Chapter 575



While he had risen to significant stature, critics argued he was unworthy of his accolades. Ernesto hid it well, but deep down, he felt a profound emptiness, despite his wealth and power.

When Kallie compared him to a revered figure, Ernesto couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.

Kallie continued to praise Ernesto even though she didn’t quite mean her words. “I once had a mentor who taught me a great deal,” she told Ernesto. “When I speak with you, he comes to mind.”

“Really? Who might that be?” Ernesto asked, his interest piqued as he narrowed his eyes slightly, suspicious of the flattery that might be too good to be true.

Kallie left him guessing, choosing not to reveal her mentor’s identity. Instead, she elaborated on her apprenticeship in antique restoration under his tutelage, explaining how the craft had a calming effect and refined her tastes.

Over time, she came to see her taste as superior to most.

This intrigued Ernesto, and Kallie took the chance to offer her services to restore some of his valuable but damaged antiques.

Ernesto, eager not just to have the antiques restored but also to observe and perhaps learn the process, agreed enthusiastically.

However, his interest was more about the experience than actually learning the craft.

Ernesto had begun to view Kallie as a charming diversion from his boredom. He felt no need to guard himself around her, as one might feel around a harmless pet.

Consequently, Kallie found herself enjoying an unprecedented closeness with Ernesto.

Betsy, Saniya Mason’s real name, upon noticing this, seethed with anger. She had long held herself in high regard as the most efficient assistant to both Griffin and Ernesto.

Externally, Betsy even claimed to be like a daughter to Ernesto. Yet here was Kallie, the woman she had introduced to the Perry family, swiftly becoming an insider.

Ernesto seemed to reserve his warmest smiles for Kallie, much to Betsy’s chagrin.

In a fit of fury, Betsy cornered Kallie, her expression icy and menacing. “Stop with the cunning little games! Do you really think you can earn your freedom by charming them?” she hissed.

Kallie’s eyes widened in feigned confusion. “What do you mean? Why would I want to leave? It’s actually quite nice here.”

Betsy’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she sneered, “Oh, is that so? A pampered pet rarely understands its own plight.”

Kallie’s smile vanished in an instant. Her expression hardened as she addressed Betsy. “You’re just jealous, aren’t you, Betsy? You don’t have to talk nonsense. They’ve been nothing but kind to me. Their only concern is a matter involving the Nixon and Reeves families, which frankly, has nothing to do with me.”

Betsy’s gaze darkened, her voice dripping with suspicion. “And once they have what they want, do you really think they’ll continue to be kind? Are you that naive, Kallie?”

With a firm shake, Kallie freed herself from Betsy’s grasp.

.

.

.