twisted open a bottle of water and walked over to Kailey, holding it out. “Are you holding up p>
Kailey smiled and reached into the side pocket of her backpack, pulling out a thermos. “Thank you, but my fiancé prepared electrolyte water for me. I’ll drink this instead.” She spoke evenly, making sure the word “fiancé” stood out clearly.
One colleague laughed. “I knew it. Ever since Kailey and Mr. Blake made things official, we’ve been watching public affection nonstop p>
“True, but it’s not a bad thing,” another added.
“It’s actually pretty sweet p>
A few people exchanged smiles, but Quentin didn’t join in. He lifted his bottle and took a slow drink, then looked at Kailey with an unreadable expression. “I didn’t know you were already engaged p>
Zaria immediately sensed the shift in the air and stepped forward, subtly cutting off his line of sight. “Of course she is. Kailey and Mr. Blake are very close — almost never apart. The company we work for is actually a gift for her. What about you, Mr. Shaw? Have you settled down p>
Quentin had spent years navigating business circles and easily caught the meaning behind her words. He gave a light laugh. “I haven’t settled down yet. If you happen to know someone suitable, feel free to introduce her to me p>
Zaria had tried to corner him, but his direct reply left her momentarily at a loss. “I don’t at the moment. But someone like you won’t have trouble finding the right person p>