?strongChapter 90:/strong

“Mr. Reeves, you’re right. I should demonstrate some sincerity,” Donovan said and signaled to the signnguage interpreter beside him to retrieve the gift from his car.

But Kallie didn’t want this. She wasn’t the type to calcte every little thing or be overly concerned about money. Although she understood the business world, she wasn’t purely a businesswoman. She was nothing like Jake, who prioritized profit above all else.

So, Kallie quickly gestured to Donovan that she didn’t need any gifts, expressing that she was willing to offer her assistance if he needed it.

However, the interpreter had already departed, and Donovan failed to understand Kallie’s gestures.

Jake caught on instantly.

As Kallie was about to rify using her phone, Jake approached. “How generous, are you?” he remarked, eyeing Kallie with evident skepticism.

Kallie met his gaze defiantly—she didn’t want to be someone like him.

Stepping aside, Kallie typed a message on her phone before presenting it to Jake, showing her stance. “What’s all this about?”

“Kallie, you’re too generous!” Donovan eximed, his expression shifting to a smile. “Actually, it’s for an event at Eastonville University. I was hoping you could do a presentation.”

Donovan intended for it to be a speech, but Kallie’s inability to speak transformed it into a presentation.

“It marks the 50th anniversary of the Archaeology Department at Eastonville University, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the university itself. As an alumnus, I feltpelled to return and join the celebration,” Donovan exined to Kallie in detail.

Kallie nodded in understanding. Eastonville University was renowned nationwide, and receiving an invitation from Donovan was indeed a privilege.

“As part of the event, the Archaeology Department will invite several esteemed alumni to share their insights. I’d like you to be one of them. Would that be alright with you?” Donovan asked.

Kallie considered the possibility of it being merely a roundtable discussion. Even if she attended, she envisioned herself ying a minor role, particrly with experts like Hayden likely in attendance.

However, Donovan’s expectant look prompted Kallie to agree without any second thoughts. She nodded again, signaling her eptance.

“Thank you, Kallie!” Donovan expressed his gratitude, visibly ted.

Yet, Jake sneered, “Do you even understand what this event entails? And yet you agree so readily?”

Although Kallie was unsure whaty ahead, her excitement about trying something new was undeniable. She was open to the experience, eager for adventures she had yet to encounter.

Jake had questioned Kallie several times. Ignoring him again might make him look bad. Thus, Kallie turned to Jake, gesturing her exnation that she was simply keen to try new things and promised not to make him look bad.

Kallie felt sure of her words. Despite the repeated questioning, she had managed to hold herposure each time.

Jake looked displeased, yet he remained silent.

When Donovan’s interpreter came back offering a gift, Kallie politely refused it, showing her appreciation for it and shifting the focus to express her excitement for the opportunity. She proposed holding off on any gifts until after she hadpleted her presentation, as epting the gift now just didn’t sit right with her.

Donovan, unable to insist, simply smiled and expressed his gratitude once more.

Jake, silent and sullen, said nothing until they were away from the Reeves’ estate and alone in the car.

Jake pulled over to the roadside, turned to Kallie with a serious gaze, and asked, “What are you really after?”

Kallie met his stare, unflustered. It appeared that since settling her inner conflicts, Jake had lost his ability to shake her emotionally.

“Do you always have to be so friendly with everyone?” Jake prodded.

Kallie signed calmly, exining that if being friendly by offering help enhanced one’s view of the Reeves Group, she was willing.

“You’re considering my career in all this?” Jake asked, raising his eyebrow.

Kallie shot back, her gestures asking, “Isn’t that what partners are supposed to do? Support each other?”

“I’ve told you before, you don’t need to work or stress over these things,” Jake replied, sighing.

Kallie’s eyes reflected a touch of sorrow as she gazed at him, her gestures asking, “So, I’m of no value then?”

She then signed firmly, questioning Jake, “Am I not as important as your career? You can act like you don’t like me just to get a project, and I’m supposed to be okay with that?”

Earlier, Kallie had absorbed Keith’s words, and now she expressed her displeasure directly.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Jake’s face twisted into aplex expression, blending scorn with irritation. “Listen to me, you are more important than my career! More important than my job! Have I ever embarrassed you just to win a project? I would never do that!”

Kallie blinked, a flicker of emotion washing over her. Could it be true that she mattered more to Jake than his work?

However, her thoughts were interrupted as Jake’s phone began to ring. It was Sarah on the line.

“What’s up?” Jake answered, his voice carrying through the silent car. Sarah’s voice, sweet and enticing, filled the space.

Jake’s tone softened noticeably, and Kallie sensed it was an involuntary reaction. Despite the endearing words he offered her, his actions spoke volumes. Deep down, it was always Sarah who held his heart.

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