Chapter 30
Chapter 30:
Ryan set the bag beside the table and picked up the medical report, scanning it with a tight expression. “It’ll be fine. And even if it isn’t, I’ll bring in the best cosmetic surgeon overseas. I won’t let anything happen to you p>
Olivia studied his face, noticing how distant he seemed—as if his mind were somewhere else entirely. After a careful pause, she asked softly, “Did something happen with Kailey? Did you two argue p>
Ryan went still, his brow pulling into a deep frown.
The silence that followed made Olivia’s stomach twist.
She forced herself to speak gently, smoothing her tone. “She’s still young. She acts on emotion sometimes. If she said anything hurtful, you shouldn’t let it stay with you p>
“I know,” Ryan replied quietly. He set the report aside, loosened his jacket, and sat down. His gaze settled on Olivia, serious and direct. “She saw the emerald amulet I gave you. That’s why she snapped. Olivia, I warned you to be careful with it. How did she even find out you had it p>
Beneath the blanket, Olivia’s fingers curled into a tight fist. Her lashes trembled as she forced the words out. “It was my mistake. I thought she already disliked me, so I wanted to offer her something nice. I bought her a bracelet, but I was rushing and grabbed the wrong box. That’s how she saw the amulet. I ruined everything p>
Tears slipped down her cheeks, and Ryan’s chest tightened with guilt. What was he doing, acting as though Olivia had meant for any of this to happen? She would never deliberately cause trouble with Kailey.
He leaned forward, wrapped his arms around her, and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
𝗪𝗵a𝗍 𝗲𝘃𝘦𝘳y𝗈n𝗲 𝗂ѕ 𝘳𝗲a𝖽𝗶ո𝗀 o𝗇
“This isn’t on you,” he said firmly. “Kailey was spoiled from the time she was small, and she’s grown up with a terrible temper. You’re too kind—that’s all. Next time she speaks to you like that, don’t just accept it p>
Relief moved through Olivia, though she kept her expression gentle. Her voice remained soft and measured. “I don’t think Kailey is truly cruel. I can tell she doesn’t mean harm. I think she’s just… too dependent on you. Maybe she feels as though I’m taking you away from her. Ryan, have you ever considered helping her learn to stand on her own p>
Ryan’s brows drew together. “Stand on her own p>
She nodded, her expression calm even as something cold moved beneath it. “Yes. It’s the way children eventually need space from their parents as they grow. Living nearby is fine, but she’s an adult woman now. If she stays too close, she might begin to misread your intentions.” Her fingers brushed her lip, and her voice grew quieter. “And honestly, her hostility toward me hasn’t eased at all. Perhaps some distance would do everyone good p>
Ryan’s expression darkened. Olivia had already ended up in the hospital twice in such a short span of time. There was no telling what might happen next.
He stayed silent, his gaze distant and unreadable, lost somewhere in his own thoughts.
The following morning, a nurse came in with the test results. “Nothing serious. Just keep the wound dry and come back on schedule for the dressing changes p>