Chapter 389



Kallie, caught in the middle, felt compelled to talk, despite wishing to stay out of it. She addressed Ethan with a mix of frustration and concern, “Mr. Brooks, though your wife’s comments are out of line, she does love you. Maybe if you reassured her more, she wouldn’t feel this way.”

Joanna’s fury simmered, but Kallie’s words made her pause and turn. “You seem to grasp some truths, certainly more than Ethan does.”

Joanna’s compliment hung in the air, ringed with something less warm in her gaze, something sharp and chilling, like a serpent lurking in the shadows. Ethan absorbed Kallie’s advice but remained silent, his features set in a grim expression.

As Kallie moved toward her car, she announced, “Sophie’s getting sleepy. I’ll take her home to rest. We can all catch up over dinner another time.”

Yet, Kallie couldn’t get in the car since someone seized her wrist. It was Joanna.

Joanna clutched Kallie’s hand tightly, as though she feared Kallie could slip away. “Why delay dinner? Let’s go tonight. I shouldn’t have said those words earlier. If you decline, I’ll assume you’re still upset about me.”

Kallie had a feeling. “Maybe some other time. Sophie’s really sleepy.”

Yet, Joanna was relentless, “You just don’t want to dine with me, do you? If Sophie needs to sleep, let the housekeeper take her home. You have plenty of bodyguards. What could possibly go wrong?”

Ethan couldn’t contain himself, “Joanna, that’s enough. Why are you pressing her like this?”

Joanna’s temper flared. “I’m only inviting her for a meal. Why are you getting so worked up? Do you think I intend to harm her? Ethan, how can you stand there and say you don’t care about her? How can you say you feel nothing for her? If there’s really nothing between you two, why object to a simple dinner?”

Joanna’s last remark came off as a thinly veiled accusation.

Kallie felt trapped. She was well aware that today’s meal with them was inevitable. Certain things needed to be clarified.

Although Kallie believed Charlee was sensible, she had no desire to curry favor or cause offense to the Martel family. It simply wasn’t beneficial for her.

Kallie gently patted Sophie’s head and inquired, “Will you be alright going back by yourself?”

Sophie nodded confidently. “Mommy, don’t worry. I’ll have the bodyguards and the butler with me.”

Kallie squeezed Sophie’s cheek affectionately and remarked, “You’re the sweetest girl.”

Ethan was displeased with Kallie’s giving in, but upon noticing Joanna’s long face, he held his tongue.

Joanna chose a quiet restaurant. “Kallie, I hope this place is to your liking. I heard you’ve rejoined the Nixon family and are living lavishly. It’s been a while since you’ve had a normal life, hasn’t it?”

Kallie feigned ignorance to Joanna’s veiled insult and responded with a grin, “Not at all. Despite my current life, I haven’t forgotten my previous hardships. I’m no match for you, though. You’ve been coddled from birth by your parents.”

Glancing at Ethan, Kallie continued, “You should be more accommodating to your wife. She was once a joyful girl, utterly spoiled by her parents.”

.

.

.