Chapter 59



When Jake posed his questions, Kallie was tempted to reveal everything to him. She remembered how she was kneeling, diligently scrubbing the mansion’s floor when Shirley passed by and “accidentally” stepped on her hand. That was just one of many instances.

Previously, Kallie believed that her obedience might eventually win Shirley over. However, she soon realized Shirley targeted her specifically because of her submissive nature.

Rumor had it that when Melinda first joined the family, her fiery spirit had made her well-respected, and even Shirley was cautious around her. Unlike Melinda, who always avoided conflict, Kallie became an easy target for Shirley’s torment.

Yet, Kallie wondered what Jake could actually do if she shared her previous sufferings with him. Would he confront his own mother, Shirley, on her behalf? Realistically, she knew a mother-son bond wouldn’t break easily, certainly not over her.

After a moment’s consideration, Kallie dismissed the idea, gesturing that it wasn’t that serious in an attempt to reassure him.

Jake eyed Kallie skeptically but chose not to push the matter.

The following day, Jake stayed away from the office to visit a project site. He mentioned he’d be back by noon and told Kallie there was no need to bring him lunch. This left Kallie alone at home, waiting for Melinda’s arrival.

In the morning, a sleek Lincoln slowly pulled up to the villa’s gate. Emerging from the car were not only Melinda but Shirley as well. Displaying her usual arrogance as if the previous day’s events had never occurred, Shirley addressed Kallie haughtily, “Come on, Kallie. Let’s go shopping for some clothes. It’s a good opportunity for you to update your wardrobe, so you won’t embarrass the Reeves family.”

“Shirley, Kallie is incredibly sensible. She knows her boundaries perfectly. Whatever you ask of her, she does without question. How could she possibly disobey you?” Melinda interjected, her voice echoing the same disdain.

This was their usual tactic, ganging up on Kallie. Over time, Kallie had grown accustomed to their strategy. She slung her bag over her shoulder and trailed behind them. However, once they arrived at the mall, Kallie quickly became nothing more than a pack mule, burdened with all their shopping bags.

It became clear they had urged her along merely to handle the bags, given her inability to protest. She was expected to carry anything they tossed her way. As the bags piled up, they became increasingly burdensome. Kallie’s knees, already aching from kneeling the day before, began to throb with renewed intensity.

Then, Jake’s words echoed in Kallie’s mind. She was just mute, not incapacitated. She could stand up to Shirley’s and Melinda’s bullying!

When Shirley and Melinda nonchalantly walked into another upscale shop and dumped the bags at Kallie’s feet once again, Kallie reached her breaking point. With a resonant thud, Kallie let the shopping bags drop to the floor, her expression one of serene defiance as she met Shirley’s gaze unflinchingly.

“You’re starting to resist, huh?” Shirley snapped, her finger jabbing in Kallie’s direction. “Pick those up!”

But Kallie turned a deaf ear and strode confidently out of the store. She could call Gilbert for a ride. There was no need to endure any more of their company.

“Stop right there! I’m talking to you!” Shirley likely hadn’t anticipated Kallie putting up any resistance. It took her a few moments before she reached out to grab Kallie by the arm. However, by then, Kallie had already left the store. Shirley hurried after Kallie, but just as she did, a woman in a flamboyant pink fluffy dress rushed out from the side and collided with her. The impact caused the woman’s juice to spill all over Shirley.

“Ah!” Suddenly, Shirley was left standing there, unable to pursue Kallie any further. Her outfit was drenched, and the juice adorned her neckline, leaving her looking quite disheveled.

“What’s wrong with you? Can’t you watch where you’re going?” Without waiting for Shirley to speak, the woman immediately accused her.

“How dare you accuse me?” Shirley’s anger flared. “Are you blind?”

Melinda quickly came to Shirley’s side. “Do you realize how costly her outfit is? You better apologize right now!”

Kallie, watching from a distance, found herself pausing to observe the unfolding drama. Now, the focus had shifted away from her. The woman in the pink dress stood her ground fiercely. Despite Shirley’s and Melinda’s argument, she dominated the confrontation.

“Do you know who I am? Are those eyes of yours just for show? If you’ve got cataracts, you should see a doctor soon. Since you can afford to shop here, surely you can afford the treatment, right? Or perhaps you’re just an old widow whose children have abandoned you? It’s reckless to let someone like you who can barely see wander about. And you, so malicious, you probably don’t even have kids!”

The woman in pink berated Shirley and swiftly turned her fury toward Melinda, striking deep and causing both of their faces to flush with anger.

Suddenly, another woman’s voice cut through the tension. “Cicely? Why are you out here?” The speaker was Sarah, clutching a stylish handbag. Today, however, she traded her usual glamorous attire for a conservative long dress.

Sarah eyed the woman in pink with surprise. “Cicely, what are you doing here?”

Cicely Wagner’s face fell into a mask of terror at the sight of Sarah. “You… You…”

“With such a big mess back at your home, here you are, hiding from your debts, aren’t you? Still making such a show of yourself. Aren’t you worried your creditors might find you?” Sarah asked.

“Please, Sarah… Let’s not talk about it here…” Cicely’s earlier bravado melted away, replaced by a meeker demeanor as she spoke to Sarah.

“What happened just now?” Turning to Shirley, Sarah offered a polite smile. “I’ll have her apologize. Would that be alright?”

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