Chapter 279
Chapter 279:
Realizing how stiff she sounded, she quickly clapped her hands to change the subject. “Alright, has everyone caught their breath? Mr. Shaw said we’re almost there. Let’s wrap this up soon p>
The group gathered themselves and continued forward. It was the first time the company had arranged an outdoor trip like this, and even though everyone felt exhausted, the experience still felt refreshing. As they walked, Quentin shared bits of knowledge about unusual rocks and rare plants along the way, sounding like a seasoned guide.
Before long, they arrived at the place he had described.
They stood at the base of a cliff. A cave opened deeper inside, and a dry streambed stretched into the distance.
Poр𝗎l𝗮r 𝗌𝘁о𝗋i𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝗻 ѕ.co𝘮
“This is where I found that type of stone last time,” Quentin said, gesturing ahead. “From what I can tell, there should still be more higher up p>
Excitement spread through the group, and several people thanked him enthusiastically.
Kailey slowed her steps and studied the area in silence.
Zaria leaned closer. “What are you thinking? Does something feel wrong p>
Kailey shook her head. “No. It’s nothing p>
She couldn’t explain the unease tugging at her. Everything had gone too smoothly, as if each step had been planned in advance.
Quentin soon began giving instructions, suggesting they split into groups of three to search for clues. Everyone paired up quickly, leaving Kailey standing alone.
“Miss Evans, would you be willing to work with me?” Quentin asked.
Since he was the one helping them, Kailey had no real reason to decline.
He guided her toward higher ground along a narrow path thick with overgrown plants. As they moved farther away, the surrounding noise gradually faded. Kailey’s brows knit slightly. “Is there still a long way to go p>
“It won’t take long,” Quentin replied without turning around, his tone unhurried. “The rain may have washed the stones downhill. I noticed a cave the last time I came here, but I didn’t have the chance to check it carefully.” He glanced back at her and smiled faintly. “Are you scared p>
“Not at all,” Kailey said, managing a light smile. “I’m just concerned the others might lose their way p>
“They won’t.” Quentin continued clearing branches ahead. “Even though the mountain looks endless, we can hear them if they call out p>
As if to prove his point, faint voices drifted through the air when Kailey focused her attention. Her shoulders finally eased, and she kept a measured distance behind him.
After a short while, the path opened up.
To her surprise, a small house stood halfway up the cliff.
Kailey stopped short. “Does someone live here p>
Quentin said nothing at first. His gaze lingered on the distance, deep and unreadable. After a brief pause, he spoke quietly. “Someone used to. She’s no longer here p>
Even though Quentin never said it outright, Kailey had the strange feeling he was talking about the person she reminded him of.
Before she could figure out what to say, he had already steadied himself. “There’s a cave right behind this house. Let’s go check it out p>