Chapter 82



Kallie instinctively stepped back, her gaze fixed on Stella from a distance. Once, such an offer might have tempted her, but those days were gone. She no longer cared about who Jake was with.

“Grandpa, are we certain the evidence isn’t faked?” At that moment, Stella wasn’t entirely alone. A few individuals still dared to speak in her defense. “Grandpa, this evidence seems like hearsay—”

“Ridiculous!” Jerome snapped, glaring at the defenders. “Do you know who brought this evidence forward? Jake!”

A stunned silence enveloped the room.

Although Jake was Kallie’s husband, no one dared question his integrity or suggest that he would fabricate evidence against Stella just to protect Kallie. After all, it was common knowledge that Jake and Kallie weren’t on the best terms.

Upon learning that Jake was behind the evidence, Kallie was surprised. Had Jake foreseen today’s events? She recalled the complex expression in his eyes when she mentioned attending the Hayes family dinner. Now she realized she had misunderstood him.

“Grandpa, regardless, Stella is still your granddaughter, part of the Hayes family. Since she’s acknowledged her mistake, shouldn’t we give her a chance to make amends?” a woman said, still advocating for Stella.

Now, only one person remained by Stella’s side—this woman, who was a distant relative linked to the Hayes family solely through Stella. Without Stella, her ties to the family would be severed.

“She orchestrated a fire, and you suggest we give her a chance to correct her actions?” Jerome snorted dismissively. “She tried to take someone’s life! If you’re so eager to defend her, maybe you should serve her sentence!”

At Jerome’s words, the woman lost all courage to defend Stella further.

Jerome’s voice broke the tense silence. “Let me make this clear. Kallie is now my sworn granddaughter. I will safeguard her with everything I have. Anyone who crosses her, crosses me.”

Jerome turned his attention to Kallie, his voice firm but encouraging. “Kallie, remember, no matter who tries to bring you down in the future, you can always turn to me for help.”

His words not only reassured Kallie but also served as a public declaration of his unwavering support.

As Jerome concluded, the atmosphere in the room shifted noticeably. Everyone’s gaze on Kallie transformed from mere curiosity about her background to outright respect and admiration.

It was rare for Jerome to publicly display such affection for anyone in the family, even Brent, whom he had occasionally praised for his professional skills. Now, he was openly showing warmth toward Kallie, marking a first in his life.

Turning to Stella’s father, Jerome spoke solemnly, “Dustin, now that I’ve made my stance clear, how do you propose we handle your daughter’s situation?”

Without hesitation, Dustin responded, “She is no daughter of mine!”

His words signaled that he wouldn’t jeopardize his and his son’s future to save Stella.

“Dad! How could you?” Stella cried, bursting into tears, but Dustin sternly pushed her aside. “You have the nerve to speak after what you’ve done? Your grandfather was right—you’re a menace to society!” He pulled out his phone. “I’m calling the police right now. You’re going straight to jail! I’m done trying to discipline you. Let jail be your teacher!”

With Stella ousted from the Hayes family, the family banquet officially commenced.

Almost immediately, a crowd converged around Kallie. Each face bore either a genuine or sycophantic smile as they warmly greeted her. Some even attempted to speak in sign language, eager to impress.

“Hey, let’s not crowd around,” Brent interjected, noticing Kallie becoming overwhelmed.

Brent laughed, “Kallie and I go way back. If you want to get closer to her, you might have to join the queue!”

“That’s selfish of you! How could you not introduce us to someone as remarkable as Kallie sooner?”

“I once considered majoring in archaeology during college! I must share some interests with Kallie!”

When Kallie had first arrived at the Hayes household, these same individuals had looked down on her. Now, they were lavishing her with flattery, conveniently recalling her interests and status.

The banquet unfolded in a lively atmosphere, with Kallie becoming the star of the evening, seated right next to Jerome.

Even as the event wound down, the conversations with her continued nonstop.

“If you all keep this up, I might just have you take numbers,” Brent teased, seeing how eager everyone was to talk to Kallie. “There will be plenty more opportunities to get to know her. Why the rush today?”

Amused, Kallie shook her head with a gentle smile, signaling that she was fine.

Just then, Jake arrived to pick Kallie up. He spotted her smiling—not at him, but at another man.

Disturbed by what he saw, Jake approached with a stormy expression and seized Kallie’s wrist. “My wife is my responsibility,” he declared, his stern face and commanding presence prompting the crowd to give them space.

Jerome’s voice cut through the tension. “Jake, hold on.”

Emerging from the villa with a smile, Jerome fixed Jake with a knowing look.

“Mr. Hayes,” Jake acknowledged him.

“I’ve made it clear in front of everyone today that Kallie is my sworn granddaughter,” Jerome announced, clapping Jake on the shoulder. “You’ll be looking after her from now on!”

Both Jake and Kallie were taken aback by his words. The moment seemed like a reflection of the past, before their marriage, when Roderick had expressed similar sentiments.

Sadly, Jake had failed to live up to those expectations.

“I understand,” Jake responded solemnly. “You don’t need to worry.”

Jerome turned to Kallie and presented her with a set of keys. “This is the house I’ve arranged for you. From now on, it’s yours. Feel free to move in whenever you like!”

Kallie, taken by surprise, glanced at Jake instinctively. He now knew about the house. How would he react?

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