Chapter 56



Kallie bowed her head, submitting to the moment in silence. She couldn’t bring herself to explain to Shirley that she had already broached the subject of divorce with Jake, only to be met with his adamant refusal. Kallie knew that even if she had disclosed this, Shirley wouldn’t believe her.

“Do you get it? Please, just nod if you do! Seriously, look at you! Completely useless! How does the Reeves family even cope with a daughter-in-law like you?” Throughout the elevator’s descent, Shirley kept up her relentless critique of Kallie, her tone harsh and unforgiving.

But as soon as the doors opened, Shirley abruptly shifted gears. She smoothed her expression into a controlled, polite smile and greeted the employees in the lobby with a rehearsed charm, embodying the poised matriarch perfectly as she walked out of the company with Kallie.

“Kallie?” Just as they stepped outside, a voice reached Kallie from nearby. She glanced over to see Brent, dressed sharply in a business suit and carrying a briefcase, approaching them.

Kallie quickly waved and flashed a smile, grateful for the interruption. She had informed Hayden about her scheduling conflicts but hadn’t yet communicated to Brent that she couldn’t take on the advisor role for his company.

“Brent!” Shirley’s demeanor transformed, her face brightening with genuine enthusiasm upon spotting Brent.

Brent, a prominent figure in the Hayes family and its designated heir, commanded respect due to his family’s business stature, which rivaled that of the Reeves family. Shirley had always held him in high regard for this reason.

Brent approached and shared a few cordial exchanges with Shirley. “You’re working nearby? If you’re finished, why don’t we go out for a meal? Hannah will join us!” Shirley proposed warmly.

Hannah Dixon, Shirley’s niece and Jake’s cousin, had been the subject of Shirley’s matchmaking attempts with Brent, a fact Kallie was well aware of.

“Unfortunately, I have other plans this afternoon.” Brent politely declined the invitation to dine together and then shifted his attention to Kallie. “Have you made up your mind yet? My grandpa is eagerly awaiting your response.”

“What’s this about?” Shirley interjected, her surprise evident. She directed a suspicious gaze at Kallie.

“Kallie has a rare talent for restoring artifacts, so my family is interested in bringing her on board as an advisor,” Brent explained.

“‘Kallie? How could she possibly—” Shirley began, instinctively poised to belittle Kallie as usual.

But Brent cut her off before she could continue. “Kallie has already proven her capabilities to my grandfather. He’s very keen on having her as an advisor.”

Shirley was taken aback, her eyes widening as she turned to look at Kallie with a mix of surprise and reevaluation. Jerome, Brent’s grandfather, was a well-respected figure in their circles and had shared a good relationship with Roderick. Shirley not only respected him but also feared his influence. This forced her to bite back any dismissive remarks she might have made about Kallie being merely “a good-for-nothing mute who could only cook.”

Kallie, sensing the shift in dynamics, smiled gratefully at Brent and typed a message on her phone. “I have some personal matters to handle right now, so I might not be able to commit to the consulting role.” Kallie carefully avoided mentioning Jake’s illness, aware of the potential repercussions on the Reeves Group’s public image if such news were to spread.

Brent, while visibly disappointed by her response, didn’t press the issue further. After pondering for a moment, Brent asked, “When do you think you’ll be available?”

Kallie shook her head, her expression uncertain. Her response was typed down on her phone. “I’m not sure.”

While Jake’s illness wasn’t critical and didn’t require constant attention, Kallie was unsure about how long she’d continue delivering meals for him. There was a chance Jake might grow weary of the arrangement by tomorrow and ask her to stop coming. Alternatively, as the secretaries had hinted, Sarah might stir up trouble, possibly leading Jake to insist she stay away.

“Regardless, we’ll hold the consultant position open for you,” Brent stated resolutely. “That’s also my grandpa’s wish. Take care of your priorities first, and reach out to us when you’re free.”

Kallie felt a mix of surprise and gratitude at the recognition of her skills, but a sense of foreboding crept in, knowing Shirley was now aware of the offer. “I’ll take off now. I have commitments this afternoon.” With that, Brent quickly departed.

As soon as Brent was out of sight, Shirley’s cordial smile disappeared, and she gave Kallie a sharp pinch. “Why does Brent treat you so kindly? Have you been charming men behind our backs? Have you no shame at all?” Shirley’s accusations were sharp and merciless.

Kallie shook her head emphatically, trying to convey her innocence, but Shirley was unmoved. This pattern had been the same for the last five years. No matter how much Kallie tried to explain, Shirley never listened.

“If you dare to flirt with another man again, believe me, I’ll tell Jake everything!” Shirley threatened as she began striding back toward the company building. “I’ll make sure he sees you for who you really are! I’ll have him divorce you and kick you out!”

Kallie remained still, watching Shirley’s retreating figure. She made no attempt to follow or stop Shirley. The front of the Reeves Group building was bustling, especially now during lunchtime. Other office buildings nearby also spilled their employees into the streets, creating a lively atmosphere. This was not the place for a private dispute, as many people were out and about, potentially watching or recording.

Realizing the potential harm to the Reeves Group’s image if their altercation was seen, Shirley abruptly halted. She turned back to Kallie and quickly grabbed Kallie’s arm, her voice low but firm. “Since that’s the case, you’re coming back home with me. You need to kneel down and really reflect on your actions. You need to be taught a lesson!”

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