Chapter 230



Taking a deep breath, Kallie decided to gamble. Even if she screwed up, things couldn’t get much worse, could they?

Kallie poured her heart and soul into the design, revising those sketches until her fingers cramped. By the last revision, Bria chucked the sketch right at Kallie’s face. “What the hell is this crap? If you don’t know how to draw, then don’t take on this job.”

There were dark circles under Kallie’s eyes, as if she hadn’t slept in a week. Bria’s insults stung, but Kallie held her ground, her resolve steady. Without a word, Kallie pulled out another sketch.

Bria took a quick peek at the sketch. “Alright, this one ain’t bad. You clearly can draw. You were just messing with me before. This is the final design. Now get to work! If it’s not done by my grandpa’s birthday bash, you know what happens.”

Bria crossed her legs, a cruel smile twisting her lips. The irony wasn’t lost on Kallie. Bria actually liked the second design Kallie made, even though she’d yelled at Kallie about it earlier. It seemed Bria’s approval depended entirely on her mood. Obviously, Bria was in a foul mood today, and for good reason.

Hearing Jake was visiting Ewing again, Bria rushed to Ewing’s study, all dolled up. But they wouldn’t let her in. Apparently, Ewing and Jake were discussing business, and Bria shouldn’t disturb them unless it was urgent.

Bria ended up faking being sick just to get in. But the whole charade was pointless. As soon as Jake saw Bria, he announced he was leaving. Bria claimed she was feeling better and wanted to walk Jake out. Ewing, however, suggested Bria call a doctor since she had claimed not feeling well. After all the fuss, Bria and Jake didn’t even exchange a single word.

Bria had never felt so frustrated. No other man had treated her this way, not even after knowing who she was. Bria had secretly investigated Sarah. In her eyes, Sarah wasn’t particularly beautiful, even a little shallow. Bria couldn’t understand why Sarah, of all people, could outshine her in Jake’s eyes.

The more Bria dwelled on it, the more exasperated she became. When she looked up and saw Kallie still standing there, her anger flared up.

Bria stormed over to Kallie. Kallie kept her head down, pretending to be submissive. All her frustration and annoyance were hidden deep inside.

Bria finally realized the cause of the strange feelings she had whenever she saw Kallie. There was something about Kallie that reminded Bria of Jake. Kallie was calm and aloof, treating everyone with a gentle kindness that seemed distant and unreadable. It was hard to find anything wrong with her. Jake’s demeanor only ignited Bria’s desire to garner his attention, but seeing the similar demeanor on Kallie rubbed Bria the wrong way.

Bria could swallow Jake’s smugness, but why was Kallie giving her the same cold shoulder? Besides, Kallie was a woman she’d paid good money for from the human trafficker.

Under Bria’s piercing gaze, a shiver ran down Kallie’s spine. A bad feeling, heavy and unwelcome, settled in her gut. Kallie fumbled for her phone, her fingers flying across the screen. “Miss Nixon, if you have no problem with the raw materials I will be using, I will head out now.”

Before Bria could reply, Kallie made a move to bolt. Bria shot out a hand, effectively blocking Kallie’s escape.

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