Chapter 384



Kallie smirked and said, “Mark your words.”

Melinda felt a chill run down her spine as she saw the cold smile on Kallie’s face, sensing trouble brewing. Evelyn snapped at the bodyguards, “You guys, what are you waiting for? Do I need to handle this myself? Get them out of here right now.”

“Wait!” A voice appeared from the rear of the crowd. A group of people approached swiftly. Joanna and Ethan were at the forefront.

Kallie hadn’t been in touch with Ethan for a long time. She had avoided reaching out to him, given he had become a married man. Seeing him again brought a wave of awkwardness.

Ethan’s gaze turned complex upon seeing Kallie. He seemed poised to speak, but a glance at Joanna next to him made him hold his tongue.

Kallie’s gaze shifted to the woman standing next to Joanna. The woman, donning glasses, appeared to be kindly and middle-aged.

Kallie observed that upon the woman’s entrance, the demeanor of everyone around shifted to one of respect. This had to be Joanna’s mother, Charlee, the center of this birthday banquet.

Charlee withdrew her hand from Evelyn’s grip and responded icily, “Enough of your baseless claims! Kallie is my honored guest. Is this the way you treat a guest?”

Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock before she managed a strained smile. “Charlee, you can’t be serious—”

Before Evelyn could finish, Charlee cut her off, glancing over her shoulder at the bodyguards with a flicker of impatience. “Can’t you see she’s lost it? She’s probably had too much to drink. Take her away and let her sober up.”

The bodyguards promptly started to escort a flustered Evelyn away.

The crowd murmured, puzzled by Charlee’s harsh response.

But Kallie saw through the facade. Charlee was trying to prevent Evelyn from causing more scenes and thus inviting further embarrassment.

By handling the situation this way, Charlee offered Kallie a chance to forge a connection, which Kallie seized without hesitation.

As thoughts raced through her head, Kallie wore a smile and addressed Charlee, “Mrs. Martel, there’s no need for this. It was all just a misunderstanding.”

Yet, Evelyn seemed oblivious to Charlee’s protective gesture. She protested frantically and managed to wriggle free of the bodyguards’ grip. Then, she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably, causing onlookers to frown.

“Yeah, Mrs. Martel, it was just a misunderstanding.” Melinda quickly approached and flashed Charlee a charming smile. “Mrs. Martel, do you remember me? Have you checked your birthday presents yet? The painting? That’s from me. I must tell you, Kallie deliberately stirred up trouble today. Evelyn had nothing to do with it; she’s totally innocent. Poor Evelyn. She’s been utterly distraught since the theft. Kallie just exploited your kind nature and targeted your sister. Please, don’t let Kallie deceive you.”

Charlee regarded Melinda with a thoughtful expression. “I do remember you. You bestowed upon me a painting. I’ve been avidly collecting works from that very artist. Thanks to you, my collection is now complete.”

Melinda gave a coy smirk and feigned modesty.

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