Chapter 88



“Shirley, please don’t be upset. Today, you’re the star…”

Melinda struggled to smile, attempting to calm Shirley.

“I’m supposed to be the one garnering attention, but she stole my thunder!” Shirley’s face contorted with fury and jealousy.

“Shirley, let me handle this.” Just then, Sarah approached with a smile, her expression sly.

“Sarah, do you have a strategy?” Shirley’s face brightened instantly.

“It might require some cooperation from you,” Sarah replied, already plotting her next move. She winked at Shirley before weaving through the guests.

Whispering with a select few, Sarah directed someone to approach Jake.

“Mr. Reeves, I’d like to discuss a matter of cooperation.”

A guest approached Jake, who stood beside Kallie. Holding a glass of champagne, Jake seemed relatively relaxed for the occasion.

Step into new worlds at g Ɐ lnσ ν𝓮 ℓs․conn At the mention of business, Jake politely deflected, “Today is my mother’s birthday celebration. Let’s steer clear of work.”

“Mr. Reeves, is there ever a time you’re not working?” The guest looked surprised. “I’m referring to the Golden Bridge project. Aren’t you interested?”

Jake paused, setting down his champagne glass. “Mr. Leach, you’re aware of our keen interest in this project, right?”

“Yeah, I know the Reeves Group has been facing challenges with this one,” Keith Leach replied, flashing a meaningful smile at Jake. “Mr. Reeves, would you like to know why?”

“Why?” Jake’s interest piqued.

With the Reeves Group’s clout, both locally and nationally, usually no one could even come close to challenging him on projects. Yet, this one had been a real thorn. Despite proposals, they faced consistent rejection, hinting at deeper, unseen challenges.

“Because Mayor Fowler has a soft spot for entrepreneurs whose spouses share a certain image… and your wife’s situation…” Keith glanced discreetly at Kallie and then back at Jake, his tone dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

Jake frowned at the revelation. “Mr. Fowler plays favorites? Why haven’t I heard about this?”

“Mr. Fowler is new in town and eager to establish his mark. Honestly, he specifically tasked me to fill you in,” Keith’s justification seemed plausible, as such practices were typical in the business world, leaving little room for doubt.

“So, Mr. Leach, any words of wisdom for me?” Jake’s tone shifted to one of seeking advice.

“As long as you make your position clear, that’s sufficient,” Keith said with a smile.

“What position?” Jake asked.

“Mr. Fowler believes you and Miss Miller make a good match. After all, the Miller family is also invested in this project,” Keith elaborated.

Jake prompted, “Take today for instance…”

Keith lowered his voice further. “You could publicly indicate that you and your wife have a strained relationship and show some affection toward Miss Miller.”

Having said this, Keith took a step back.

“What do you say, Mr. Reeves?” Keith posed, his tone confident. “Isn’t it really simple? This deal is worth billions. Such a straightforward approach to clinch it, frankly, it almost feels too easy, doesn’t it?”

But Jake’s demeanor turned stoic, his gaze steady on Keith. “How can I be sure you’re telling the truth?”

“I get your doubts. Well, how about this? If you follow through and Mr. Fowler still denies the project to the Reeves Group, you can deal with me however you want. I certainly wouldn’t dare to trick you. You’d probably skin me alive, wouldn’t you?”

Keith chuckled, leaning in again with a grin. “What do you think, Mr. Reeves?”

Jake held Keith’s gaze for a moment and then glanced over to where Sarah was engaged in conversation with someone else. Sarah sensed Jake’s gaze and pivoted.

Just then, Shirley approached and positioned herself next to Sarah, waving at Jake. “I was hoping Jake could introduce me to Mr. Juarez.”

Louis Juarez, who was talking to Sarah, turned to look at Jake.

Jake knew it would be inappropriate to ignore them. He walked over, and Sarah linked her arm with his. Shirley smiled approvingly, creating the appearance of a contented family unit.

Watching from a distance, Kallie felt like a complete outsider. Jake had brought her along, forced Shirley to make amends, and even pretended to be affectionate in front of his family, which was more than enough for her, as she had never been treated properly around his family.

Kallie quietly withdrew, planning to leave. Before, watching Jake and Sarah being affectionate had stabbed at her heart. Now, she didn’t feel like lingering for the display or being affected by them. She seemed to have moved on.

Just as Kallie was preparing to leave, she heard Jake’s voice call out her name from behind, “Kallie.”

Jake left Sarah’s side and walked over to Kallie.

“Mr. Reeves, you…” Keith hurriedly interjected, “This isn’t enough! You need to show that your relationship with your wife is strained in this scenario! You should completely disregard her and go to Sarah!”

This time, Keith raised his voice, his words reaching Kallie’s ears clearly.

Many jumped to the assumption that Kallie couldn’t speak or hear properly and therefore raised their voices when addressing her. In truth, Kallie’s hearing was sharp, and she caught most of what Keith had whispered to Jake moments ago. Now, seeing Keith pressuring Jake like this, she understood what she had to do. She didn’t want to jeopardize Jake’s career.

Kallie turned toward the exit, but before she could leave, someone grabbed her wrist.

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