Chapter 899



“Don’t worry, Calvin. Our mom knows what she’s doing. We’re just kids. If we follow her and get caught by those people, it will only make things worse. Let’s stay here and wait for her to come back.”

Calvin nodded. Sophie was right. Yet, he felt a surge of frustration as he wished he could do more. If only he were older and stronger, shielding his family.

Kallie called Lacey, who answered on the first ring. Lacey didn’t seem surprised to hear from Kallie.

“Kallie, what a surprise to hear from you.” She spoke as if they hadn’t had a falling out the day before.

Kallie’s eyes narrowed. “Where are you?” she demanded. “I need to see you. Now.”

“Of course,” Lacey agreed easily, sending Kallie an address.

Kallie rushed over to the address immediately. When she arrived, she was surprised to find herself in front of a bridal shop. Confused, Kallie called Lacey again to double-check the address.

After confirming she was at the right spot, Kallie stepped into the bridal shop. The shop was filled with exquisite wedding gowns, renowned for its stunning collection and excellent service. Young couples were scattered throughout the store, excitedly trying on dresses and envisioning their big day.

A pang of sadness struck Kallie as she watched the happy couples. She and Jake had planned to remarry and have a proper wedding ceremony. They had even planned to buy their wedding outfits from this very shop. But today, she wasn’t here to try on dresses. She was here to confront Lacey.

The shop was quite spacious, and it took Kallie a while to find Lacey. She was standing in front of a mirror, admiring herself in a beautiful wedding gown. Lacey held up the hem of the dress, a delighted smile on her face.

Kallie suddenly remembered Lacey had mentioned her upcoming wedding at Sophie’s birthday party. Lacey must be here to plan her wedding. This made Lacey’s behavior even more baffling to Kallie. Why choose to meet her at such an important time in her life?

“Miss Payne,” Kallie called out, approaching in her high heels.

Lacey turned around, a sweet smile on her face. “Why so formal, Kallie? Have you stopped thinking of me as your little sister?” she asked playfully.

Kallie frowned, her patience wearing thin. “After everything that’s happened, do you really think we need to keep up this charade?”

Lacey’s face fell slightly, as if she had been wounded by Kallie’s words. “Don’t be like that, Kallie. We just had a little disagreement.”

“It’s perfectly normal for people to disagree sometimes. Besides, I told you I only had suspicions. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for not explaining things properly. You didn’t say anything, so I assumed your silence meant yes.”

Lacey usually carried herself with an air of elegance and aloofness. But now, she was putting on a cutesy, innocent act. It was a stark contrast to her usual demeanor, and it didn’t suit her at all.

Kallie rubbed her temples in frustration. “Lacey, why not just be yourself? This whole innocent act doesn’t suit you at all.”

Lacey’s grip tightened on the hem of her dress, and her chest heaved with indignation. “What’s that supposed to mean?” she retorted. “Why are you allowed to play the victim, but I’m not? Kallie, maybe you should take a look in the mirror before you start criticizing me.”

Kallie’s frown deepened. She found Lacey’s sensitivity rather excessive. Lacey seemed to take offense at the slightest provocation.

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