Chapter 409
Chapter 409:
Across the internet, strangers dissected every pixel, many eagerly highlighting the obvious editing errors in the earlier scandalous pictures. Public opinion, once tangled in uncertainty, now fractured cleanly into three distinct factions.
Bit by bit, quiet warmth eased the frantic pounding in Kailey’s chest. Her gaze drifted toward the entrance, where Max sat tall and alert, his broad silhouette filling the doorway.
Kyson. That man really was considerate.
Kailey lightly bit her lower lip, but the smile at the corners still slipped through. Reaching for a nearby cushion, she pressed it gently against her face, hiding the warmth blooming in her eyes.
Later that afternoon, Kyson called. After a few casual exchanges, he asked what she had been up to. A soft laugh slipped from her throat, and after a brief pause, she replied in an easy tone, “What else could I possibly be doing? You brought home a dog the size of a small horse. He’s already taken over all my time. Why? Did something happen p>
A short silence lingered on the line before he answered, “No.” Affection colored his low voice as he added, “What are you in the mood to eat? I’ll pick something up on the way back p>
“Nothing at all. How about you? Tell me what you feel like — I’ll cook and wait up p>
D𝗼𝘸ոload𝗮𝘣𝘭𝖾 P𝖣𝘍𝘴 o𝗇
“Are you sure p>
Her earlier confidence wavered. Drawing in a steady breath, she cleared her throat and admitted with a small, sheepish smile, “Actually, maybe not today. I’ll get some more practice in with Karol when she’s back.” Since the wedding, Karol had gone off with Irene to help arrange the new house and get everything settled.
Kyson’s soft, amused chuckle drifted from the phone. “Alright. Until then, you’ll have to survive on my cooking p>
“Goodbye p>
After ending the call, Kailey flopped onto the couch and rolled from side to side. Max immediately copied her, wriggling across the floor with exaggerated enthusiasm, which sent her into bright, helpless laughter. “Did Kyson put you up to this? You’re rolling around like a goofball p>
For such an elegant, striking dog, his clumsy little tumble looked ridiculously adorable. Max seemed to catch the gist and happily rolled over twice more.
The sharp chime of the doorbell cut through the laughter.
With Max tailing her, Kailey descended the stairs in her slippers. “Come on, Max. Try and catch me p>
Cheerfully reaching for the handle, she swung the door open — and her expression locked in place when she saw who stood beyond it.
“Uncle Ryan.” Composing herself, she brushed the loose strands stirred by her hurried steps behind her ear. “Did you need something p>
For several heavy seconds, Ryan said nothing, the crimson glow of the setting sun staining the corners of his weary eyes. His roughened voice finally emerged. “About what’s been circulating online — I wanted to see if you were alright p>
A gentle, practiced smile curved across Kailey’s face. “I’m doing perfectly fine. Thank you for checking on me p>