Chapter 138: Kallie and Brent had just finished their meal. As Kallie made to leave, Brent's phone rang.
The conversation on the other end of the line etched a grave expression on Brent's face.
A wave of unease washed over Kallie, her instincts tingling with a bad premonition. She quickly typed a message to Brent: "Is something wrong with Jerome?" Brent's face remained somber, and after a brief hesitation, he replied, "It's just sissues at work. Urgent, but nothing serious. I'm afraid I can't drive you htoday." Understanding the situation, Kallie nodded and told Brent not to rush and to drive safely.
With that, Brent hurried off. Kallie, now ready to leave herself, stepped out of the restaurant and was momentarily blinded by a sudden white flash.
It took Kallie a moment to realize it was the flash of a camera.
Panicking slightly, Kallie scanned the surroundings. She and Brent hadn't done anything to warrant scrutiny, yet the threat of a scandal loomed large if a paparazzo were twisting the narrative.
Her search soon led her to a man nearby, camera in hand, looking decidedly flustered.
Once the man realized he'd been spotted, he bolted.
Kallie wanted to cry out and accuse the man of being a thief to capture the crowd's attention. However, her inability to speak forced her into a desperate chase instead.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe man skillfully darted through the bustling crowd, eluding Kallie with ease.
Kallie could do nothing but watch as he disappeared further into the distance.
Just then, a figure burst from the left, tackling the man to the ground with surprising force.
Kallie's eyes widened in shock-it was Boris.
Unconcerned by the bewildered stares from onlookers, Boris confronted the man with fierce determination. "Hand over the camera now, or I'll call the police. You invaded someone's privacy! Hurry up!" Frightened by the threat and the encroaching crowd, the man, knowing his actions were unlawful, hesitantly tossed his camera to the ground.
Only then did Boris release his grip.
The man scrambled to his feet and fled with all his might.
Breathing heavily, Kallie reached the scene just in time.
Boris picked up the camera and handed it to Kallie without checking its contents. "Don't worry. I was quick. He likely didn't have tto create any backups." Kallie swiftly deleted the camera's contents and gave Boris a grateful bow. She then gestured her gratitude to him.
Boris shook his head and remarked, "I was merely walking by when I noticed a man with a camera acting strangely by the entrance. It seemed suspicious, though I hadn't anticipated he was secretly snapping photos of you. Why would he do that?" Kallie paused to gather her thoughts before explaining candidly with her messages on her phone, "I was at a business lunch with your cousin. The Hayes Group is currently unstable, and given my role, any doctored photos could pose significant problems.” "Got it," Boris responded, his expression shifting as he grasped the situation.
Kallie, wanting to express her gratitude yet unsure how, typed a message on her phone and showed it to Boris: "I specialize in repairing antique items. If you ever need such services, don't hesitate to reach out." As Kallie began to walk away, Boris caught up with her, observing thoughtfully before saying, "I actually think you and my cousin would be a great match. Why worry about rumors? Besides, my grandfather holds you in high esteem. Becoming his granddaughter-in-law would surely delight him." Kallie was momentarily at a loss for words. It made sense, considering Sophia and Boris had only recently returned to the city and were likely unfamiliar with the local dynamics.
Kallie typed down her response politely: "I'm actually married, and your cousin and I are merely friends." "Really?" Boris persisted, slightly embarrassed. "I apologize, I've only ever seen you by yourself, so I assumed you were single." Kallie shook her head, signaling that everything was alright, yet deep down, she was irritated by the intrusion into her personal life. Nevertheless, she owed Boris a favor and maintained her politeness.
Luckily, Boris abruptly announced he had to leave for an urgent matter.
A wave of relief washed over Kallie.
As soon as Boris settled into his car, the smile on his face disappeared. He pulled out his phone and scrolled through photos of Kallie and Brent enjoying a casual lunch.
The person Boris had hired to take these photos was quite adept. The angles suggested a closeness that wasn't there.
Boris rubbed his chin thoughtfully, a menacing grin forming as he pocketed his phone. He knew these photos would be useful.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Boris was greeted by pandemonium. People were sobbing all around, ssincerely while others for show, as though Jerwas at death's door.
Boris found the spectacle in poor taste, yet he feigned concern and blended in with the crowd.
On one side, Sophia sat with eyes red from crying. Spotting Boris, she rushed to him as if he were a lifeline. She clutched his hand, her body quivering slightly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBoris was aware that Sophia's tears were not of sadness. She was actually thrilled.
Sophia gripped his hand firmly and murmured, "He's in a vegetative state now. There's no telling when he might wake up." Boris stared at Sophia, his expression one of utter shock.
"You're responsible for this?" Boris's words were barely out before he noticed Brent approaching, his face stern, flanked by bodyguards.
Boris quickly withdrew his hand from Sophia's grip and stepped back, distancing himself.
Sophia barely had tto feel hurt by his reaction. She hastily rubbed her eyes to make them redder, trying to look profoundly distressed.
Sophia faced Brent with a wary, almost angry expression.
"What is this about?"
Brent's voice was icy as he replied, "I simply need answers. The doctor said that after my grandpa's surgery, you insisted on being alone with him care to take care of him, sending everyone else out. Then, out of nowhere, his oxygen tube was found disconnected, and now he's comatose. We don't even know if he'll pull through." As he spoke, Brent's tone grew sharper, his eyes narrowing dangerously at Sophia. "I need to know what really happened." Overwhelmed, Sophia broke down, sobbing as she struck Brent.
"You brat! How can you accuselike this? He's my father! Would I harm my own father? You could ve suspect anyone, but to doubt your own aunt? I was there for you when you were a child. Have you forgotten that?"
Yet, Brent remained unmoved by her emotional appeal. His expression hardened. "Before I was evenbarn, you ran off with your husband. My grandpa was so upset that he ended up in the hospital and missed my birth. Your sentimental stories won't change the facts now."