?strongChapter 54:/strong

“You’re wee to bring lunch to me, provided it doesn’t disrupt your studio time,” Jake said, pausing briefly.

Kallie’s cheeks reddened further as she quickly gestured that she would skip her studio visits for a few days since bringing him lunch mattered more to her.

Jake made no remark on her promise and turned to depart. His assistant had already fetched a change of clothes, and a car awaited him downstairs. He soon left the hospital and made his way to the Reeves Group for his day’s work.

Meanwhile, Kallie returned home and sent a message to Gregory, exining that her family was ill and she would be unable to visit the studio for some time.

Then, Kallie made her way to the kitchen to start preparing lunch for Jake. Judging from Jake’s reactions the previous day, it seemed he preferred her cooking.

Kallie allowed herself a small smile at the thought, but it quickly faded. What good was it that he liked her cooking? He didn’t love her, nor did he desire her as his wife. She felt like just an extra, an unnecessary addition to his life.

Now, her role seemed relegated to that of a domestic helper, solely there to cook and serve meals. Jake wouldn’t express gratitude. Instead, he’d dismiss her efforts with a clinical, “Well done,” as if she were merely a staff member.

Kallie’s fingers felt heavy with each ingredient she touched, longing for the sce of the studio where she restored antiques. In that space, she could lose herself in her craft, untouched by theplexities of her personal life.

Chuckling bitterly at herself, Kallie gestured to the kitchen staff and had them handle the chopping. Initially, she had intended to manage everything herself, but she reconsidered. She decided to focus on adding the final touches instead.

After the lunch was prepared, the driver escorted Kallie to the Reeves Group. On the way, she texted Jake to let him know she was on her way but received no reply. Uncertainty crept in. She wondered if he had even seen her message. If he hadn’t, she risked being barred from going upstairs again, potentially left to linger awkwardly in the lobby under the scrutinizing gaze of the receptionist.

Upon entering the Reeves Group building, Kallie was immediately met with the familiar face of the receptionist from her previous visit, who looked at her with a blend of recognition and subtle disapproval.

“Let me guess! Here to see Mr. Reeves again? And you’ve brought him lunch?” the receptionist inquired, her toneced with skepticism as Kallie approached.

Kallie simply nodded in response.

The receptionist regarded Kallie with a mix of contempt and hesitation. From thest interaction, it was obvious Jake knew who Kallie was, but his demeanor toward her hadn’t been particrly warm.

The receptionist quickly surmised that Kallie was probably not someone of significance.

After a moment’s deliberation, the receptionist offered a frosty smile. “If you’re dealing with mental issues, I suggest you seek help. If you continue to disrupt our operations, we may have to involve the police,” she said bluntly.

Kallie, expecting such a response, calmly retrieved her phone and showed the receptionist the text exchange with Jake.

The receptionist gave it a cursory look before scoffing. “You expect me to believe this is Mr. Reeves’ number just because you say so? If I epted every random screenshot, I’d have to let everyone through.”

With a quiet sigh, Kallie contemted her next move. She decided to try calling Jake. If he didn’t pick up, she resolved to leave. Perhaps he had forgotten about her promise to bring him lunch, or maybe he was with Sarah and not checking his phone.

As Kallie was about to make the call, the elevator doors opened, and a sharply dressed man stepped out briskly.

“Mr. Pierce!” The receptionist quickly straightened up and greeted the man with an air of respect.

As Jake’s top special assistant, Edgar Piercemanded more authority within thepany than many of the vice presidents. He strode toward Kallie with a purposeful gait.

“Madam,” Edgar said, nodding slightly as he approached.

“Mr. Reeves has asked me to escort you upstairs.”

Kallie’s face lit up with a relieved smile, and she gestured her thanks to Edgar.

The receptionist watched, dumbfounded. She hadn’t anticipated Kallie to hold such a respected position. Typically, only important clients were weed by managers, and here was Edgar, whose greetings were reserved for CEOs of partnerpanies on par with the Reeves Group. Why would someone of such importance be here just to deliver food?

“Did you get dyed here?” Edgar asked Kallie, his tone gentle yet concerned, as he prepared to take her upstairs.

Terrified, the receptionist quickly tried to exin herself. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize who she was, andst time Mr. Reeves…”

“Didn’t you receive the notification?” Edgar cut in sharply.

“I haven’t checked it yet…” the receptionist stammered.

“The notification was sent out three hours ago, and you still haven’t seen it?” Edgar’s tone was stern, his displeasure evident.

Caught without a valid excuse, the receptionist nervously pulled out her phone and indeed found apany-wide notice that had been sent earlier. The message clearly stated that a mute visitor named Kallie was expected and that the receptionist was supposed to facilitate her direct ess to the CEO’s office.

Realization dawned on Kallie. Jake had made arrangements within thepany for her visit. He hadn’t forgotten about her promise of bringing lunch.

“Sorry! I’ve been feeling under the weather today and didn’t think to check my phone. I…” The receptionist fumbled for words to defend herself.

But Edgar was quick to respond, his voiceced with finality, “You’vepromised your responsibilities. Please proceed to HR and submit your resignation.”

With no further ado, Edgar escorted Kallie toward the elevator.

As they ascended, Kallie observed her surroundings. This was her first foray into Jake’s workce.

The 17th floor was a panorama of activity and openness. To one side, a ss-walled secretarial hub teemed with employees diligently at work. Nearby, a well-appointed pantry and cozy lounge area invited brief escapes from the office bustle. Opposite this vibrant area was Jake’s office, its door closed, a quiet ind in the midst of the floor’s lively flow.

“Madam, please wait here. Mr. Reeves is currently in a video conference,” Edgar informed Kallie as they reached the lounge area.

Kallie nodded in understanding and took a seat. The lounge was enveloped by floor-to-ceiling windows that framed amanding view of the city center. Seizing the moment, she pulled out her phone and began capturing photos of the scenic vista.

“Oh, is that her?” two secretaries who had just entered the lounge whispered.

Engrossed in her photography, Kallie didn’t immediately notice their approach. When they drew nearer, she looked up and greeted them with a warm smile.

They returned the smile politely before moving past—Kallie to grab some water from the nearby dispenser.

“She really is as stunning as the photo. I’d recognize her anywhere!” one secretary eximed, clearly impressed.

“Yeah, I thought that photo in the notice was retouched,” the othermented, sounding slightly skeptical.

Kallie blinked, suddenly aware that she was the subject of their conversation, likely under the assumption that she couldn’t hear or speak.

Just as Kallie was considering leaving to sidestep further awkwardness, another snippet of their chat caught her attention.

“She’s way prettier than Miss Miller. Do you think Miss Miller’s days are numbered?”

“No chance. Sarah’s the queen of drama. She has a knack for keeping his attention. She’s not going anywhere,” the other replied confidently.

A shiver of unease ran through Kallie as she overheard this. Sarah was well-known throughout the Reeves Group.

Kallie took a deep breath, steadying herself. She knew she needed to focus on her mission—to deliver the lunch and maintain herposure despite the undercurrents of tension and rivalry surrounding her.

As the secretaries moved away, Kallie returned her attention to her phone, ensuring she had a clear path to Jake’s office. She was determined not to let Sarah’s words shake her resolve.

With a final nce around the bustling lounge, Kallie rose and made her way toward Jake’s office, ready to fulfill her promise despite the challenges thaty ahead.

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