Chapter 361
Chapter 361:
Caught off guard, Aleena forced a polite smile and spoke first. “Did you come by yourself, Miss Marsh? Ryan stepped out a moment ago. Why didn’t he pick you up p>
“Did he?” Olivia hadn’t expected that. She had planned to surprise him—and besides, even if she had said something beforehand, there was a good chance he wouldn’t have allowed her to come. Her gaze drifted briefly toward Kailey before she masked it with a gentle smile. “Did Ryan mention where he was headed? I could try to find him p>
“He only said he needed some fresh air. I didn’t ask where he was going,” Aleena answered honestly.
“Fresh air?” Shirley scoffed. “He’s sulking because he found out Kailey’s married p>
The moment her words landed, the atmosphere in the living room tightened.
ѕ𝘁𝘰𝗿𝗂es 𝘆ou 𝘄𝗈ո’t 𝗉𝗎𝗍 𝖽о𝘄ո oո.со𝗺
Drawing in a steady breath, Kailey rose to her feet. She had no desire to exchange pleasantries with Olivia. There was no point pretending when neither of them could tolerate the other, and her time was better spent on people who actually mattered to her.
“Grandma, I just remembered there’s an email from work I still need to answer. I’ll head back first and come see you again tomorrow p>
Shirley understood she couldn’t make Kailey stay. She clicked her tongue and muttered a few half-hearted complaints before waving her off.
When her gaze shifted to Olivia, however, the warmth disappeared entirely. “Miss Marsh, if you plan to visit next time, inform Ryan beforehand. What if we don’t have a spare room p>
Olivia’s fingers tightened against her palm. She lowered her voice. “I didn’t mean to p>
“That’s enough. You didn’t come for me anyway.” Shirley dismissed her with a small gesture. “Since Kailey’s leaving, I’ve got no reason to stay up. You can wait for him. I’m going to my room p>
From the beginning, she had never warmed to this woman. There was something calculating behind those eyes that unsettled her. Only Ryan, stubborn as he was, would fail to see it—treating Olivia like something precious while letting Kailey walk away. The more Shirley considered it, the more irritated she became. She climbed the stairs with brisk steps.
Olivia stood there, her face shifting from red to pale. The message had been clear. In Ryan’s mother’s eyes, she did not belong in that house.
“Miss Marsh,” Aleena said gently, leaning forward to pour her a glass of water, “Shirley speaks whatever comes to mind these days. Please don’t let it trouble you p>
Olivia accepted the glass with both hands. The curve of her lips looked more strained than sincere. “I understand. She’s very straightforward. It’s part of her charm.” There was little else she could add.
Though Aleena’s words sounded considerate, they also drew a clear boundary. No matter her relationship with Ryan or the effort she had invested, she still stood outside the family circle.
Olivia lowered her gaze and took a sip of water. The surface trembled slightly, reflecting eyes filled with frustration and something darker beneath. When she lifted her head again, the storm had vanished from her expression. In its place was softness and restraint.