Chapter 183



Linsey looked at Irene with a raised eyebrow. “Mr. Hayes went to all that trouble for Kallie? Does he have feelings for her?”

A flicker of confusion crossed Irene’s face, revealing a storm of mixed feelings. “It’s their matter. I can’t say for sure, but Kallie has always thought of Mr. Hayes as nothing more than a brother.”

Linsey nodded in understanding. “That makes sense. Given her current state, she’s likely not interested in any romantic prospects for the time being. It’s fortunate she has us as friends. Relying on a man for her and her child’s future is a gamble.”

Just then, the chopping sound of helicopter blades cut through their conversation.

All heads turned skyward as a helicopter swooped in, scattering a deluge of flower petals in its wake. It was a spectacular petal rain.

Plop! A gift bag, adorned with festive wrapping, descended from the helicopter, tethered to a small parachute. It landed precisely at Sarah’s feet.

Overwhelmed with excitement, Sarah’s cheeks turned a rosy tint as she cast loving glances at Jake beside her.

Sarah cherished such dramatic presentations, barely interested in the contents of the box itself. The grand gesture was what truly mattered. And, most importantly, it came from Jake.

Sarah could already visualize tomorrow’s headlines, heralding her grand birthday celebration that would be the talk of the town. Everyone would see just how much Jake adored her.

Linsey, a bit surprised yet amused, couldn’t help but comment. “When did Jake develop such questionable taste? Look at these flower petals. They’re so tacky and obviously fake, just cheap cloth.”

Irene, stifling a laugh, leaned closer to Linsey. “A few years back, I went to a golden wedding anniversary. They had hired a firm to deck out the venue. It looked just like this—opulent and flashy but frankly, in poor taste.”

Linsey caught on instantly. “Oh, you mean…”

Irene gave Linsey a knowing smile but chose not to elaborate.

They both glanced at Sarah and Jake.

Sarah beamed, radiating happiness, while Jake’s expression was one of disinterest.

Amidst the cascade of tacky petals, the irony of the scene was unmistakable.

Linsey snickered, “Sarah thinks she’s struck gold, not realizing it’s something nobody else wanted.”

Irene looked around, her thoughts turning to Kallie. Kallie had been absent earlier, possibly intentionally, but even amidst all the spectacle, Kallie was still nowhere to be seen.

Despite the frosty relationship between Kallie and Jake, Irene noticed moments when Kallie seemed unable to completely detach herself.

Given the circumstances, Irene was puzzled by Kallie’s continued absence.

A feeling of discomfort settled over Irene.

Suddenly, the backyard erupted with noise from a nearby room, accompanied by a woman’s loud curses. The language was harsh, cutting through the air and demanding attention.

Sarah perked up immediately, her interest piqued as she raised her voice deliberately. “What’s going on there? Let’s check it out!”

At that moment, Irene acted quickly, leaning in to discreetly hand Linsey a business card. “Kallie might be in trouble. Sarah’s people could be watching. This is Mr. Hayes’ card. Call him when you get the chance.”

Linsey caught on to Irene’s subtle cue instantly, accepting the card and maneuvering her way out through the crowd.

Jake’s expression darkened as he trailed behind Sarah toward the commotion.

Inside, the volume of swearing intensified. It seemed a woman had caught her husband cheating, caught him in bed with another woman.

The man was desperately trying to defend himself, claiming his drunken state was to blame and that the woman had taken advantage of that to join him in bed, insisting it was all a misunderstanding.

Sarah offered a barely noticeable smile before stepping forward to handle the situation. “I’m really sorry for this disruption at my gathering. Please assist the couple in resolving their issues. Let’s keep it private and not spread rumors.”

To the onlookers, Sarah’s words seemed utterly absurd. She might as well have been encouraging them to spread the rumors, since some already had their phones out, poised to record.

Sarah was about to push the door open when Jake caught her hand. “Forget it. There’s nothing pleasant to see here. It is indecent. Better not to spread it. Take the guests to the front hall. I’ll take care of this.”

Sarah was displeased. “I don’t see what the issue is. After all, I put this party together. If I let some brazen woman wreak havoc on another family, it’s on me. Jake, I appreciate your concern and that you don’t want me to get hurt. I’m fine. I can handle it.”

Yet Jake’s grip remained firm.

Sarah eyed him with suspicion. “Jake, what’s going on? Didn’t you tell me today’s my birthday and I call the shots? Or do you know who this shameless woman is?”

Jake gave a soft laugh. “Why would I know?”

He finally released her hand, cautioning her once more. “Just be careful.”

His eyes, however, betrayed a turbulent undercurrent.

Sarah’s tension eased, and she grinned mischievously, fluttering her eyelashes. “I knew it. You just can’t help but worry about me.”

As Sarah swung the door open, a few audacious individuals slipped in behind her.

Seizing the moment, Jake swiftly sent a message to Edgar.

The crowd surged into the room, causing quite a commotion.

Kallie’s cheeks burned, still feeling the effects of the drug. Her limbs felt weak and devoid of energy.

The sound of heated arguments buzzed in Kallie’s ears, with one woman’s shrill voice cutting through, occasionally pinching her harshly while spewing insults.

The pain sharply awakened Kallie. She blinked open her eyes, struggling to make sense of her surroundings.

“My God!” Sarah’s voice escalated as she drew a few people closer. “Can you believe this? We actually know this woman!”

Kallie, looking disheveled, lay on the bed next to a man who was shirtless and equally disoriented.

The room was in utter chaos.

A bystander whipped out a phone, nearly thrusting it in Kallie’s face to take pictures.

Slowly, Kallie propped herself up, her mind piecing together the situation.

The man, noticing Kallie’s awareness, seemed to see her as his last hope. He fell to his knees with a heavy thud. “Miss, please, clear things up with my wife. You mentioned you felt sick from the drinks, and I was merely helping you back here,” he pleaded.

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