?strongChapter 72:/strong

Kallie clenched her jaw, her eyes subtly quivering as she faced the reality of her situation. She understood all too well that wherever she went,plications seemed to follow. But did that mean she should resign herself to being controlled by Jake for the rest of her life?

Kallie lifted her gaze to meet Jake’s, her eyes zing with a fierce determination and anger that refused to fade. The intensity in her stare was something Jake hadn’t seen in her before, leaving him momentarily taken aback.

“Jake, let’s not force her. If Kallie isn’t willing, I’ll step back from the shoot. We should give her the choice,” Sarah interjected, her voice dripping with feigned concern.

Kallie looked at Sarah with a nk expression and gestured that she didn’t mind Sarah leaving and could handle the shoot alone.

“Kallie says you can leave. She’ll start filming as soon as you’re out of here,” Irene ryed, her voice tinged with irritation.

“Alright, let’s have Kallie take over then. We’re ready to go,” the director chimed in, quickly moving to prepare the set. It seemed everyone in the room was subtly urging Sarah to exit.

Surprised by the turn of events and feeling sidelined, Sarah looked to Jake for support. However, Jake’s eyes remained fixed on Kallie, his expression intense and thoughtful, showing no inclination toe to Sarah’s aid.

After the sessful shoot, Kallie’s professionalism was recognized by the university, which sent her a letter of appreciation. Feeling proud, Kallie snapped a picture of the letter and posted it on her social tform, smiling broadly in satisfaction.

Kallie was discovering a new sense of happiness—a stark contrast to the subdued existence she had endured under Jake’s control, where she often felt more like a possession than a partner. Back then, she lived in constant anxiety, tiptoeing around Jake’s temper and the delicate dynamics between him and Sarah. But why should she continue to consider their feelings when hers were consistently ignored?

“It’s said that Miss Hayes ising to thepanyter for an inspection!”

As Kallie focused on her work at the Hayes Group, snippets of conversation floated around the office. Normally, office gossip didn’t catch her attention, but a familiar name sparked her curiosity this time.

“Ste? She always stirs up drama during inspections,” someonemented dismissively.

“Yeah, she makes a big show of it, but no one really takes her seriously. She doesn’t have any real power,” another voice added with a chuckle.

“Besides, she won’t evene to our department, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Despite these reassurances, Kallie couldn’t help but feel a twinge of apprehension about Ste’s impending visit. Ste had a personal grudge against her, and Kallie wondered if she might stir up trouble. However, considering that Brent and Jerome had personally invited her to thepany, she hoped Ste wouldn’t dare challenge their authority.

But Kallie soon realized she had underestimated Ste’s audacity.

A disturbance in the corridor broke the morning calm, followed by Ste’s piercing voice.

“A new department, you say? I’ve had experience in antique restoration. Maybe I should drop in for a lesson,” Ste dered confidently.

Kallie’s heart raced. It seemed Ste was heading her way, intent on causing trouble. Ste’s previous attempt to sabotage Kallie’s work had backfired, with Ste publicly exposed and humiliated for breaking an antique that Kallie had restored.

While the incident cleared Kallie’s name, it left Ste bitter. Despite being reprimanded by Jerome, Ste’s grudge against Kallie hadn’t waned. Now that she had learned of Kallie’s position at the Hayes Group, Ste seemed determined to cause more trouble.

The clicking of high heels grew louder, announcing Ste’s approach. She finally appeared in the doorway, dressed in a strikingly bright pink outfit that made her impossible to ignore.

“Kallie, so we meet again!” Ste eximed with false surprise, though she had clearly known Kallie was working there. “So, this is where you’re employed now. It exins the noise I’ve been hearing since I arrived. It seems your ability to disrupt peace remains unchanged!”

Kallie stood from her desk, meeting Ste’s gaze with a calm, stoic expression. The office had been quiet, the only disruption being Ste’s dramatic entrance.

Kallie knew exactly why Ste was here—to nitpick and stir up trouble, fabricating issues to create conflict.

“Even if this department is new, you need to followpany guidelines. The way these cabs are arranged vites our standards. Rearrange them immediately, or expect a penalty,” Ste demanded, gesturing toward the cabs in the corner.

“The items stored there are sensitive to heat, which is why they’re ced away from the windows, followingpany regtions,” Irene responded sharply, countering Ste’s false im.

Irene, who had dealt with Ste’s antics before, had no patience for her now. She wasn’t about to let Ste’s baseless usations go unchallenged.

“Did you file a request for these changes, or are you just moving things around as you please? Look at your manager! She doesn’t even understand thepany’s policies. She’s nothing but a housewife who’s never held a real job. How dare shee in here and dictate what we do?” Ste spat, her disdain for Kallie obvious.

Kallie had been prepared for Ste’s tactics. Earlier, she had discreetlyposed a message on her phone, anticipating Ste’s provocation. Now, she calmly showed the message to Ste: “Does Jerome know about the fire incident?”

Jerome had once apologized to Kallie on Ste’s behalf after she had ndered Kallie at a party. Upon reflection, Kallie realized that the fire incident at the bookstore, a significant event, was unknown to other members of the Hayes family.

As expected, Ste’s arrogant demeanor faltered upon reading the message, her face contorting with fear and anger.

“You think you can threaten me?” Ste hissed through clenched teeth. “What are you so proud of?”

Then, her expression shifted to a smug sneer. “You know what? Hannah is marrying my cousin soon! She’s not only my close friend but also your mother-inw’s niece. Soon, your mother-inw will side with me. So, tell me, how long do you think you’llst in this position?”

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