Chapter 130



Kallie instinctively grasped Rachel’s motives behind her decision. She deeply appreciated Rachel for the thoughtful arrangement.

Once the exhibition concluded, Kallie finally had a moment to unwind.

The team at the Hayes Group was in no hurry for Kallie to return, and Hayden’s studio was experiencing its off-season.

The timing couldn’t have been better for Kallie to take a break and clear her mind. She had considered going out but was still home when Linsey burst in, breathless with news.

“Sweetie, do you realize you’re trending right now?”

Linsey exclaimed, visibly excited.

Kallie was taken aback, bracing herself for yet another piece of troubling news. Her heart raced with apprehension.

However, Linsey quickly directed Kallie to a link she had sent.

Every journey starts at gαℓησν𝒆𝓁s․c𝗈𝗆 Upon reading the content, Kallie’s anxiety dissolved into relief. Photos of her modeling vintage attire at a local shop had, surprisingly, become a sensation online.

Molly, ever protective of Kallie’s privacy, had chosen not to disclose her identity.

Nonetheless, the recent exhibition had led curious netizens right to the true owner of those captivating photos.

Buzz filled the comments section beneath the posts about Kallie.

“She’s absolutely stunning. It’s a shame she’s not in showbiz.”

Linsey discussed the advantages and disadvantages with Kallie. “Show business isn’t just glitz and glamour, but my family runs an entertainment firm. It might not rival the Reeves’ empire, but they’d surely stand behind you. Kallie, you’re a change, and this could be your shot. Imagine having support from money, fans, and fame. Sarah would think twice before crossing you. With some luck, you might even carve out your own niche. Doesn’t that sound appealing?”

Kallie felt a pull, intrigued by the proposition. However, she regained her composure and gestured toward her throat. Her sign language said, “I’m mute. Have you ever heard of a star who can’t speak? I couldn’t even act. I’d be nothing more than a pretty face. I’d rather not go down that path. Let’s drop the idea.”

Linsey was at a loss for words, seeing it as a golden opportunity slipping away. Yet, she made sure to reassure Kallie, “It’s alright. You’ll always be the best in my eyes. I respect your decision, whatever it may be, and I’m here to support you.”

Kallie was deeply moved and held Linsey’s hand, smiling sweetly. But she couldn’t linger any longer with Linsey. She had more pressing matters to attend to.

After bidding Linsey goodbye, Kallie contacted Irene.

As Kallie hadn’t been at the Hayes Group recently, Irene had been engrossed in her own affairs.

Thus, when Kallie unexpectedly suggested they meet, Irene thought something was amiss and rushed to the specified location.

“Is something wrong?” Irene inquired, her gaze scanning Kallie with evident concern and urgency. “I’ve heard you’ve been in touch with Miss Simpson lately. Has she been giving you a hard time?”

Kallie couldn’t help but laugh at the question, a wave of warmth spreading through her. She shook her head in response. Her gestures conveyed her request, practically asking, “I am asking a favor from you. I’m trying to get in touch with Brent, but I’m not sure about his availability.”

Kallie hesitated, thinking it might cause issues if she approached Brent unannounced.

Irene’s expression shifted subtly upon grasping Kallie’s intent. Instead of giving a straightforward reply, she simply questioned, “Is it urgent?”

Kallie paused to think and then replied without elaborating that it was not exactly urgent, but she did need to discuss something important with him.

Irene pondered for a brief moment before rising to her feet.

“I need to make a quick call. Please hold on here,” Irene said, stepping aside to dial.

Kallie watched Irene, a knot of unease tightening in her stomach.

After a tense ten minutes, Irene returned. “Brent’s swamped with work. It’s unlikely he’ll manage a meeting, but you can meet Jerome instead?”

Kallie agreed without hesitation.

It dawned on her that it had been a while since she last saw Jerome. Her days had been overflowing with tasks, leaving her no moment to spare.

Moreover, Kallie felt an unspoken tension from most of the Hayes family. They appeared to be displeased with the arrangements Brent and Jerome had made for her.

Wishing to avoid any discomfort, Kallie had minimized her interactions with the rest of the Hayes family as much as possible.

Bracing herself for what might come next, Kallie climbed into the car alongside Irene, unaware that their journey would lead to the hospital.

Kallie was puzzled. Jerome was ill? This news had been guarded so fiercely that not even rumors of his condition had escaped.

Jerome’s special status meant he got to stay in an exclusive VIP room upstairs. The area was strictly confidential, and access to the upper floors required the use of a special elevator card.

Kallie paused at the elevator’s entrance, visibly uncertain.

Irene glanced back at Kallie with a gentle expression. “What’s the matter, Kallie? Are you feeling okay?” she inquired softly.

Kallie shook her head, dismissing the concern with a wave of her hand. Her gestures expressed that she understood the Hayes family’s intention of keeping Jerome’s condition under wraps, and since she was merely an outsider, she thought it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to go up. She suggested she visit once Jerome was better.

However, Irene disagreed with a soft shake of her head. “Jerome has always said that in his eyes, you are not an outsider,” she reassured Kallie.

These words unexpectedly warmed Kallie’s heart, a surge of emotion bringing tears to her eyes. She hadn’t anticipated feeling such warmth from someone she wasn’t even related to by blood.

Resolved now, Kallie cast aside her hesitation and followed Irene upstairs.

They encountered other members of the Hayes family on the upper floors, whose expressions were far from welcoming.

Kallie could hear faint sobbing nearby, which immediately put her on high alert.

Irene squeezed Kallie’s hand gently, trying to calm her nerves. “Don’t worry. It’s not as serious as it looks. These folks are always a bit jumpy.”

However, before they could step into the room, a man blocked their path.

The man was undeniably handsome but bore a cold, unwelcoming gaze. His eyes held distinct disdain and hostility when he looked at Kallie. “Miss Castillo, isn’t it inappropriate to bring an outsider here? My grandpa’s condition is confidential. Can you assure us there won’t be any breaches?” he asked sharply.

Irene responded with patience, “Mr. Guzman, this is Kallie Reeves. Jerome knows and trusts her. Her presence here is not my decision to make. If you doubt my word, feel free to confirm with Mr. Brent Hayes.”

The man, identified as Mr. Guzman, was clearly at a loss for words. He stepped aside reluctantly.

As Irene ushered Kallie inside, she whispered, “That’s Boris Guzman. You probably haven’t met him before. Jerome has a daughter he once doted on, who fell hard for a low-level employee. His background wasn’t the issue. It was his lack of ambition and incompetence. Jerome couldn’t tolerate it. Yet, she was so smitten that she eloped with that guy, hoping to sway Jerome. Always sticking to his principles, Jerome was deeply disappointed and severed all ties with her.”

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