?Chapter 1479:

Elma giggled. “Repay me? What for? Mom always says true friends don’t keep score. I’m your friend, silly. I want to be good to you because I care. Don’t ever say that again.”

Jete beamed, nodding in agreement. “I understand,” she replied, her voice filled with warmth.

Kallie, who had been eavesdropping from the doorway, breathed a sigh of relief. Entrusting Jete to Elma’s care seemed to be the right choice.

Yet, a wave of sadness washed over Kallie. Both Elma and Jete were vibrant young girls, full of life, but both had experienced such hardship and unfairness in their young lives.

Guilt gnawed at Kallie. She wished she had done more for Elma and protected her better. And seeing Jete, so vulnerable and brave, filled her with a deep sense ofpassion.

The party finally began.

Elma had poured her heart and soul into nning the perfect wee party for Jete. Invitations had been carefully curated, sent only to families with strong ties to the Reeves and the Nixons.

Sure, some of the guests were only there to suck up to Kallie and Jake, but at least they were there to celebrate.

Elma figured the more, the merrier. A big crowd would make Jete feel special and loved. As long as they weren’t there to cause trouble, everyone was wee.

But then, an unexpected guest appeared, throwing a wrench into the works.

Trent, his brow furrowed with concern, approached Kallie. “Miss Nixon, we have unexpected guests from the Fletcher family.”

“The Fletcher family?” Kallie echoed, wondering if she’d heard correctly. What on earth were the Fletchers doing here? She had limited dealings with the Fletchers. The only Fletcher she had encountered was Beth. Their rtionship had been a disaster, a symphony of bitterness and resentment.

After a pregnant pause, Trent added, “It’s Miss Beth Fletcher. She imed to be here for the wee party and has brought a gift.”

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A knot of unease tightened in Kallie’s stomach. She had a gut feeling that Beth would cause a scene. Their rtionship was already strained, and it was surprising enough that Beth had shown up at a party hosted by her. And this wee party was for Jete, no less! Beth didn’t even know Jete at all.

Though unsure of Beth’s intentions, Kallie doubted Beth meant well. Kallie rubbed her temples in frustration. “Just send her away. I don’t care what excuse you use. It’s okay if we offend her.”

Kallie wasn’t afraid of Beth. After all, this was her and Jake’s territory. Plus, Beth wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed and was only skilled at making things difficult for others. Dealing with her shouldn’t be a challenging task.

Considering that today marked Jete’s return and how much effort Elma had put into preparing this wee banquet, Kallie wanted to ensure there were noplications to ruin the day. She wanted the children to enjoy themselves.

Facing Kallie’s refusal, Beth felt humiliated but not surprised. She lifted her chin haughtily. “How rude. I’ve never been turned away at the door before. Sure, Kallie and I have our differences, but there’s no need to be so tant about it, is there?”

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