Chapter 354
Chapter 354:
Ryan’s expression hardened. Several seconds passed before he spoke again, his voice rough and strained. “An edited picture means nothing. What do you expect me to do? Smile and congratulate you p>
“It doesn’t matter what you do p>
A calm voice interrupted him. Kailey looked up to see Kyson standing in the doorway. She flashed him a wide smile.
He moved to her side and sat down, and the tension around her eased almost instantly. “Mr. Owen, did you forget what I said back then? I told you the project was my way of thanking you for taking care of Kailey. Why would you assume something so important was a joke p>
His voice carried an easy confidence, unhurried and familiar. Despite being older, Ryan suddenly felt pushed into the background.
That contract had been the single mistake in his nearly perfect track record. Although it could push the company to unprecedented heights and bring staggering returns, he wished he had never signed it. His breathing grew heavier, and a sharp light flashed across his eyes. “Are you trying to challenge me p>
A faint curve touched Kyson’s brows, and his composure didn’t shift in the slightest. “You’re overthinking it. I thought we were talking about mutual benefit, since we’re family now p>
𝖶𝗵𝗮𝗍 𝘦𝘃erуо𝗇𝘦 𝗂s 𝘳𝘦аdi𝘯𝗀 𝗼n
“Family? I have no interest in that.” Ryan let out a cold laugh. “Everyone knows I raised Kailey. First you misled her and took her away, then you disguised your intentions as gratitude and handed me a profitable deal. Do you really believe you can exchange a project for her p>
Until that moment, Kailey had remained silent. Those words made her snap her head toward the man sitting beside her. He had arranged all of it for her sake.
“Of course I can’t exchange a project for Kailey.” Kyson’s fingers rested against his knee, tapping once before growing still, his tone calm and measured. “But this world runs on interests. If I can use those interests to ease her worries, then I’ll do it. The more advantages I offer you, the less pressure she’ll carry. Wouldn’t that benefit everyone p>
Ryan clenched his jaw, his breathing turning uneven as frustration built inside him. He couldn’t put a name to what twisted in his chest. It felt like trying to hold onto sand—the harder he clenched his fist, the faster everything slipped away.
Kyson studied him briefly, his expression unchanged. Then he reached out and helped Kailey to her feet. “We’ll be staying here for a few days. If you have anything you want to say, come to me.” As if remembering something, he paused and smiled faintly. “Our wedding date is set for Valentine’s Day. We’d be glad if you came p>
The words pierced straight through Ryan.
Even after they were gone, he stayed where he was, unmoving, his thoughts tangled and heavy.
When Shirley came downstairs, she found her son standing there, rigid and distant. The sight made her chest tighten. Letting out a quiet sigh, she walked over and kicked his shin lightly. “Who are you trying to fool with this act? Don’t you already have Olivia p>