Chapter 346
Chapter 346:
After that long outburst, Aleena didn’t know what to say. The uncomfortable truth was that Shirley wasn’t wrong. Back then, anyone paying attention could tell that Kailey’s feelings for Ryan were far from innocent. Still, Ryan had always been stubborn. In all the years Aleena had spent with the Owen family, she had never once seen him bend to someone else’s opinion. Convincing him of anything had always been impossible.
Aleena let out a quiet breath. “Young people think differently these days. Maybe Ryan has reasons he’s never shared.” Since the Blake family was visiting that day, the last thing they needed was for such sensitive talk to drift into the wrong ears.
Shirley was fully aware of the situation, yet she couldn’t help finding a bit of dark humor in Ryan’s current predicament. He had grown up without real setbacks, always expecting others to fall in line. If what happened with Kailey forced him to reflect for once, perhaps that wasn’t such a terrible thing for the years he still had ahead.
Aleena and Shirley continued talking until a subtle stir near the entrance caught their attention. Shirley’s expression brightened at once. Setting her plate aside, she hurried toward the door. “Kailey’s here p>
𝗥𝖾𝘢𝗱 𝖿re𝖾 𝗇o𝘃𝖾l𝗌 𝗼ո
Outside, a few people were gathered, chatting casually with the gardener. The moment Kailey spotted Shirley, her face lit up. She spread her arms wide, her smile open and warm. “Grandma, I’m home p>
Excitement carried Shirley forward. “You little troublemaker,” she scolded playfully. “Coming back and not heading straight here? You haven’t even had the wedding yet, and you’re already forgetting your way home?” Though her words sounded sharp, the affection beneath them was unmistakable.
Laughing softly, Kailey stepped into her embrace, emotion rising in her chest without warning. “I just wanted to freshen up before seeing you. I didn’t want to show up looking untidy p>
“Nonsense. You’ve always been beautiful,” Shirley replied with a chuckle. Then her gaze shifted to Kyson, assessing him carefully. “So this is Kyson. It’s been years. You’ve grown into quite the young man.” Her voice carried neither warmth nor distance—only calm observation.
Setting aside his usual ease, Kyson straightened slightly. Earnestness filled his eyes as he introduced himself with quiet respect. “It has been a long time. I’m Kyson Blake p>
“Good.” Shirley tightened her hold on Kailey’s hand, something unreadable flashing through her eyes before she smiled. “Come inside. We’ll talk there.” She then shifted her attention to Irene, and her eyes softened. “And you’re… Irene, right p>
“Yes, it’s me. I was beginning to worry that all the effort I put into keeping myself looking young would go to waste if you didn’t even recognize me,” Irene said, a wave of relief brightening her face as she moved closer and looped her arm through Shirley’s.
“Nonsense. You haven’t changed a bit. Still just as lovely p>
Laughter followed them indoors, their conversation flowing easily.
Once everyone had settled and exchanged proper greetings, Irene passed the gifts she had brought into Aleena’s hands. Looking around the house with admiration, Irene said, “You’ve managed this place beautifully. If you ever have time, would you mind teaching me how to bake pastries? I’m thinking of leaving company matters to the younger generation and spending more time in the kitchen. Kailey would enjoy them p>