Chapter 60: Open it already
Kael held the envelope between two fingers, the paper crinkling faintly as he turned it over, savoring the weight of it like a magician about to reveal a trick.
Across the table, Rhea leaned forward, amber eyes gleaming with curiosity. Her spoon dangled from her lips, giving her an oddly intense, pouty expression. "Come on," she mumbled around it, voice muffled. "Open it already."
Kael smirked, met her gaze with intentional slowness, and slid his thumb under the flap. A satisfying rip cut through the silence.
He peeked inside, eyes flicking over the contents, and a quiet grin crept across his face—subtle, smug. Without a word, he folded the envelope shut and slipped it into his pocket, leaning back like it meant nothing.
Rhea’s spoon clattered against her bowl. "What? What was that?" Her brows knit, voice sharpening. "Spill it, Kael."
He gave a lazy shrug, his grin only growing.
"I swear to god, if you act mysterious one more time—" she lunged forward, hand poised to snatch the envelope.
Kael pulled it out just in time, flipping it open with a dramatic flourish. A thick wad of crisp bills tumbled onto the table, landing with a soft, rich thud between their half-eaten bowls of stew.
Rhea stared, blinking. "...Why the hell did Harris give you cash? Did you take a loan or something?"
Kael tilted his head, mischief glinting in his hazel eyes. "How do you think I’m gonna keep the Haven running, Rhea? Can’t exactly keep on working part-time. Someone’s gotta manage this circus."
Her frown deepened. "Wait. Wait. You’re saying Harris paid you... for me?"