Chapter 101



Sarah stared provocatively at Kallie. “This must be a piece of cake for you, huh?”

A wave of bitterness washed over Kallie, spreading from her heart to her limbs, making her fingertips tingle.

Kallie found it hard to believe that Jake could hold such contempt for her behind her back. She doubted Jake would fail to recognize her work; after all, her handwritten note was attached to it.

Kallie’s mind then drifted to her childhood.

At that time, Jake had always mocked Kallie’s handwriting. He insisted on forcing her to practice daily, and over time, Kallie’s handwriting improved significantly.

One day, Kallie decided to test Jake by blending her writing with others similar to hers and challenged him to identify hers.

With just a quick glance, Jake picked it out, saying, “You’re practically half my apprentice. Could I mistake it? Though you learned it from me directly, you managed to pick up some quirks.”

At that moment, Kallie couldn’t help but laugh behind her hand at his egotism.

Kallie had no idea that those fleeting moments would soon be treasured as memories beyond reach.

The sight of the broken sculpture struck yet another blow to Kallie’s heart, as if declaring that the past might forever remain just that, a memory.

Sarah kept probing, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. “What’s wrong? Is it too tough to repair? It seems like that’s all you’ve got. I’m no expert, but even I could fix it myself.”

A bystander, unable to contain their irritation, came to Kallie’s defense. “You’re being too harsh. Why blame Kallie? It’s not her fault.”

“Exactly, if she’s hesitant to fix it, it might just be because of your attitude.”

“I just handed Kallie a painting that was nearly destroyed, and she restored it. Your piece is straightforward. Kallie can certainly handle this.”

Though Kallie appreciated their support, their words only deepened her sorrow.

Kallie took a deep breath, struggling to quell the storm of emotions inside her. She faced Sarah, maintaining a composed façade, her gaze impenetrable. She gestured for Sarah to leave the item here, and she would fix it.

Sarah flashed a smug smile. “I’ll look forward to the good news then.” With a confident stride, she walked away.

Linsey, looking perplexed, leaned in and whispered to Kallie, “It’s clear Sarah’s just here to stir up trouble. Is it right for her to pressure you like that in front of everyone? Why did you agree to help her fix it? What if she claims you’re to blame when she comes to collect her things?”

Kallie simply shook her head and gestured her response, indicating that this stuff wasn’t worth much, much like how Jake had easily dismissed her feelings.

Pushing Sarah’s item to the side, Kallie turned her attention back to the belongings of others.

Every now and then, Kallie’s eyes roamed the room, searching for a glimpse of Jake, but he was nowhere to be seen.

A sense of desolation settled in Kallie’s heart again. Jake had probably chosen not to come, opting to avoid the discomfort of seeing her here, especially since he and Sarah were on a date. He wouldn’t want her presence to spoil their day.

Once Kallie finished fixing Sarah’s item, she had Irene send Sarah a message to come and pick it up.

Sarah showed no interest whatsoever. “Oh, I’m a bit tied up here. I can’t come to collect it. How about you bring it over to me?” she suggested casually.

Irene’s voice took on a stern edge. “If you don’t show up, we might just toss it out like trash.”

Yet, Sarah remained arrogant and rude. “Then tell Kallie I would have Jake pick it up on my behalf. Maybe she’d like me to arrange a chance for her to see Jake? I’m just trying to be nice, after all.”

Linsey lost her patience, snatched the phone, and lashed out, “What do you mean by that? You’re nothing but a shameless homewrecker! Even if Jake is blind enough to fall for you, it doesn’t change the fact that your actions are morally questionable. Kallie and Jake’s interactions are aboveboard, unlike yours, which are nothing but unethical. Who needs you, the mistress, to create opportunities?”

“You!” Sarah’s voice chilled with rage. “Kallie hasn’t given her orders. Why the rush to bark? I’ve said my piece. It’s Kallie’s issue now.”

With that, Sarah ended the call abruptly.

Kallie gave Linsey a reassuring pat on the back, urging her not to let the anger get to her.

Linsey glanced at Kallie, her expression softening. “Kallie, if you don’t feel like going, then don’t. If your husband has any objections later, we’ll all vouch for you.”

Kallie shook her head determinedly. She had to go. Jake had already abandoned the item once. If he came to retrieve it, wouldn’t that just grant him another opportunity to reject it, especially in her presence?

Anyway, that was a gift from her heart. Kallie couldn’t bear the thought of seeing it mistreated that way. She had no intention of returning the item to Sarah, yet there were clarifications she deemed necessary.

Linsey looked concerned. “That shameless woman is definitely plotting something. Going there might just invite more trouble. Why not let it go?”

Kallie pondered the situation but couldn’t unravel why Sarah would want to entrap her. Sarah already had Jake’s affection and devotion. What more could Sarah desire? Moreover, she had been wanting a divorce from Jake. She didn’t mind telling Sarah about it if necessary.

If things escalated, Kallie was prepared to prolong the divorce proceedings. At that point, she wouldn’t be the only one eager to move forward.

Realizing Kallie’s resolve, the others felt it inappropriate to intervene further.

Ethan stepped forward. “I’ll accompany you. Don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”

Kallie gave a grateful nod.

Sarah had chosen the teaching building at Eastonville University for their meeting.

Kallie wondered why Sarah had picked such a place.

Kallie and Ethan were about to head upstairs. However, they encountered Sarah descending the stairs just in time.

Sarah pointed at Kallie with a haughty tilt of her chin. “Kallie, come up by yourself. I don’t want strangers around, and I hope Mr. Brooks understands.”

Ethan regarded Sarah with a guarded expression. “Can you assure me you won’t harm Kallie?”

Sarah laughed, “Mr. Brooks, are you trying to be Kallie’s valiant protector now? Should I show Jake the photo of you two together? Considering she and Jake are still married, it might give him the evidence he needs to claim Kallie has been unfaithful, don’t you think?”

Ethan’s expression hardened, his hands balling into fists and relaxing the next second. He wanted to avoid complicating matters for Kallie.

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