Chapter 178



Ethan was taken aback for a moment, but the woman beside him just smiled. “I didn’t think you’d be so kind-hearted. It looks like the rumors about you aren’t true, are they?”

Although she seemed to be praising Kallie, there was always an undercurrent of something unsettling in her tone. Kallie wasn’t sure if it was just her imagination, but she sensed a chill in the woman’s gaze, brimming with animosity.

Until today, Kallie hadn’t even known Ethan was married, and she had intentionally stayed away from him. Linsey stepped up with a warm smile, placing herself between Kallie and the couple. “Ethan, why don’t you show your wife around? We’re going to head inside.”

Ethan’s eyes lingered on Kallie with a touch of sadness. “Alright, see you inside.”

As the group dispersed, Joanna Martel dropped her pretense and frowned at Ethan, her stunning features turning icy. “Is she the one you can’t stop thinking about? What does she have that’s so special, aside from her looks? How am I not enough compared to her?” With every word, Joanna’s frustration grew.

Ethan’s patience wore thin. “It’s history now. And you saw—there was nothing untoward.”

But Joanna was relentless. “It’s only because I was there, and your sister had already mentioned you were married before I arrived. That woman is not as innocent as she looks. Without me, she’d have made a move on you.”

“Shut up!” Ethan’s voice rose sharply, his fury evident. “Kallie has done nothing wrong. Why must you malign her so?”

Joanna’s expression shifted to one of hurt and disbelief. “Look at you, defending her at the drop of a hat. I’m your wife. You should be on my side, not hers.” Joanna’s voice cracked as tears started to form, signaling her distress.

Your imagination thrives at galnovels puntocom Ethan exhaled deeply, confronting a harsh truth. He didn’t love Joanna, no matter what. He felt trapped. Marriage had never been in Ethan’s plans, but after being tricked into returning, and under the influence of drugs, he made an unintended commitment. By the following morning, it was irreversible.

Resolved to own his choices, Ethan was prepared to offer Joanna everything but his heart. But now, he questioned his own naivety. Joanna’s tears continued to fall in silence. Eventually, she snapped, “Oh, giving me the cold shoulder? Fine! I’ll just stir up trouble for Kallie and see if you can keep your silence then.”

With those words, Joanna turned and stormed away, her high heels echoing angrily. Ethan made an attempt to stop Joanna but was unsuccessful.

Ethan promptly called Linsey. Linsey grasped the gravity of the situation, her annoyance palpable. “Ethan, I get that you’re not thrilled about this marriage, but you’re married now. You need to steer clear of Kallie. Just keep your distance and avoid seeing her.”

Ethan’s response was a bitter laugh. “You think that’s even possible?”

Linsey was momentarily at a loss for words. It did seem unlikely, yet there seemed to be no alternative.

Linsey said, “The hall is massive. I’ll lead Kallie away and try to steer clear of you during the event, but you’ve got to work something out. You can’t continue this way.”

Ethan exhaled heavily. “I know. I’ve given it a lot of thought. I’m going to let those feelings go. If Joanna can find peace, then I’ll strive to be a good husband. Don’t worry, I’m not foolish.”

Linsey felt a wave of relief wash over her upon hearing that.

Linsey had been conversing with Ethan in a secluded corner, but Kallie had caught most of the conversation. With a frown, Kallie realized she had unwittingly become a problem for the newlyweds. Simply avoiding the issue wasn’t going to fix anything. Perhaps she needed to have a conversation with Ethan’s wife.

Kallie was slightly baffled. She was married, though her marriage was on the brink of collapse. She had no intentions of remarrying after the upcoming divorce. Plus, she was pregnant with Jake’s child. She never saw herself as a threat to anyone.

As Kallie pondered the situation, laughter spilled from the adjacent room.

“Really? Even a disabled guy showed up here?”

“Exactly. That guy’s got skill, though. Deaf and still a fantastic musician.”

“Where on earth does Sarah find such people? It’s her birthday. Why invite an old man?”

“Pretty clear, isn’t it? To make fun of that silent girl, Kallie. A deaf and a mute, quite the pair.”

Irene had heard enough. She rose and marched into the next room.

This was a temporary rehearsal area for the entertainers at Sarah’s party. A clique of affluent youths lounged around, hurling insults. Despite the presence of celebrated musicians and notable celebrities, most lacked genuine prestige or influence and were cautious not to upset these wealthy young people.

Upon seeing Kallie and her friends approaching, those who had been laughing the loudest abruptly fell silent. Linsey, known for her fiery spirit, stepped forward and fixed them with a stern look. “What’s so funny? Mind repeating it so we all get a laugh?”

While most were reluctant to cross the influential Brooks family, one of them responded boldly, “It’s just amusing how the esteemed Brooks family heir has turned into a mute’s sidekick. We’re talking about Kallie, you know. What’s got you so riled up?”

“You!” Linsey’s cheeks flushed with anger as she rolled up her sleeves, poised for confrontation.

Kallie quickly stepped in to hold Linsey back. With calming gestures, Kallie gestured to Linsey that there was no need for anger, explaining that the provocation might be part of Sarah’s strategy to incite them into making a scene.

Linsey’s anger subsided, but she remained visibly upset. “I just don’t understand it. They can’t hold a candle to you. What right do they have to mock you?”

One of the men retorted sharply, “You think we can’t match up to this mute? Are you out of your mind? At least we’re not disabled. How could we be inferior to someone who can’t even speak?”

Irene responded icily, “Kallie has grown up as the adopted daughter of the Reeves family and yes, she’s unable to speak. However, she’s also a protégé of Hayden and a top consultant for the Hayes Group. She’s achieved her success through her own merit. What about you? Apart from using your family’s wealth and influence to stir up trouble, what have you accomplished? How much value have you added to your families?”

Linsey couldn’t help but laugh mockingly, covering her mouth. “Making money? That’s hilarious. These guys are known for squandering their wealth in casinos. They’ll likely gamble away their entire family fortunes someday.”

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