Chapter 129



Upon reflecting, Rachel now understood Sarah’s decision to stir trouble at her birthday celebration. Sarah had intended to make her the scapegoat.

It was Phillip’s revelation that brought this to light for Rachel. She rose swiftly, seized Sarah by the wrist, and led her outside. “You might think I’m heartless, but I just can’t maintain this friendship any longer.”

Tears streamed down Sarah’s face, her eyes brimming with defiance.

Even at the doorstep, Sarah hesitated to leave and attempted to reconcile with Rachel. “Rachel, I admit I was wrong. My anger got the best of me. Jake and I were okay until Kallie meddled. I lost control and made a foolish mistake. Please, don’t hold this against me.”

Rachel’s expression remained stern, her tone frosty. “Having known Kallie as long as I have, I’m well aware of her character. I don’t need anyone else’s judgment.”

Sarah’s lips trembled, her sorrow deepening. “Yes, it’s true. This was all a big misunderstanding. It’s all on me. Are you really going to cut me off forever?”

Sarah’s eyes welled up as she continued, “I remember you’re into restoring antiques. Hayden never valued your talent, but I connected you with someone better. He’s a world-renowned expert seeking apprentices. If you’re interested, I can set things up. Moreover, Kallie is one of Hayden’s apprentices, and she hasn’t once spoken nicely about you to him.”

Sarah threw in that last bit, watching as Rachel’s expression grew even more severe. Quickly shifting her approach, she added, “But perhaps Kallie faces her own challenges.”

Rachel merely gave Sarah a brief glance. “Thanks for the consideration, but I don’t need it. I’m into restoring antiques, and I’ve already found a better mentor.”

“What? Who could possibly be better?” Sarah asked, taken aback.

Rachel smiled wryly, her tone unyielding. “To be honest, Kallie is incredible. If she agrees, I’ll be her apprentice. So, you needn’t worry about me.”

Disbelief etched Sarah’s features, and her voice sharpened. “Rachel, are you serious? Why Kallie?”

Rachel chose not to elaborate further.

At that moment, the car pulled up, and Rachel opened the door for Sarah. “Miss Miller, I have other commitments. I won’t be seeing you off.”

Sarah’s complexion turned from pale to flushed, and she bit her lip hard as she stepped into the car.

As the vehicle started to pull away, Sarah, consumed by anger, exited and stormed into Jake’s car.

The disturbance caused Jake to frown, and he asked with annoyance, “Are you done?”

Feeling even more wronged, Sarah retorted, “Jake, I was treated terribly there. Don’t you even care?”

Jake gave a half-smirk. “I warned you, Rachel’s no easy target. You chose to come to her anyway. You brought this upon yourself.”

Sarah blushed with embarrassment, her eyes welling up as she clung to Jake’s hand.

Jake, visibly annoyed, furrowed his brow. Reaching his limit, he stormed out of his vehicle to enter another one.

As Jake strode away without a backward glance, Sarah watched in disbelief. She hastily exited the car and chased after him in her high heels, calling out, “Jake, didn’t you promise a trip to cheer me up? What am I supposed to do if you leave now?”

Jake gave her a dismissive look. “I did make plans, but you’re just too irritating now. Don’t worry, someone else will take you around.”

Sarah’s complexion paled, yet she managed a forced smile. “What are you saying, Jake? You’re kidding me, right?”

Without responding, Jake gestured, and several bodyguards quickly surrounded Sarah. Ignoring her pleading gaze, they ushered her into another car.

Locked inside with two bodyguards, Sarah found herself trapped with no way out. She overheard Jake instructing Edgar, “Keep her out of sight for a while. I can’t stand being around her, but let everyone think she’s still with me.”

Realizing Jake’s intentions, Sarah’s eyes widened in shock.

Torn between heartache and anger, Sarah understood she was being used once again as a pawn in Jake’s game to evoke Kallie’s jealousy.

Edgar hesitated, his voice filled with caution as he uttered, “Mr. Reeves, is this really necessary?”

Jake’s response was a frosty stare. “Since when do I need your permission for anything?” His words cut through the air, sharp and dismissive.

Silenced by Jake’s retort, Edgar quickly went to make the necessary arrangements.

As the car carrying Sarah pulled away, Jake spared no glance her way. His expression darkened as he gave the Simpson family’s home one final look, then turned his back and walked away.

Three days later, Sarah found herself abandoned in a small town, thousands of miles from home.

Jake had boasted about the town’s fresh air and pleasant surroundings, claiming it was the perfect spot for her to unwind and recuperate.

Dragging her suitcase along a muddy path, Sarah’s patience was wearing thin. Her anger boiled over when she recalled how her parents had consented to this arrangement. They believed any opportunity to keep her connected with Jake was worth pursuing, regardless of her feelings.

Overwhelmed with frustration, Sarah hurled her suitcase into the air. Her action caused her to lose balance, and she toppled into the mud.

Drenched and dirty, she was a far cry from the polished socialite she had been.

“Bitch! Bitch!” Sarah yelled furiously, wanting to rip Kallie to shreds.

Unable to hold Jake responsible, Sarah instead vented her anger on Kallie and Rachel.

Eventually, Sarah managed to cool off. It was then that a thought struck her. She might still hold some sway over Rachel.

The exhibition of Rachel’s mother’s belongings had turned out to be a tremendous hit, attended not only by students and those aided by Rachel’s mother but also by numerous notable figures.

During the event, Rachel had openly commended Kallie, even proclaiming Kallie as her best friend.

This declaration had stunned those who previously scorned Kallie, given the esteemed status of the Simpson family.

Sarah had secured her position as a leading socialite in the city largely through her connection with Rachel.

Previously viewed as a vulnerable woman whom the Reeves family was poised to cast aside, Kallie’s fortunes were reversed thanks to Rachel’s support.

With such a powerful endorsement, the societal elite began to reconsider their stance toward Kallie. At the very least, they were no longer quick to dismiss her.

.

.

.