Chapter 877



“Yet, hold firm to the belief that diligence is never squandered. Although lineage holds its weight here, chances do too. Now, I find myself in a position to extend a hand. Take these kids, for example. I’m here to support them as best I can.”

Kallie’s words carried a heartfelt fervor, her eyes shimmering with unfeigned sincerity, showing not a trace of duplicity.

Had Lacey not been privy to Kallie’s hidden facets, at least that was what she assumed, she could have been fooled. A sly chuckle rippled from Lacey, her eyes twinkling with enigmatic significance.

Lacey placed her coffee down deliberately, a serious look crossing her face.

“Let’s cut through the small talk. I approached you today with a specific intent. I’ve tasted the delights this world has to offer, and I’m eager for more. It’s unnecessary to dismiss me as superficial. I understand that the lure of affluence and prestige is too tantalizing to ignore. My proposition is simple. From this moment, embrace me as a sister figure to you in this game of thrones. Should I step out of line, you’re free to sever our bond. I’m no puppeteer, but I desperately need your influential web to etch my name into the annals of Burmoos.”

Kallie’s reaction was a mix of shock and intrigue, momentarily lost for words.

Lacey, noticing the surprise etched on Kallie’s features, felt a surge of defensiveness, her face coloring slightly.

“If my proposal is unpalatable, just say so. Spare me the skeptical glares and silent mockery.”

Kallie offered a warm, reassuring smile.

“Mock you? That was never my intention. It’s just that I hadn’t envisioned you as someone with such fierce ambition. Rest assured, you have my promise.”

Lacey was momentarily taken aback, not expecting Kallie to agree so readily. She was unsure of how to respond, suspecting something was amiss.

Noticing Lacey’s hesitation, Kallie offered a reassuring smile.

“If you’re concerned, we can draw up a contract. Like I said, you helped me out, so I’m happy to return the favor, as long as it’s within reason. I can see you’re ambitious and capable. Taking you under my wing won’t be a problem at all.”

Lacey’s hands, which had been resting loosely in her lap, slowly clenched into fists. She had expected Kallie to refuse her request and mock her for even daring to ask. She surmised Kallie was adept at putting on a facade, explaining Jake’s unwavering devotion to her.

“Well then,” Lacey said, nodding slowly.

“We should make it official.” She pulled out the contract she had prepared and handed it to Kallie.

Kallie scanned the document and found no issues. It simply required her to promise not to harm Lacey and offer protection. Kallie figured protecting Lacey wouldn’t be a challenge and signed the contract without hesitation before handing it back to Lacey.

Lacey leaned to Kallie’s side to take it. As Lacey got closer, a familiar scent wafted into Kallie’s nostrils. It was the cologne Jake always wore, a scent Kallie knew intimately.

Kallie froze, her mind reeling. As Lacey pulled back, the scent faded. Kallie wondered if she had imagined it.

Kallie’s heart pounded in her chest.

She looked at Lacey, her expression unreadable.

“Miss Payne, what perfume do you usually wear? What brand is it?”

Lacey looked at Kallie, confused.

“Perfume? I don’t wear perfume.” A flicker of suspicion crossed her face.

“Why do you ask?”

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