?strongChapter 109:/strong

“Alright then, I won’t stop you,” Jake said as he approached Sarah.

Jake’s voice softened instantly as he addressed Sarah, a marked contrast to his earlier interaction with Kallie. “Are you still hurting?”

Sarah shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. “No, not anymore. I’m just scared. Kallie’s actions just now… They reminded me of the time she pushed me down the stairs.”

Jake offered Sarah a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. She’s confined to the guest room. You’re safe here with me. I’ll make sure no one hurts you.”

A glimmer of relief sparked in Sarah’s eyes, and a blush tinted her cheeks as she nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Kallie halted abruptly, her hand mming down on the railing to draw their attention. Her expression was icy as she made a forceful gesture, clearly disying her fury.

Kallie’s gestures practically yelled, “Sarah, I didn’t push you. You know why you fell. Don’t think just because you’re the victim, you can manipte public opinion. Now everyone’s quick to condemn me, thinking they can break me. But remember, the truth wille out. Erase all the evidence you want, but I will prove my innocence!”

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Sarah’s eyes flickered, a mix of feigned innocence and helplessness, as she clutched Jake’s hand. “What’s with all her wild gestures? Is she hurling insults at me?”

Jake was visibly shocked. Kallie’s anger was something new to him. She was usually soid-back, never letting anything ruffle her.

Even around the Reeves family, Kallie maintained a gentle smile, always careful to keep everyone at ease.

It dawned on Jake then. Kallie’s fury wasn’t directed at Sarah alone. She was also indicting him.

But Jake felt no anger. Instead, he was struck by how much more vibrant Kallie seemed in this state.

Turning to Sarah, Jake said tly, “Does it even matter what she’s saying or thinking?”

Sarah gave a smug smirk, her eyes sparkling with tant challenge.

Kallie’s lips quivered as disappointment washed over her. She didn’t look back at Jake as she grabbed her suitcase and strode away.

Finally getting rid of Sarah, Jake relished his newfound solitude. He grabbed his phone and dialed. “How is the investigation going?”

On the line, Edgar’s voice carried a note of distress. “Eastonville University ims the surveince footage is their property and involves student privacy, so they refuse to release it unless you’re affiliated with the school,” Edgar reported, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Normally, Eastonville University wouldn’t dare cross Jake. The Miller family didn’t wield enough influence to pull off something like that.

Jake massaged his temples, feeling a headacheing on as he thought about Shirley’s obvious dislike for Kallie.

Edgar ventured cautiously, “Mr. Reeves, would you like me to handle things discreetly?”

A chillyugh escaped Jake. “If intimidation had been effective, we wouldn’t have been in this mess. Keep tabs on their actions. Donovan’s rushing back, right? He must have found something that could exonerate Kallie. With or without me to defend her, it hardly makes a difference now.”

Edgar fell silent. Jake’s jealousy appeared to be ring up again.

“I get it, Mr. Reeves,” Edgar replied.

Just then, a subordinate inquired how Edgar nned to manage the situation moving forward.

Edgar took a moment to assess the online turmoil. “The current buzz isn’t cutting it. Since the Millers are known to deploy inte trolls, maybe we should consider that strategy too.”

The subordinate was confused. “Do you mean to suggest we hire trolls to defend Mrs. Reeves?”

Edgar shook his head, a mischievous smile ying on his lips. “Absolutely not. We’re just going to amp up the excitement around this whole situation. It only gets interesting when it’s buzzing with activity.”

Edgar’s n seemed like a mystery to his subordinates. Given Edgar’s position as an assistant to Jake, he was effectively voicing Jake’s thoughts.

Edgar’s assistants conversed in hushed tones.

“I think Mr. Reeves has truly given up on this poor girl.”

“That seems likely. If I had Mr. Reeves’ talent and looks, I’d want a partner who fits the social mold better. It’s awkward to bring someone who can’t speak to high-profile events.”

“I’m curious how long it’ll be before they split. It’s irritating to see her living a life better than us.”

“Be careful not to let Kallie overhear that, or she might just retaliate by pushing you down.”

Laughter erupted among them. To them, Kallie was merely a distant figure, someone they never actually spoke with. Yet, they continued to gossip and nder her with careless cruelty.

Even at a time like this, an invitation found its way to Kallie.

Kallie examined it closely. She gestured to question whether this was meant for her.

The servant nodded, her manners impable as always. “Yes, madam. The messenger who brought this hasn’t gone far yet. Should I fetch him if you doubt it?”

Without hesitation, Kallie dismissed the idea with a quick shake of her head, her fingers tracing the fine script on the invitation, her mind uneasy.

The servant, previously touched by Kallie’s generosity, feltpelled to offer her advice. “Madam, I’d advise against going to this gathering. Your circumstances are well-known. Those who invited you are likely just looking for a spectacle.”

Kallie offered a gentle smile in response, her head tilting slightly in disagreement. Actually, it was precisely because of these times that she had to attend. She believed in her innocence. Why would she seclude herself as if she were guilty? Staying home would only strengthen the whispers of her so-called guilt.

The servant’s worry lingered. “Should I inform Mr. Reeves? His presence might deter any unwee confrontations.”

Kallie paused, contemtive. After a moment, she signed to ask whether there was only one invitation delivered.

The servant’s face clouded withplexity. “No, there were three. Miss Miller and Mr. Reeves also received one.”

Kallie’s smirk broadened. Then there was no need to tell Jake. She should consider herself lucky if he didn’t unleash his fury on her to appease Sarah. Wishing he would defend her was too much to dream of.

As the servant observed Kallie depart with the invitation, a silent sigh escaped her lips.

While others might not grasp Kallie’s character, the household staff knew very well. Kallie was inherently kind-hearted. Her muteness often made her a target, but she nevershed out at the vi’s servants. Herpassion for others was profound. She had touched many lives here.

Thus, none of the vi’s servants were pleased with Sarah’s temporary stay.

Lately, Sarah seemed quite at ease at Jake’s home, reveling in the situation. Regrettably, Kallie refused to leave.

Sarah had tried multiple times to lure Jake to stay longer in the bedroom.

However, Jake resisted and even erupted in anger when Sarah meddled with Kallie’s belongings.

Sarah couldn’t grasp it. In her eyes, she and Jake were a couple tragically split by Kallie’s presence.

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