Chapter 281



Kallie was frantically brainstorming a way to steer the conversation back on track when someone unexpectedly mentioned the very thing bothering her.

“Grandpa, I heard you and Ewing are planning a welcome party for Kallie,” Klein said.

Upon hearing Klein’s unexpected knowledge of the plan, everyone, including Ewing, Kallie, and even Tyrone, turned their gaze toward him in surprise.

Tyrone, clearly caught off guard, questioned, “I indeed planned this, but how did you come to know?”

With a nonchalant smile, Klein explained, “Ewing shared it with me, but that’s not the point. I suppose it’s crucial we go ahead with the welcome banquet. There’s still speculation about Kallie’s identity, and the banquet could firmly establish her place here. The banquet will also prevent any future mistreatment she might face outside while serving as a gesture of us making up for her.”

Tyrone considered this perspective thoughtfully, recognizing the potential benefits. He had long harbored intentions of rectifying past oversights with Kallie, yet he recalled her less-than-enthusiastic response to his earlier suggestion.

At this moment, Kallie discreetly winked at Ewing, her glance laden with unease about the banquet, indicating her desire to avoid the event she deemed troublesome.

Noticing her discomfort, Ewing subtly cleared his throat. “Grandpa, we really need to take Kallie’s preferences into account on this,” he interjected thoughtfully. “If she’s not comfortable with the idea, perhaps we should reconsider.”

Tyrone paused, his brow furrowing as he pondered Ewing’s point, finding merit in the consideration of Kallie’s feelings.

Klein, however, chimed in, “That’s true, but Kallie is a sensible girl. She’s not the type seeking extravagance and is always overly considerate of others. If we leave the decision to her, she’ll likely decline just to avoid imposing on anyone.”

Kallie stared at Klein, taken aback by his interpretation. While there was truth in his observation that she disliked causing trouble, she realized that Klein was framing the narrative to suit his agenda, making it appear as if any objection she might have would be unreasonable.

Klein, seeing an opportunity, continued to press his case to Tyrone.

“This might be our only chance. If we don’t celebrate her integration into the family now, people might misconstrue it as the Nixons not recognizing her as one of their own.

It could look like she isn’t truly welcomed. Besides, we always celebrate personal milestones with parties, be it birthdays or academic achievements. This event could also help Kallie expand her social network, ensuring she’s supported and not subject to bullying.”

Klein’s argument was polished and persuasive, crafted to appeal to the family’s image and Kallie’s supposed benefit.

If Kallie hadn’t been already cautious of Klein’s motivations, she might have mistaken his insistence for genuine concern.

Eventually, Tyrone seemed swayed by Klein’s argument. He gestured for Kallie to come closer.

Reluctantly, Kallie rose and took a seat next to Tyrone.

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