Chapter 533



Feeling embarrassed by the comparison, Saniya bit her lip and quickly changed her stance. “It’s not that. You’re jealous because I’m younger than you.”

“Jealous? Of you being younger than me?” Kallie scoffed, her voice dripping with mockery. “So, what you’re saying is that I envy your youthful ignorance? That you’re so clueless you don’t even realize you should dress differently for a party?”

Left speechless, Saniya yanked the curtain shut and stormed out in anger, slamming the door behind her with a loud thud.

Sophie, who had been quietly observing the whole exchange, frowned. “Mommy, I don’t want to be a star anymore. That woman is so mean. Do I have to deal with people like her if I become famous?”

gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s﹒𝓬𝗈𝗺, the heart of fiction Kallie chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Sweetheart, people like her exist in every industry. But remember, bullies only target those they think are weak. Don’t let them intimidate you.”

Sophie nodded, though she didn’t fully grasp the lesson. Then, with a sudden brightness in her eyes, she exclaimed, “Mommy! We’ll see Jake!”

Kallie blinked in surprise. “Why would you say that?” Realization dawned on her, and she playfully pinched Sophie’s cheek. “You two planned this, didn’t you? And kept it a secret from me?”

Sophie giggled, hugging her mother. “Jake wanted to surprise you!”

The next filming segment was scheduled for the evening, leaving some time for family and friends to visit during the break. Kallie hadn’t told Jake about this, but he must have communicated with Sophie behind her back. Kallie sighed, amused at the mischief. She loved how clever her daughter was, but realized having an overly clever child wasn’t always a blessing.

As evening approached, Kallie took Sophie to the set, having informed the director earlier. They walked toward the roadside where they noticed the conspicuous Maybach standing out among a sea of vehicles. Kallie couldn’t help but feel a mix of exasperation and amusement, but her steps quickened as she made her way over.

Inside the car, Kallie felt a wave of relief wash over her. Even when swamped with endless tasks at the company, she’d never felt exhausted like that. Perhaps she had made the right decision by not entering the entertainment industry.

Jake played with Sophie for a while and then turned to see Kallie’s sleepy face. A wave of sympathy washed over him. He gently draped his jacket over her. “Close your eyes and rest for a while,” he whispered. “You’ve still got time.”

Though half asleep, Kallie stubbornly tried to stay awake. “No… We have dinner plans. If I sleep now, we’ll miss the evening shoot, and who knows what might happen?”

Jake’s eyes were filled with concern. “Okay. We’ll go to dinner. What do you feel like eating?”

Kallie stifled a yawn, her lashes clumped with sleep-induced tears. Her usual icy gaze softened, revealing a rare, gentle vulnerability. “Whatever… I don’t care,” she whispered.

It reminded Jake of when they were kids and Kallie was so sleepy that she fell asleep beside him, just as vulnerable.

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