Chapter 535
Chapter 535:
Concern slipped out before she could stop it. “And what will you be doing p>
“Work awaits me.” He didn’t give her time to press further, disappearing into another car.
Uneasiness crept through Kailey’s chest like a rising tide. Why should she care about him? His absence worked in her favor.
She settled against the seat and kept her voice cool. “Drive p>
The security around her had grown heavier — eight bodyguards in total.
Aleena’s eyes went wide the moment they arrived. “Kailey, why is an entire squad escorting you home?” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “Are they here to shield you from Ryan p>
Ryan never crossed Kailey’s mind until Aleena mentioned him.
Kailey smiled. “It’s nothing like that. Kyson only worries about my safety, so he arranged for a few bodyguards. Just ignore them p>
Her attention shifted toward the men standing behind her. “You’re free to stand down now. I’m home, and there won’t be any trouble here p>
The bodyguards acknowledged her words and moved away without protest. Their destination didn’t concern Kailey in the slightest. Bright happiness filled her face as she looped her arm through Aleena’s. “I finally have time to stay here. Now I can keep you and Grandma company as much as I want p>
𝗥𝘦𝗮𝗱 𝗍h𝘦 𝘭а𝘵𝗲𝘴𝘵 t𝗋e𝗻𝖽𝘀 oո
Tender affection softened Aleena’s gaze. “That makes me so happy. Work has been quiet for me lately, so I can cook all your favorite dishes p>
A sense of closeness wrapped around Kailey in that moment, and she clung to Aleena with the ease of a carefree child. She hadn’t relaxed like this in a long time, and Aleena’s constant warmth tempted her to confess every hardship she had carried.
But in the end, she only said, “Everything is going wonderfully. The company’s problems are under control for now, so I get to rest a bit. I’ve even put on some weight, haven’t I p>
Aleena studied her and shook her head. “You’ve obviously grown thinner p>
“Then you’ll have to help me fix that.” Playfulness returned to Kailey at once. “I want to sleep beside you tonight p>
“Of course.” Aleena agreed without hesitation. “Sawyer can spend the night in the guest room p>
Happiness brightened Kailey’s face in a way that couldn’t be hidden.
Morning arrived with a trip to the market, and Aleena filled their bags with fresh food chosen entirely around Kailey’s preferences. Laughter followed them along the road home — until a parked car in the yard silenced their chatter.
“Ryan has returned,” Aleena whispered. “I didn’t tell him you were here p>
Tension pulled at Kailey’s smile, though she kept it in place. “I understand, Mom p>
Just then, Ryan’s familiar figure came into view. No surprise touched his face when he saw her. “Why are you standing outside instead of coming in p>
Unease flickered through Aleena’s eyes as she glanced between them. “I should begin lunch now. The two of you can talk for a bit.” She believed a private conversation might smooth whatever strain lingered between them.
Once Aleena left, the yard seemed to tighten around them.