Chapter 128



Kallie was taken aback by Rachel’s words. How could Rachel have known the clothes were in bad condition before?

Kallie had considered confiding in Rachel but hesitated, fearing it might upset her. Instead, Kallie resolved to attempt the repairs herself first, planning to disclose the truth only if she couldn’t salvage them.

“Thank you,” Rachel squeezed Kallie’s hand emotionally. “I’m at a loss for words to thank you.”

Curious, Kallie typed down her question, “Who told you the clothes were ruined before?”

Rachel nodded, ready to respond, when a deep voice boomed from behind. It was Phillip.

Phillip strode purposefully toward them, his usually stern demeanor softened by Kallie’s presence. “Mrs. Reeves, I’ve been wanting to apologize in person for the incident at the last party, but time slipped away from me. Rachel means the world to me, and my words were out of line. Please accept my sincere apologies.”

Kallie quickly shook her head, reassuring Phillip that she harbored no ill feelings.

Rachel, treating the clothes like precious artifacts, handed them over to Phillip. “Dad, look! Kallie fixed them. Isn’t she amazing?”

Phillip’s eyes filled with tears as he recognized the dresses. “Your mother wore this one on our first date, and I got her that one for her birthday party that year. Over time, I’ve lost so many of her things for all sorts of reasons. I’ve looked everywhere but came up empty. I thought her possessions were gone for good. I was…”

“Mrs. Reeves, I can’t thank you enough,” Phillip turned to Kallie, his eyes filled with deep appreciation, and extended an invitation. “If it’s okay with you, we’d love for you to join us for dinner.”

Seeing the hopeful expression in Rachel’s eyes, Kallie agreed with a warm smile.

Rachel, bubbling with enthusiasm, then suggested to Phillip that they should put together an exhibition of her mother’s cherished items.

Phillip responded with enthusiasm, “That sounds nice. Just let me know if you need any help with that.”

As Kallie observed their warm interaction, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. During her time with the Reeves, she had been part of such familial warmth, and those moments had passed all too quickly. A feeling of loneliness crept into her heart.

The atmosphere at the Simpson home was welcoming, though. Despite his serious demeanor, Phillip made an effort to engage Kallie in conversation, ensuring she felt included.

Noticing Kallie’s silence, Phillip quickly called over a servant who was proficient in sign language to facilitate communication for her.

Rachel’s smile grew even brighter, appreciating her father’s thoughtful gesture.

Rachel leaned in and whispered to Kallie, “Dad doesn’t usually talk this much with people he’s just met. It means he really likes you.”

Kallie smiled, gesturing that she had simply kept her word and that there was no need to thank her for that.

Rachel’s face suddenly took on a serious expression. “Kallie, there’s something else I need to talk to you about. I hope you’ll be on board.”

Kallie looked curious, wondering what Rachel could possibly need her agreement on.

Before Rachel could elaborate, a servant hurried over, interrupting them. She reported that Sarah had arrived and was asking for Rachel.

Given the last unpleasant encounter, everyone in the Simpson family knew Rachel’s relationship with Sarah had grown strained, leading them to cease contact.

Knowing this, the servant hesitated to let Sarah in immediately.

Rachel cast a quick, meaningful glance at Kallie, subtly shaking her head. “I don’t want to speak with her. Please ask her to leave.”

The servant’s face clouded with concern. “Miss, Miss Miller is quite adamant. She claims if you refuse to meet, she’ll camp out at the front door and not budge an inch.”

Kallie gestured to Rachel, her gestures clearly saying, “It might be better to face her. Sarah’s known for her stubborn streak. Ignoring her might only invite more drama.”

Rachel exhaled a resigned sigh. “Alright, let her in.”

Soon after, Sarah entered the hall, looking quite distressed. “Rachel, I thought you were so mad at me that we’d never speak again…”

Sarah’s voice faltered when she noticed Kallie sitting beside Rachel.

Rachel stood up, her expression composed. “Let me introduce you to my new friend, Kallie. Since you two are already acquainted, I’ll spare the details.”

Sarah’s hands tightened into fists at her sides. She had come prepared today, her complexion pale and devoid of makeup, making her look frail and worn. Her eyes, red and swollen, conveyed a deep sorrow, clearly a ploy to evoke Rachel’s sympathy.

Sarah had hoped her appearance would soften Rachel’s heart. What she hadn’t anticipated was that during her brief stay in the hospital, Kallie had stepped into the role she once held.

Sarah’s voice cut through the air, tinged with unmistakable resentment and anger. “Rachel, I thought you were my best friend. How can you associate with someone I can’t stand? Have you been tricked by Kallie?”

Rachel’s brow furrowed in displeasure. “Tricked? I’m an adult. I can tell right from wrong on my own.”

Sarah’s face flushed, tears welling in her eyes. “Rachel, that’s not what I meant. I’m just worried you might be misled. Don’t you remember our history? How I risked everything to save you? You promised you’d never forget that.”

As her emotional plea failed to convince Rachel, Sarah shifted tactics, laying on the guilt thickly.

Rachel’s expression wavered, showing a flicker of guilt. Observing the unfolding drama, Phillip, who had been quietly stern until now, cleared his throat audibly to draw Sarah’s attention.

Phillip then stood up and addressed Sarah, his voice firm. “Your act of saving my daughter is something I’m deeply grateful for. She’s my only child, and I’ve always held her dear, extending that same care to you, tolerating much because of your close friendship with Rachel. Miss Miller, Rachel has always seen you as a true friend, supporting you unwaveringly in every challenge. Whenever you faced difficulties, she was there, helping without a second thought. I have supported you extensively as well. She has fulfilled her role as a friend more than adequately. A true friend wouldn’t exploit that generosity.”

Sarah was quick to respond, her voice tinged with urgency, “I would never…”

Feeling Rachel’s piercing gaze, Sarah couldn’t bring herself to meet her eyes.

Rachel, gathering her thoughts, felt her anger simmer. She was furious that Sarah had manipulated her trust, placing her in a precarious position. Had she sided with Sarah the previous day and turned Kallie away, she would have been the one bearing the brunt of the blame for Sarah’s sake, when the truth inevitably surfaced.

By then, such a scenario would have risked tarnishing the Simpson family’s esteemed reputation.

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