Chapter 40
Chapter 40:
Words rose to Kailey’s lips, but she swallowed them, knowing any further explanation would only go in circles. She simply said, “I’ve already told you what happened. If you still have doubts, ask Uncle Ryan p>
A dull pulse throbbed through her ankle, the swelling signaling a sprain that flared with every shift of weight. Carefully, she turned toward the doorway and moved step by measured step, each footfall deliberate and guarded.
The sight of her limping ignited Olivia’s temper. “You’re not leaving! You p>
“Enough!” Ryan’s sharp command cut through the air as he caught Olivia’s wrist and drew her back before she could lunge forward.
Kailey hesitated for only a heartbeat, then gathered herself and made her way down the staircase as quickly as her injured ankle allowed.
Frustration burned in Olivia’s reddened eyes. “Why did you let her go?” She had forced herself to stay quiet before, lacking proof, but catching them together this time had shattered whatever restraint she had left. “Ryan, I believed you two were nothing more than uncle and niece, but now p>
Jo𝗂𝘯 𝗍hе 𝖼𝗼𝘮𝘮𝘶n𝗂t𝘆 аt 𝗀𝗮𝗅ոo𝗏𝘦𝘭ѕ.𝘤о𝗆
“Now what?” Ryan’s voice came out low and steady. Loose strands of dark hair fell across his forehead, shadowing his face. He lifted his chin and fixed his gaze on her. “Other than uncle and niece, what exactly are you implying p>
Pinned beneath that unblinking stare, Olivia’s throat tightened and she couldn’t form a single word.
“I practically raised her myself,” he continued, irritation edging into his tone. “Of course I caught her when she almost fell. What was I supposed to do—stand there and watch her hit the floor p>
His patience finally thinned. Releasing her wrist, he drew a slow breath. “Olivia, I really don’t understand why you obsess over these meaningless suspicions every single day. Kailey is my niece. Can you please stop being so hostile toward her p>
A faint chill moved through Olivia’s chest at the unusual sharpness in his voice. She softened her own and answered gently, “I didn’t mean it like that. The situation just caught me off guard p>
She slid closer, looping her arm through his with practiced ease, and lifted her eyes to his. “Just talk it through with me next time. I’m not unreasonable p>
“So now that you understand, are you still upset p>
“No. I’m not.” Olivia offered a conciliatory smile. “I’ll apologize to Kailey first thing tomorrow p>
A shadowed gleam flickered behind her eyes, concealing a quiet curl of contempt. Apologize? She would sooner tear into Kailey without a second thought. Ryan might have been innocent, but Kailey had done it on purpose—she was certain of it.
After all, Kailey’s feelings for Ryan had never been a secret. She had spoken with such polished grace about stepping aside, yet beneath that composed exterior, she had clearly already begun plotting her next move.
Olivia decided it was time to put Kailey in her place.
Morning light arrived in pale gold streaks.
Barely awake, Kailey stepped into the hallway and found Olivia waiting there. Loose casual clothes draped effortlessly over her slender frame, her long hair spilling down her back in lazy waves, the sunlight casting a soft halo around her figure.