Chapter 36



“It’s quite a challenge to repair it to this point,” Jerome remarked, a hint of disappointment in his voice as he examined the notches on the bracelet.

“I remember seeing this bracelet in pieces. Even restoring it partially was no small feat.”

Kallie’s heart raced. She wanted to explain what had really happened.

“Grandpa, the restorer assured me it was flawlessly repaired and fit for wear. How could it have broken again? She must have deceived me!” Stella’s voice cut through the air, laced with feigned frustration.

“Is that so?” Jerome asked, his curiosity piqued. “Which restorer did you use?”

“I’ll call her right now,” Stella declared, pulling out her phone with determination.

Kallie’s stomach churned with unease, sensing what was about to unfold. Sure enough, her phone suddenly rang. She rarely received calls, especially from unknown numbers, and she had forgotten to silence her phone. The ringing instantly drew the attention of everyone present.

“So, you’re here!” Stella exclaimed, pointing directly at Kallie.

As Kallie’s phone rang, the guests, who had initially thought it was a coincidence, now looked at her with growing interest. Earlier, she had already piqued curiosity by arriving with Jake. Now, her sudden involvement with the Hayes family’s antique restoration added another layer of intrigue.

“I remember the Reeves family’s adopted daughter used to dabble in these things as a child. I never imagined she’d pursue it as a profession,” one guest whispered, setting off murmurs of agreement.

“Is this just a hobby for her, or has she fallen on hard times?”

The whispers continued, speculation swirling around Kallie’s intentions.

Jerome, ever composed, stood up politely but with a hint of curiosity. “Mrs. Reeves, did you handle the restoration?” he inquired.

Jake stepped forward, trying to diffuse the situation. “My wife is passionate about restoration. However, since there seems to be an issue with the repair, how much compensation is required? I’m willing to cover the costs.”

“I’ve already paid five hundred thousand for the repairs!” Stella interjected firmly.

Stella’s statement sent a ripple through the guests.

“Five hundred thousand for a bracelet? That’s absurd!”

“Mrs. Reeves might be exploiting her reputation for personal gain!”

“I always thought her restoration work was just a hobby. Who knew it was all about money?”

“Is it possible Mrs. Reeves deceived her for half a million?”

Each comment cut deep, reminding Kallie of the doubts and suspicions swirling around her.

But what stung the most was Jake’s reaction. Without hesitation, he assumed her guilt and offered to pay on her behalf. It wasn’t her fault, though. Stella had set her up, just as she had done before in the hospital. And yet again, Jake chose to believe someone else over her.

“What are you talking about?” Jerome suddenly interrupted. “It’s just a broken bracelet. It’s already impressive that it was restored at all. What do you mean by compensation? Consider this half a million my gift to Mrs. Reeves,” he said, waving his hand dismissively, signaling Stella to put the bracelet away.

Sensing this was her only chance, Kallie gathered her courage and stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Jerome.

The guests watched with curiosity, and Jerome regarded her with a mixture of puzzlement and intrigue. Jake leaned in, whispering sharply, “The matter is settled. What else do you want to do?”

Kallie responded firmly through sign language, stating that it wasn’t settled because she was not at fault. She added that she was more than willing to explain the situation herself if Jake wasn’t going to help her express her thoughts.

Determined to clear her name, Kallie felt a surge of resolve.

Jake’s expression darkened, his patience waning. But after a brief pause, he relented. “Fine, go ahead.”

Taking a deep breath, Kallie signed, explaining that she had indeed restored the bracelet, and it was flawless after her work. She had recorded the entire process as proof. The bracelet was in perfect condition when she handed it over to Miss Hayes.

Jake’s expression grew tense.

Before Jake could translate Kallie’s sign language for the others, Jerome interrupted with a surprised exclamation. “Are you saying the bracelet was flawless after you repaired it? And there’s a video of the process? Can I see it?”

Jerome’s unexpected ability to understand sign language shocked everyone in the room.

Stella stood frozen on the sidelines, disbelief etched on her face.

Kallie nodded at Jerome and retrieved the USB drive she had prepared in advance.

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