Chapter 458
Chapter 458:
No one answered at first. The yard held a dry well, an apricot tree covered in blossoms, and damp tiles streaked with moss.
Zaria let out a soft sigh. “If I ever retire, I want a place like this p>
Before Kailey could respond, the door creaked open. An elderly woman stepped outside, her hair streaked with silver and her eyes sharp despite her age.
“Who are you looking for?” she asked.
𝘙𝘰𝗆a𝗇c𝗲 𝗮n𝖽 𝘱𝖺𝘴𝘴𝗂𝘰𝗻 оn ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗆
Kailey lowered her head politely. “Good afternoon. We’re here to see Caleigh Pierce p>
The old woman narrowed her eyes and looked them over. “What do you want with her p>
Kailey and Zaria exchanged a quick glance. It didn’t take much to realize this was Caleigh herself.
Kailey hid her surprise and bowed again. “Ms. Pierce, we’re designing a jewelry collection inspired by traditional elements. We were hoping you might be willing to craft a few pieces by hand. Would you consider discussing it with us p>
Caleigh waved her hand at once. “No, no. I haven’t taken on work like that in years p>
Kailey and Zaria were practically pushed out the door before Caleigh slammed it shut with a loud bang.
“I don’t have the patience for this. Stop bothering me.” Her irritated voice rang out from inside.
Kailey and Zaria stood there, stunned. Neither of them had expected that reaction.
Zaria looked down the quiet alley. “What now? We didn’t drive all this way just to leave, right p>
Kailey pressed her lips together and thought for a moment. “No. We’re not going back like this p>
“Then what’s the plan p>
They exchanged a look. No words were needed — they both understood.
The town didn’t offer much. There were no proper hotels, only two small guesthouses and a modest inn. They chose the inn. Inside, a middle-aged man sat behind the front desk, nodding off.
“Excuse me?” Kailey called gently.
The man jerked awake and wiped at the corner of his mouth. “What is it p>
“We need a room,” Zaria said, forcing a polite smile even though fatigue edged her voice. “Is this place decent p>
His expression soured immediately. “Watch what you’re saying. This is the best inn in town. If you want to stay, stay. If not, leave p>
Kailey quickly squeezed Zaria’s hand to stop her from responding, then stepped forward. “Please don’t mind her, sir. We’ve been on the road all day, and she’s just tired. We’d like a double room, if that’s available p>
He gave Zaria another hard look before pulling out the registration book and beginning the check-in.
After that, he led them upstairs. “If you need drinking water, there’s a dispenser downstairs. The hairdryer is at the front desk.” He turned to leave.
“Sir,” Kailey called after him. “Could you help us with dinner? We’d like to try whatever local dishes you recommend p>
That seemed to brighten his mood. Fully awake now, he nodded. “Alright. I’ll arrange something p>
After they shut the door behind them, Zaria scanned the room with clear displeasure. “I can’t believe it.” She grabbed the edge of the blanket and lifted it with two fingers. “It’s damp p>