Chapter 51
Chapter 51:
The more he turned it over, the hotter his irritation burned. He snatched up his phone with sharp resolve. “She actually thinks I can’t rein her in. I’ll have the property manager pull the security footage and see what excuse she comes up with then p>
“Don’t p>
Before his thumb could press the screen, Olivia reached out and caught his hand.
Ryan glanced back, confusion knitting his brows. “What’s wrong p>
Fear moved beneath Olivia’s composed expression. If the manager reviewed the cameras or the police became involved, everything would spiral beyond her control.
She drew a slow breath and murmured, “Ryan, if you go through with that, won’t it only make things worse between Kailey and me?” A strained smile tugged at her lips as she gave a small shake of her head. “Besides, I don’t really blame her. She matters to you, and one day she’ll be family to me too. Let’s try to be a little more patient with her p>
Warmth moved through Ryan’s chest at her gentle consideration, even as his irritation toward Kailey tightened like a knot.
𝗙і𝗻𝘥 𝗻o𝗏e𝗅 𝗣𝘋𝗙𝘴 o𝗻
“Even if we don’t involve anyone, she still owes you an apology. Once the results come back this afternoon, we’re going to find her,” he said firmly.
Meanwhile, Kailey sat in quiet astonishment, turning over Olivia’s string of hospital visits across the past ten days. No matter how she looked at it, she simply couldn’t comprehend how someone could wound herself just to pin the blame on another person.
Kyson remained cool and unreadable, his tone flat. “People can be far more calculating than you imagine. If she’s willing to hurt herself just to lay the blame on you, it means she wants something badly enough to consider it a worthwhile trade p>
Kailey had never been naive—she simply hadn’t expected to cross paths with someone that deliberate.
A moment later, a light, relieved laugh slipped from her lips. “It’s fine. We won’t be dealing with each other again anyway. I’ll treat it as one of those lessons life insists on teaching p>
Silence followed. Kyson watched her with quiet intensity.
This was the woman who had earned his deepest respect. She possessed the rare courage to acknowledge her feelings honestly, and the strength to step back the instant she sensed the other person’s indifference. She probably didn’t notice it herself—but with golden sunlight spilling across her shoulders, Kyson caught a sudden glimpse of the stubborn little girl from years ago. Delicate in appearance, yet carrying something unyielding deep in her bones.
As their car rolled back into Jucridge, Kyson dropped Kailey off at Sundown Estate first.
Standing beside her luggage, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and murmured, “If you have errands, go ahead. I still need to sort a few things p>
After a short, thoughtful pause, Kyson asked, “Would you consider moving in with me p>
Shock flickered across her face, her eyes widening. “What p>
“I mean—I already have a place here in Jucridge.” Noticing how startled she looked, he chuckled. “I’ll be staying here for a few days anyway. If you’re not comfortable staying here, you could stay with me instead. The guest room is already set up p>