Chapter 293



Silent, she drew closer to the box and examined it. It appeared to be crafted from aged, valuable wood, adorned with several words carved.

She recognized the words immediately. They were her name.

The engraving was smooth, indicative of frequent handling.

Kallie delicately ran her fingers over the carved letters, detecting a residual warmth. It seemed improbable to her that Jake, who had always been distant, had crafted this.

Their marriage lacked warmth, yet the handwriting of the carved letters was undeniably his. Her love for him had been deep and long-standing. She could not be wrong.

Kallie consoled herself, believing it might be a relic from before their marriage, a time when things between them were better. She had once thought Jake held some affection for her.

The memory brought tears to Kallie’s eyes, yet she stifled them, caught between hope and sorrow.

Ewing perceived her turmoil but chose to remain silent, quietly exiting the room.

At the door, Ewing hesitated and then turned around. “I know you’ve been deceiving yourself, but it’s time to confront the truth. You belong here. I’m your family. You should never feel alienated within the Nixon family. From this moment, your life can afford more slip-ups. Whatever comes our way, you’ll have my support. Just be yourself and do what you desire.”

Kallie’s heart fluttered. She raised her gaze to Ewing, reading the earnestness in his gaze, sensing a change within herself.

Once Ewing had departed, Trent couldn’t hold back his doubts. “Mr. Nixon, it’s obvious she’s distancing herself from the Nixons because of her mother’s history. Why put in all this effort for her?” he remarked, somewhat critically. “She is quite the character. Doesn’t she realize how well she’s been treated by the Nixon family?”

“Trent!” Ewing’s voice carried a sharp rebuke. “The Nixon family is indebted to her and her mother. We’ve wronged them. Don’t ever speak like that again. Remember what Bria had almost done. Kallie could have pressed charges, which might have led to Bria’s arrest. She’s shown considerable leniency. We shouldn’t make things harder for her.”

Trent’s face reddened with embarrassment and regret. “I apologize, sir.”

Ewing exhaled slowly. “My aunt saved my life. Though we seldom met, her image is etched in my memory. Without her intervention, I wouldn’t be here today. We owe Kallie more than we can ever repay, especially for the hardships she faced. It’s our duty to make amends.”

Kallie remained silent in the room for a long time, ultimately choosing not to open the mysterious box, though she decided to keep it close. She was uncertain of Jake’s motives, yet felt that their association should conclude on a friendly note.

Meanwhile, Jake stood at the rear entrance of the Nixon family’s grand estate and looked up.

Though the Nixon family rarely stayed in Avalon, their manor still exuded sheer magnificence.

Jake’s expression remained composed, his face giving away neither frustration nor sorrow due to the hardship he faced currently. He remained calm, though his eyes betrayed deep emotions.

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