Chapter 329



Kallie showed up at the hospital but wouldn’t go anywhere near Bria’s ward. No matter who tried to corner her, she would just employ the well-prepared excuse.

Whenever asked, Kallie would fake a cough behind her mask. “I’ve got the virus, gotta stay isolated. I’ll swing by when Bria’s better. Don’t worry. I’m practically camping out here already, eating hospital food and all. This can be taken as keeping her company.”

“Seriously, Kallie? What’s the deal?” Jennifer snapped. “If you didn’t want to be here, why the hell did you come?”

Kallie batted her eyes innocently. “Jennifer, don’t you remember why I’m here?”

The realization hit Jennifer like a brick. They were the ones who’d practically dragged Kallie here.

Now, Kallie was glued to this place, leaving Jennifer at a loss on how to proceed with the grand schemes.

Jennifer’s face turned thunderous. “Screw this,” she muttered, storming off.

Sophie peeked out from behind Kallie, her big eyes wide. “Mommy, she was scary!”

Kallie stroked Sophie’s hair, soothing her. “Stick with me, sweetie. Don’t go anywhere, no matter who asks, okay?” Sophie nodded eagerly. “Mommy, I’ll be good.”

Kallie smiled and caressed her cheek. “Good girl,” she whispered.

Kallie asked around and discovered that neither Ewing nor his father was able to make it. They seemed to be swamped with things happening at the Nixon family estate and couldn’t get away. If that was the case, it was understandable.

But something still felt off to Kallie.

One day, Kallie had lunch and did some quick math. In two days, Bria would be fully recovered, and she could finally take Sophie away.

Sophie had been born in Ferelden. Even though she was Avalonese, she’d never actually set foot in Avalon.

Despite her young age, Sophie could speak both Ferelden’s and Avalon’s languages.

Even so, there were cultural differences between Ferelden and Avalon.

Worried that Sophie might not be used to Avalon, Kallie found some popular videos for Sophie to watch so she could get a better understanding of the culture in Avalon. Kallie was already drowsy before Sophie even finished the first video.

Looking at the locked door, Kallie beckoned Sophie over. Sophie put the tablet down and ran to Kallie’s side.

“Sweetheart, do you want to take a nap with me?” Kallie asked, holding her daughter close, feeling like she held the whole world in her arms.

Rubbing her eyes, Sophie nodded sleepily. “Okay, Mommy. I’m sleepy too.”

The room fell silent as rain started to patter against the windows.

In her sleep, Kallie felt someone gently pull a quilt over her.

Blearily, Kallie opened her eyes and saw the masked man from the auction house that day.

The man’s eyes held a hint of warmth.

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