Chapter 78



Kallie was used to doubters by now, and she remained composed, though Irene beside her bristled with irritation. “You…” Irene started, but Kallie gently stopped her. They were representing the Hayes Group, and maintaining professionalism was crucial.

With a warm, inviting smile, Kallie turned to the clients, ready to clear up any confusion.

Irene translated Kallie’s sign language. “Let me explain something important. The process of restoring calligraphic and painted works depends on whether the material is suitable for mounting and the extent of the damage. If the piece has deteriorated too much, mounting isn’t possible, and we must use other techniques.”

The clients had been confused by some ambiguous instructions in the documents, but as Kallie clarified through Irene’s translation, their understanding grew.

One of the clients exclaimed, “Oh, now I get it! I thought maybe you overlooked something, but now it’s clear that you’re quite knowledgeable!”

Kallie maintained her professional smile as she signed, “I represent the Hayes Group, and it’s my duty to uphold our integrity.”

After Irene translated, the client looked at Kallie with newfound respect. “I must admit, you’ve completely changed my perception of the Hayes Group!”

“How so?” came an unexpected voice from the door. It was none other than Jerome.

Kallie grinned at him, then Jerome turned to the client. “Please, tell me more.”

The client and Jerome seemed to be old acquaintances, and after a warm greeting, the client quickly praised Kallie. “Jerome, I heard you paid top dollar to bring Kallie on as an advisor. At first, I thought she was just for show, with no real expertise.”

Jerome burst into laughter. “When have I ever done something like that? You think so little of me, huh?”

gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․cøm brings endless adventures “Sorry about that. I owe you a drink next time!” the client, though older, seemed almost like a junior in Jerome’s presence. “Having seen Kallie’s skills today, I must say, you’ve got an excellent eye, Jerome!”

Jerome beamed at the compliment, and Kallie, standing quietly, couldn’t help but feel gratified. Proving her worth, especially after facing so much skepticism, felt more rewarding than being admired for her status or appearance.

After seeing the clients off, Jerome praised Kallie again. “I knew it… Roderick really thought highly of you! Why else would he specifically tell me to look after you?”

Kallie’s curiosity was piqued. She signed to Jerome, asking, “What exactly did Roderick tell you? Can you share it with me?”

Jerome paused, considering her question before responding, “Why don’t you come to my place for dinner? I’ll tell you everything then.”

Without hesitation, Kallie nodded in agreement.

Jerome instructed his butler to give Kallie the time and address, then left.

Kallie assumed the dinner was a mere formality, something casual. She didn’t expect it to be significant, so she decided not to tell Jake about it when she got home. However, upon reflection, she realized it was better to mention it, just to avoid misunderstandings.

When Kallie told Jake about the dinner, his brow furrowed. “Will you be going alone?”

Kallie nodded, explaining that Jerome hadn’t mentioned bringing anyone along.

Jake’s expression darkened. “It’s this Saturday, right?”

When she confirmed, Jake’s face grew more serious, as though he wanted to say something but held back.

Kallie assumed he was irritated about her going out alone again, but she didn’t give it much thought. Jake’s opinions were becoming less relevant to her day by day.

However, when Saturday came and Kallie arrived at the Hayes residence, she was caught off guard. What she expected to be a quiet dinner was actually a grand family banquet.

Kallie had worn a simple black dress, thinking it appropriate for a casual dinner. But in the midst of the glamorous Hayes women, her outfit stood out for all the wrong reasons.

Stella was the first to notice her and immediately erupted into laughter. “Look at this! Who let this country bumpkin in? Dressed like that, she must have lost her way!”

“She’s mute, so she must be slow too, judging by her outfit!”

“Poor Mr. Reeves, no wonder he looks elsewhere for company. If I had this useless thing at home, I’d avoid coming back too!”

Stella’s cruel remarks encouraged the other relatives to join in, mocking Kallie.

“Someone escort her out! Where are the security guards? How did she even get in here?”

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