Chapter 22

At the hotel, Kayla stood at the front desk, handling her check-in and settling the bill, when a sharp, familiar voice cut through the quiet hum of the lobby.

"Well, if it isn't Kayla!"

Startled, Kayla whirled around, and her eyes locked onto a familiar face. Dewitt, one of Jeremy's closest friends.

He nodded toward the suitcase by her side. "What brings you here?"

"Hi!" Kayla greeted him, her tone measured as she slid the suitcase a little closer. "There's been some tension at home. I just need a couple of days away."

"Ah,,a quarrel with Liam? So, you're giving each other some space?"

Kayla said nothing. The silence hung between them like a quiet confirmation.

Just then, both receptionists rose from their seats and greeted him with practiced politeness.

Only then did it click-this hotel was owned by Nicolson Group.

Dewitt rested an elbow on the counter, histall frame exuding ease as he tapped his car keys against the polished surface. "She's my friend. Give her the luxury suite-put it on my tab."

Without hesitation, the receptionists began typing.

Kayla moved quickly to intervene. "That's really not necessary."

"Jeremy and I are buddies. You're married to his nephew-that makes you my friend too.A few days here on the house won't hurt. Let the staff know if you need anything." With that, he moved to grab her suitcase.

Kayla moved to the side, dodging him. Her smile was courteous, her posture resolute. "I appreciate the gesture, but I'd rather pay for my stay. Please, let me handle it." She extended her card to the receptionist without another word.

The receptionist paused, glancing at Dewitt for direction.

Dewitt raised both hands in mock surrender, lips curled in a playful grin. "If she insists, let her."

Only then did the receptionist swipe her card and complete the check-in.

"Thank you, Dewitt. I'll be heading up now," Kayla said softly, keeping her head low as she rolled the suitcase toward the elevators.

Given Dewitt's close connection to Jeremy, it was best to steer clear.

Dewitt watched as she stepped into the elevator, her figure vanishing behind the closing doors. With a slight shake of his head, he turned to leave. "Liam's letting his wife stay in a hotel? What a strange pair they make."

Meanwhile, Jeremy had spent the entire morning shuffling between back-to-back meetings. Zoe waited in his office the whole time.

When he finally walked in, she jumped to her feet, hurrying over with a tray of pastries and a fresh cup of coffee."You must be tired. Please, have something."

Jeremy sank into the leather chair with a quiet sigh, giving her a passing glance. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to check on your arm. After all, it was my sister who injured you. I've been feeling terrible about it."

"It's nothing worth fussing over," he said flatly. The sharp angles of his face, sculpted and cold, gave nothing away.

Even with his aloof demeanor, Zoe found herself drawn in. A flush crept up her cheeks as she moved a little closer. "At least have a taste of the pastries I made for you."

Edwin, standing nearby, was just about to remind Zoe that Jeremy wasn't fond of sweets. But to his surprise, Jeremy reached out, took a pastry, and threw it into his mouth without a word.

Edwin's eyes widened in disbelief. Since when did Jeremy start liking sweets? Jeremy gave a small nod. "Not bad."

"Really? Then I'll make more next time!" Zoe's eyes lit up, thrilled by the praise.

"Leave them on the table. You're free to go. I've got things to handle."

"It's alright. I'll stay with you," Zoe replied, her gaze steady on him, unwilling to leave.

Jeremy's brow creased at her insistence. The clinginess grated on him, but the sense of obligation kept his frustration in check. He held back the urge to dismiss her.

The office door swung open just then.

Dewitt strolled in nonchalantly,his carefree laughter rolling in ahead of him.

"Jeez, Jeremy, it's freezing in here! Next time, crank up the heat. You're already icy-no need for the roomto compete with your personality." His eyes flicked to Zoe beside Jeremy. A knowing smirk curled his lips. "So this is what's been keeping you so quiet-you're in a relationship!"

Color rushed to Zoe's cheeks, and she dipped her head shyly.

Jeremy,unamused, shot Dewitt a cold look. "Don't you have something better to do?"

"So you aren't in a relationship? My bad. It just looks like things are heating up between you two,"Dewitt said,sliding a chair forward and settling into it with a mischievous grin.

Jeremy turned to Zoe with a pointed look. "You should leave."

"Okay. Don't forget the pastries." Zoe spared Dewitt a polite smile before slipping out.

Dewitt rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes trailing after her for a moment."Zoe isn't as pretty as Kayla,and her figure's not on the same level either. You sure she's your type?"

A pen camne sailing through the air and landed in his lap.

Dewitt caught it, chuckling as he noticed the dark cloud settling over Jeremy's face. "Relax, I'm joking.Kayla's your nephew's wife-l wouldn't dare compare her to Zoe." "Did you stop by just to crack jokes? Is Nicolson Group going bankrupt or something? You sure seem to have plenty of time on your hands."

"Going bankrupt? Come on. You're blowving this out of proportion!"

Jeremy said nothing, pushing the pastries aside and returning to his documents.

Dewitt leaned on the desk, propping his chin in his hand. "Anyway, I bumped into Kayla at the hotel earlier."