Chapter 514
Chapter 514:
“Don’t get all formal with me p>
They finished the food together in the courtyard. By noon, Jessica decided to head home. Kailey, a bit reluctant, tried to persuade her to stay for lunch.
“I’ve eaten way too much already.” Jessica pressed a hand to her stomach and forced a pained smile. “If I don’t go to the gym, I’ll regret it. I’ll come see you again soon p>
Kailey laughed at her exaggerated expression and nodded. “Alright p>
𝗧𝘳еո𝖽𝘪𝗻𝗴 𝗇оv𝘦𝘭ѕ 𝗼𝘯 ѕ.𝖼𝗼𝘮
Just as Jessica drove off, another car rolled into the yard.
Lyman stepped out and glanced toward the pavilion in the garden. “Did someone visit p>
A bodyguard answered respectfully, “Yes. It was the young lady who came a few days ago p>
Lyman gave a slight nod and walked inside without asking more.
In the living room, Kailey leaned against the couch with a book open in her hands. She looked absorbed, yet the page hadn’t changed in quite some time.
Lyman slowed his steps. Without realizing it, his expression softened. It had been a while since she’d seemed this at ease.
“Mr. Vasquez—” A servant stepped out from the kitchen and instinctively called out to him.
Kailey straightened abruptly, like a startled deer, fear and surprise flickering across her face.
Lyman lifted a fist to his lips, concealing the faint smile that almost surfaced. When his hand dropped, his expression was composed again. The servant sensed the shift in the air, lowered her head, and slipped away quietly.
“Go wash your hands and eat,” Lyman said. His tone allowed no argument.
Kailey didn’t move. “I’ve already eaten p>
Lyman studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. “If you’d like, you can invite Jessica over more often.” Jessica might be loud and carefree, but her background was clean — she’d grown up protected. Someone like her couldn’t hide ulterior motives even if she tried.
Kailey blinked, clearly caught off guard. Before she could respond, Lyman had already walked toward the dining room.
She kept her eyes fixed in that direction, her thoughts shifting quietly.
Over time, she had learned how he was. He wasn’t warm, but he wasn’t unreasonable either. As long as she didn’t confront him head-on, there was room to negotiate.
After the meal, she said, “I’ve been feeling trapped lately. I want to go out for some air p>
Lyman’s gaze rested on her face for several seconds. “Where p>
“Anywhere is fine p>
“There’s an auction tomorrow. Would you like to attend p>
She nodded. “Yes p>
If Lyman was going, there was a chance Kyson would be there too.
The next morning, the familiar makeup artist arrived with a cream-colored dress draped over her arm. She walked in with obvious excitement. “Ms. Evans, I picked this dress myself. It’s made for your figure. Once you put it on, no one will look away p>
Kailey glanced at it without much reaction.
The girl pouted. “Why aren’t you praising me p>
“What’s your name?” Kailey asked instead.
“Nadine Navarro p>
“Nadine, you did a great job p>