Chapter 115



Kallie regained her composure and quickly typed a message on her phone to show to the waiter, clarifying that the invitation was indeed from Miss Simpson and that there might have been a mix-up.

The waiter’s mocking laughter intensified, filling the room with disdain. “So, what are you saying? That Miss Simpson had someone send a fake invitation just to mess with you?”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

“That’s not possible. Miss Simpson is the kindest soul. She wouldn’t stoop to such methods, even if she disliked someone,” one guest commented.

“Seems like she’s trying to pin her own slip-ups on others,” another added with a dismissive click of the tongue.

A chill ran through Kallie’s limbs. It dawned on her that she might have been set up. Was Miss Simpson behind this? She couldn’t fathom why. She had no known quarrels with Miss Simpson.

“What is happening here?” a crisp, authoritative voice sliced through the murmurs, capturing the room’s attention instantly.

Kallie turned around to see a figure making her way forward gracefully.

The woman was dressed in a light blue gown that radiated sophistication and an air of authority. Her expression was neutral, her eyes carrying a hint of iciness.

This had to be Miss Simpson, Rachel Simpson.

Rachel scanned the room until her eyes landed on Kallie, irritation clear in her gaze. Immediately, someone stepped forward to clarify the situation.

As the explanation unfolded, Rachel’s expression grew stern. She approached Kallie, her stance somewhat confrontational. “Miss, I’ll be honest. Recent incidents involving you have really put me off. I find you quite annoying. But that doesn’t mean I’d stoop to this level. Please, be more vigilant and stop pointing fingers at everyone else.”

Kallie stood frozen, her words trapped in her throat, eager to make Rachel understand. She swiftly typed down her reply on her phone. “Miss Simpson, I’m not sure what you’ve heard, but I’ve never accused you. I think we’re just tangled in a misunderstanding, and I’d really like to sort it out with you.”

“That’s enough!” Rachel snapped, her attention briefly shifting to the waiter standing by. “Guests are guests, and though she wasn’t invited, we have no right to turn her away. Please, bring her inside.”

Feeling utterly defeated, Kallie clenched her fists. She despised how voiceless she felt, robbed of even a chance to defend herself.

The waiter gave Kallie a dismissive look and rolled his eyes.

Kallie shook her head, opting not to enter. Lacking an invitation, entering would be blatantly inappropriate.

Rachel misread Kallie’s actions, her look turning scornful. “What now? Throwing a fit?” she asked mockingly. “Expecting an apology from me? Don’t look so pitiful. It makes people think I’m picking on you.”

Kallie, overwhelmed, shook her head vigorously, too distressed to type out a response, and switched to sign language. She gestured that she wasn’t pointing fingers and simply wanted to clear up any misunderstanding.

A sneer came from the crowd. “Can anyone even understand her gestures? Is she insulting Miss Simpson?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised. She has a mean streak. Miss Simpson is being too gracious, even letting her in. I would’ve thrown her out myself.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Simpson, we all saw what happened. We’re your witnesses. You haven’t done anything wrong. If she’s upset, that’s her problem, not yours.”

At that moment, Kallie’s realization hit hard. Prejudice was a massive, unyielding force in people’s minds. Though the online chatter had ceased, what did it matter? Their perception of her was already set in stone. Changing it was impossible.

Kallie emitted a soft sigh, her eyes slightly reddening as she struggled to suppress any signs of emotion.

Rachel caught the subtleties of Kallie’s expression. Her look softened. “Let’s just forget about it. Today’s the happiest day of my life, and I won’t let anything ruin it. Whether she decides to come in or not, that’s up to her.”

Despite Rachel’s words, the scorn still lingered in her gaze.

The palpable disdain and disgust from everyone felt like a vast ocean, engulfing Kallie, who stood isolated at its center. She seemed trapped on a desolate island, escape an impossible dream.

At that moment, a familiar figure walked over, cutting through the tension.

Hayden approached with a warm smile, positioning himself behind Kallie.

“Hayden.” Rachel’s eyes sparkled. “I didn’t expect you to show up!”

Hayden had typed down his response on his phone. “Your grandfather and I were old schoolmates. Seeing you’ve grown up and are throwing a birthday bash, I couldn’t miss it.”

Hayden exchanged pleasantries with Rachel for a moment. Then his gaze shifted to Kallie standing beside him. He gestured toward his phone, his defense for Kallie evident in his messages. “I noticed from a distance that there seemed to be some tension between you two. Although Kallie can’t speak and is usually reserved, she’s genuinely a good person. Perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding.”

Rachel’s smile dimmed slightly. She didn’t outwardly counter Hayden’s opinions. “You hardly ever give compliments. If you think highly of her, she must have redeeming qualities. Maybe there was indeed a mix-up! But let’s put that aside for now. Hayden, please get inside. My grandfather is eager to see you. He’s been looking forward to catching up.”

Hayden nodded with enthusiasm and turned to Kallie, inviting her to come in with him.

With Hayden standing up for Kallie, no one dared to say anything anymore.

Kallie’s eyes were tinged with redness as she followed Hayden inside. Once they were alone, she quickly typed a message. “I appreciate it, but you shouldn’t have defended me like that. It might have turned against you. What if they started pointing fingers at you instead?”

Hayden smiled warmly at Kallie. His response was simple and genuine on his phone. “At this stage in my life, I don’t worry about reputation or fame. They are just superficial. You’re my apprentice, learning from me. It’s my duty to defend you in times of need.”

Kallie felt a tickle in her nose, tears threatening to spill over. She typed down her response, “Thank you for believing in me.”

Hayden let out a gentle sigh and shared through texts, “Rachel is a good girl. She might have heard too many rumors about you and holds some resentment, but it’s okay. Spend some time with her, and she’ll come to see your true character.”

Kallie nodded in agreement.

A thought then struck Hayden. His following texts revealed something significant. “She once wanted to learn antique restoration under me, but I declined. I simply told her I already had an apprentice.”

Kallie furrowed her brow in confusion. She hadn’t known Rachel well, but she could sense that Rachel was well-educated. Wouldn’t Rachel’s depth of knowledge be an asset in such a specialized field?

But Hayden shook his head, his expression enigmatic. He then offered his wisdom. “Just because someone seems right for the job doesn’t mean they are. Rachel’s too hasty, and no amount of skill can compensate for that. In our profession, we prize patience and meticulous attention to detail, qualities you embody, unaffected by distractions.”

Kallie blushed slightly, her fingers typing down her shy response. “I’m flattered.”

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