Chapter 383



Melinda arrived at the scene unnoticed. Stepping forward, she embraced Zuri and began to weep. “Zuri! Oh, my poor Zuri! Why did you keep silent even when you were bullied? Some might think I’m a pushover and that’s why they targeted you. This is all my fault.”

Zuri clung to Melinda, both of them crying. They appeared pitiful, as if they were the ones wronged.

Evelyn regained her composure and glared at Kallie with clear dissatisfaction. “Are you happy now, with things ending up like this?”

Kallie laughed scornfully. “Need I remind you who started this scene? Who unjustly wanted to kick my daughter out of here without figuring out the truth, calling for just one side of the story? I know you look down on me and my daughter, but my daughter is where I draw the line. Going after her is going after me.”

Hearing this, the crowd quieted down, yet Evelyn still muttered, unreconciled, “Oh? A threat? Who do you think you are? How hilarious!”

Despite Evelyn’s contempt toward Kallie, the gathered onlookers knew they couldn’t afford to offend Kallie in any way, given Kallie’s recent revelation of being the owner of the largest auction house in the city. The reputation of Kallie’s famous auction house had reached them, with all over the newspapers and social media.

Their previous boldness stemmed from their assumption that Kallie, a divorced woman burdened by a young girl, was easily swayed. Her effectiveness in defending her daughter and handling the situation surprised them. Kallie turned to Melinda, her gaze frosty. “Melinda, have you forgotten the promise you made to me?”

Melinda froze at Kallie’s words, toning down her demeanor.

A flicker of guilt and panic crossed her eyes. Yet, Melinda swiftly composed herself with the thought that she should not dread Kallie, given that she had achieved her own agenda. Moreover, the Nixon family did not wield as much sway in Burmoos as the Martel family did.

With this thought in mind, Melinda regained some of her confidence. She lifted herself from the floor, her expression still one of feigned distress. “Kallie, I know you’ve resented me because of our past conflicts. I don’t want to clash against you, but you shouldn’t have involved my child. You forced Zuri to admit guilt to protect Sophie. Is this how you teach your child?”

Kallie sneered. It appeared Melinda had found herself a supporter.

“I knew it! You vicious snake! You coerced her daughter into taking the blame willingly. Your presence annoys me. Leave, now!”

Evelyn raised her voice and then signaled to the bodyguard, wanting to have Kallie escorted out.

“Today we’re celebrating your elder sister’s birthday. We gather here just for her. You can’t just throw out a guest. Aren’t you worried your sister will be upset?” Linsey stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Kallie, and glowered at Evelyn.

Evelyn smirked. “Who do you think you are? My cousin just married into your family. Big deal! Do you think you’re someone now? Move aside, or I’ll have you removed as well.”

Observing Evelyn’s assertive demeanor, Kallie was certain Evelyn would follow through on her threat. Having achieved what she came for, Kallie didn’t see the need to stay.

Turning to Melinda, who was cowering behind Evelyn, Kallie challenged, saying, “Melinda, the painting you begged me to gift you freely now serves as a present you gave to Charlee. Is this the way you repay my kindness?”

Feeling the judging glances around her, Melinda quickly denied the accusations. “No! Folks, listen to me, I spent a lot of money to buy the painting. Kallie, stop spouting nonsense! How could it possibly be a gift from you? I paid for it. Mrs. Martel adores the painting, and that’s why you decided to steal my credit, right?”

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