Chapter 62
Chapter 62:
Kyson glanced over at Kailey. She sat upright with her hands folded neatly in her lap, the very picture of a well-behaved schoolgirl. He smiled softly and reached over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Nervous p>
“Not really,” she replied, sneaking a glance at him before sitting up even straighter. “It’s just… people of his stature carry a certain weight about them. It makes me want to be on my best behavior p>
Kyson nodded. “Don’t worry. I’m right here with you p>
At that moment, Geoffrey entered the room.
Kyson rose to his feet and straightened his jacket, and Kailey quickly stood as well.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Holland p>
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir p>
Geoffrey gave them both a nod and gestured for them to sit. He studied Kailey briefly before turning to Kyson. “It’s been a long time. You’ve become quite the gentleman. Your grandfather mentioned you’re running the company now p>
“Yes, sir,” Kyson replied with quiet humility. “I’m doing my best and learning every day p>
“Good. A little humility goes a long way.” Geoffrey’s gaze warmed. Then he shifted his attention. “So, is this your fiancée p>
Kailey’s cheeks tinged faintly pink.
A𝖽di𝘤𝗍𝗂𝘷e 𝘀𝘵𝘰r𝗂𝘦𝘴 оn
Kyson caught her reaction and smiled. “Yes. This is Kailey Evans p>
“Well then, why aren’t you married yet?” Geoffrey raised an eyebrow. “Kailey, are you the one holding out p>
The question caught her off guard. She glanced instinctively at Kyson, only to find him watching her with quiet expectation, waiting to see what she would say. She shook her head quickly. “No, not at all. I want to marry him p>
A glint of laughter moved through Kyson’s eyes. He added smoothly, “We’re in the middle of planning. Mr. Holland, you’ll be the very first person to receive an invitation p>
“I’ll hold you to that. I expect a front-row seat at the wedding p>
After a few more minutes of easy conversation, Geoffrey shifted course. “So, you mentioned there’s an emerald amulet that needs restoration. Let’s have a look p>
Kailey reached carefully into her bag and drew out the amulet, her nerves plain as she handed it over. “Mr. Holland, do you think there’s any way to repair it p>
During the drive, she had looked him up online. Everything Kyson had said checked out—Geoffrey was a respected master in the field with several accomplished apprentices of his own. If he said the repair was impossible, that would be the end of it.
Geoffrey examined the amulet closely, his brow creasing as he studied every detail. The deeper his concentration grew, the more anxious Kailey became.
Sensing her tension, Kyson gave her hand a quiet, reassuring squeeze.
After what felt like a long two minutes, Geoffrey set the box down. “This emerald is of excellent quality. Restoring it perfectly won’t be easy, but it’s certainly worth attempting p>
Kailey finally let out the breath she had been holding. Even the possibility of hope was better than none.
She thanked him sincerely, and Geoffrey accepted with a warm smile before insisting they stay for lunch.
As they made their way down the hallway afterward, Kailey exhaled slowly. “Mr. Holland is quite intimidating. I felt like I could barely move the whole time I was in there p>