Chapter 516
Chapter 516:
Her gaze moved quietly across the room. She recognized a few familiar faces. When their eyes met, polite smiles followed, mixed with thinly veiled curiosity.
She searched further. Still, she didn’t find the face she was looking for. Disappointment flickered across her expression before she looked away.
Was he really not coming?
Without her phone, Kailey had no way of contacting Kyson.
Th𝗲 𝖻𝗲𝘀𝘵 r𝘦𝘢𝘥i𝗻𝗴 𝘦x𝗉𝘦𝗋𝗂𝘦𝗻c𝖾 o𝗇
After a short while, the light beside her dimmed as someone took the seat next to her. Lyman’s presence carried a weight that silenced even the quiet whispers nearby.
“Sorry to keep you waiting p>
He reached out and briefly held her hand. His palm was warm. Before she could pull away, he had already let go.
Kailey turned toward him, displeasure plain on her face. “Lyman, pay attention to how this looks p>
The corner of his mouth lifted for a second — a faint expression, but one that stood out sharply against his usual cool restraint.
She faced forward and ignored him.
The host began speaking on stage.
Lyman leaned closer and said quietly, “If you see something you like, bid on it p>
“I’m fine,” she replied flatly.
The auction began in earnest. These charity events were mostly a way for prominent businesses to polish their public image. For people like them, money wasn’t tangible — it was just a figure. One glittering piece after another was presented, but none of it caught Kailey’s attention.
After sitting through several rounds, she inhaled slowly. “I need to use the restroom p>
“I’ll go with you,” Lyman said at once.
“There’s no need p>
The moment she stepped into the hallway, the air felt lighter.
Behind her, measured footsteps followed. She didn’t need to turn around to know it was the bodyguards.
Kailey stopped and looked back. “Are you planning to follow me inside too p>
The two guards exchanged an awkward glance. “Ms. Evans, we’re responsible for your safety p>
“I’m not in danger here,” she said calmly. “Wait outside p>
They hesitated for a brief moment before lowering their heads. “Yes p>
They were assigned to guard her, but they also understood her place in Lyman’s eyes — none of them wanted to cross a line.
The corridor stretched ahead, quiet and empty. Kailey’s heels echoed softly against the polished floor.
She hadn’t really needed the restroom. She just needed a moment to breathe, and there was no rush to go back.
Her eyes drifted around the quiet space and landed on a balcony across the fire escape.
She took a step toward it. A hand suddenly clamped over her mouth.
“Mm p>
Kailey’s eyes flew wide as she was pulled hard into the stairwell.
The grip released. She sucked in a breath and opened her mouth to scream.
“It’s me.” The low voice brushed her ear.
Kailey froze. In an instant, fear gave way to a rush of emotion so overwhelming it left her dizzy. She threw her arms around his neck, her voice breaking. “I knew it. I knew you’d come p>
She had already forced herself to let go of hope. Yet here he was.