Chapter 172



“You don’t recognize her? Or is it my decision that you refuse to acknowledge?” Brent approached, his expression shadowed by anger.

Upon spotting Brent, Ricky promptly straightened up, adopting a sycophantic grin. “Mr. Hayes, I was just joking with her. I meant no harm.”

Irene let out a derisive snort. “Oh, so mocking someone for their inability to speak, labeling them a deaf-mute, that’s your idea of a joke? How come you’re not laughing when I clap back?”

Ricky’s glare intensified, his eyes blazing. “Stop making things up!”

Brent’s voice turned icy as he interjected, “We’re privileged to have Kallie join our team. If you have any grievances, I suggest you discuss them with my grandfather.”

Ricky was quick to dismiss the idea, “Mr. Hayes, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Really? You seem quite bold to me,” Brent retorted sharply.

Ricky retreated, flustered. “I need to attend to some work. I’ll start immediately. Mr. Hayes, you know the project can’t run without me. The workload has me on edge. But rest assured, since this is your decision, I’ll fully support it.”

gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸оm hosts thrilling adventures With that, Ricky turned and dashed away, shouting loudly enough for everyone to hear, “Did everyone catch that? Kallie is a guest of honor. Let’s treat her well. She’s here for business, not hardships.”

His announcement intentionally made Kallie a target of scrutiny.

“Damn that Ricky,” Brent hissed under his breath, his fists clenching with the urge to confront him.

Kallie, sensing Brent’s fury, quickly typed something on her phone and then showed it to him. “Let it go. Many assume I landed this role through connections. It is fine. My skills will speak for themselves. Jerome has been nothing but supportive, and I won’t let him down.”

Brent exhaled slowly, his frustration simmering. “Ricky has been with the company for years and knows the ropes. Since I took over the Hayes Group, there’s been a fair share of pushback, and Ricky’s not shy about where he stands. He might play the loyal employee, but it’s all an act. He’s sly and manipulative. If he’s targeting you, it’s a sign that others are also displeased with your arrival. I’ll do my best to protect you, but I can’t always be there. If you ever find yourself in a bind, you have to tell me.”

Kallie was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions. She hadn’t fully grasped that behind Brent’s polished facade lay a world rife with internal conflicts and threats.

The various factions within the Hayes family were not just watching; they were waiting for a chance to see Brent stumble. The Hayes Group was riddled with schemes laid by others, all poised for the downfall of the family.

Now, every responsibility tied to the Hayes family had been thrust upon Brent. His burdens were clearly immense.

For a moment, Kallie’s thoughts drifted to Jake. Could he be enduring similar hardships?

However, she quickly shelved the idea. Jake was not like Brent. He was a man who harbored grudges and refused to suffer any slights. His tactics were both harsh and direct. She decided it was better to focus on her own concerns rather than his.

Reassuring Brent, Kallie quickly typed on her phone, “Don’t worry. I’m fine. I’m staying alert and don’t want to add to your burdens.”

Kallie then walked to her new office and scanned it. Brent had picked an excellent location for her.

The office boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the landscape beyond.

This view lifted Kallie’s spirits, filling her with an unfamiliar sense of empowerment. It was as if she was seizing control of her own fate.

Observing Kallie’s reaction, Irene felt compelled to remark, “Mr. Hayes took it upon himself to arrange this room for you. He knew your preferences and ensured everything was tailored accordingly. Kallie, I must say, I’ve never seen Mr. Hayes pay this much attention to anyone’s likes and dislikes. He doesn’t even pamper himself like this.”

Kallie offered a smile and motioned for Irene to extend her gratitude to him.

After a brief pause, Kallie signaled her thoughts, indicating that although Jerome had directed Brent, Brent’s generosity toward her was more than necessary. She viewed him as a brother and was profoundly touched by his gestures.

“Just as a brother?” Irene inquired, unable to hide her curiosity.

Kallie nodded affirmatively, her gaze sincere. She continued to gesture, expressing her deep appreciation for Jerome and Brent, despite not being related to them by blood.

Irene gave a thoughtful nod, and her features softened.

Brent, who had just reached the doorway to Kallie’s office, caught the tail end of their exchange and paused. A fleeting look of complexity crossed his face. His hand, initially on the door handle, hovered momentarily. Then, pretending to have heard nothing, Brent turned and exited.

As Sarah’s birthday approached, Edgar began to send frequent messages to Kallie. He appeared anxious, concerned that she might not show up that day.

Kallie felt this must be because Sarah wanted her there. Jake surely supported Sarah’s decision, as he always seemed to.

Kallie reasoned that despite knowing that Sarah’s invitation to her for the birthday celebration was not rooted in genuine kindness, Jake wouldn’t deny such a minor request from his beloved.

Just then, Irene entered Kallie’s office clutching an envelope. It contained an invitation to Sarah’s birthday celebration.

Kallie gestured toward her phone, smiling, and signed how ironic it was that she had just received a message from Jake’s assistant.

Irene, with a hint of sarcasm, commented, “No surprise they’re together.”

Suddenly realizing her blunder, Irene gave Kallie an apologetic look. “Kallie, I didn’t mean to…”

Kallie shook her head, indicating that Jake was history to her.

Irene expressed her relief. “If you don’t want to attend, just say you have urgent work and can’t make it. If Jake causes any trouble, Mr. Hayes will take care of it. Don’t worry, Jake wouldn’t dare upset the Hayes family.”

Kallie’s eyes dropped, the corners of her mouth curving into a subdued smile. She brought up the agreement she had already made with Jake in exchange for Brent getting to know why the client made a scene. Her rejection to attend Sarah’s birthday celebration would grant Jake a pretext to confront Brent.

Moreover, Kallie reasoned that, with so many in attendance at Sarah’s birthday celebration, none would dare tie her up and give her a beating.

Irene’s brow furrowed, and she began, “But…”

With a gentle motion, Kallie placed her finger to her lips, signaling for silence. She advised Irene to feign ignorance and avoid bringing it up to Brent since Jake surely hadn’t included Brent in the invitation.

Kallie added that if things took a wrong turn, Irene could claim she had been coerced.

Worry creased Irene’s features. “Are you concerned that I’ll end up in trouble over this? Kallie, it’s your safety I’m worried about!”

Irene’s expression turned grave. “If you don’t care about your own safety, I’ll have no choice but to inform Mr. Hayes.”

With a heavy sigh of resignation, Kallie realized she needed to provide Irene with a clear answer today. After some thought, she made her decision.

Signaling to Irene, Kallie conveyed that Irene could accompany her to the party.

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