Chapter 277



Astrid scoffed, her cynicism unabated. “Everyone knows Tyrone’s mind isn’t what it used to be. Just because he’s taken a liking to someone doesn’t mean we all have to fall in line. I certainly won’t acknowledge her.”

Bria chimed in, reinforcing Astrid’s sentiment, “Exactly, she’s definitely a fraud.”

Klein, ever the peacemaker, sighed. “Even if she is, we ought to maintain appearances in public. But… I have to say, while she seems mild and compliant, there’s a stubborn streak in her. I wonder if she’s truly clever or just manipulative.”

Bria sneered, her disdain clear, “She’s not clever, just scheming. I was the one who saved her, and this is the thanks I get. Support me or not, I won’t let her off easily.”

As Bria’s anger mounted, Abram and Klein exchanged weary glances, feeling their options dwindling. They instructed the servants to escort Astrid and Bria away to rest.

Once the two were out of earshot, Abram and Klein remained, speaking in hushed tones.

Klein shared his observations with his father, his voice tinged with concern. “Dad, Bria might not see it, but you and Mom must have noticed Kallie bears a striking resemblance to my aunt…”

Klein was cut off by Abram’s sigh. “You’re right. She probably is.”

Klein’s eyes widened in surprise. “But Bria was so convinced Kallie was a fraud before we came back.”

Abram’s frown deepened. “Your sister hasn’t met your cousin before, so she wouldn’t know. Besides, many people bear similar looks.”

Abram’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Regardless, the only people who could definitively confirm her identity are no longer here. You need to get close to her, Klein. She might prove useful to us.”

“Fake or not, we’ll make her real,” Abram declared decisively. “If she remains with my old man long enough, she can become a tool for our ends.”

Klein nodded, understanding the darker undercurrents of his father’s plan, and a sly smile crossed his face. “Understood.”

Klein’s thoughts then shifted to another pressing issue. “But what about Bria’s health?”

Abram massaged his temples, his stress evident. “I’m still searching for a solution. Just try to keep her calm. She’s smart but easily agitated, and her condition worsens with each episode. Look after her.”

“I will.” Klein nodded.

Before Kallie returned, Tyrone had proposed to Kallie a grand gesture with a recognition banquet in her honor.

However, Kallie, sensing the complexities such an event might stir within the Nixon family and perhaps overwhelmed by the potential implications, quickly refused.

Kallie expressed her reluctance firmly with sign language which practically said, “I appreciate the gesture, but I’d rather not. Crowds make me uncomfortable.”

Tyrone’s disappointment was palpable. He pressed, his voice laden with emotion, “You’re my granddaughter, and after everything you’ve endured, I want to make it up to you. If you refuse, it will feel like you’re rejecting me as well.”

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