Chapter 461
Chapter 461:
Zaria looked unsettled. “Kailey p>
Kailey only glanced at her briefly and said nothing.
A few steps away, Caleigh seemed to lose what little strength she had left. She sank into a chair, and the broom slipped from her hand to the ground.
The sight made Kailey’s chest ache. She stepped closer and crouched in front of her, gently holding the old woman’s shaking hand. “You can tell me the truth. If something is being hidden from you, I’ll do everything I can to help p>
Caleigh slowly raised her head. Her eyes were empty and unfocused, as if hope had drained out of them long ago.
“You think it would matter?” Caleigh’s voice trembled. “They have money. They have influence. I’m just an old woman. They could wipe me out without effort. Maybe in a few days, I’ll be gone too. Tell me — how could you possibly help me p>
Kailey tightened her hold on her hand and forced herself to smile. “We won’t know unless we try. As long as there’s even the smallest chance, we can’t give up p>
Caleigh didn’t answer. She only looked at her in silence.
“Kailey,” Zaria called out.
Kailey turned her head and gave her a sharp look. Zaria shut her mouth immediately.
𝖫а𝗍𝗲𝘴t 𝗰𝘩a𝘱𝘵𝖾𝘳𝗌 oո
Caleigh neither agreed nor refused. She simply sat there.
Kailey and Zaria began cleaning the courtyard. Zaria swept slowly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. After a while, she couldn’t stay quiet. “You said we came here for work. If we get dragged into this mess, when are we supposed to finalize the deal p>
Kailey stopped short. “If you don’t want to wait, you can head back first p>
“Kailey.” Zaria let the broom fall against the wall. “Let’s be realistic. We’re here for business. There are plenty of silversmiths out there. If we have to, we can produce the designs in a factory. Why complicate things? Do you think stepping in like this makes you p>
Her voice faltered before she finished.
Kailey studied her quietly, a crease forming between her brows. After a moment, she asked in an even tone, “Why stop? Go on p>
Zaria pressed her lips together and looked away.
Kailey’s voice softened, but there was steel beneath it. “What did Gregg say to you? Did he really win you over that easily p>
“He didn’t,” Zaria said flatly. “I just think we’re wasting our time p>
“Wasting our time?” Kailey let out a humorless laugh.
It was the first time they had spoken to each other like this. The air between them grew tight, and neither seemed willing to step back.
At that moment, Caleigh stepped out of the house carrying two cups of coffee. Her voice sounded tired and distant. “Sit down and drink. Then leave p>
Silence followed. They finished cleaning without another word.
When the courtyard was finally in order, Kailey washed her hands and turned to Zaria. “You should head back. What happens with Caleigh has nothing to do with the company. I’ll ask Linda for leave p>