?strongChapter 132:/strong

“Kallie,” Brent began, a note of regret coloring his tone as he met Kallie’s eyes. “I’m truly sorry for asking you toe here. Work has just overwhelmed metely, and it’s a particrly hectic period.”

Kallie dismissed his concern with a wave of her hand. She typed her response on her phone: “I visited Jerome earlier. He seemed a little off, but it wasn’t anything rming. Probably just the stress setting in. A bit of rest might be all he needs to bounce back.”

Seeing her understanding, Brent’s expression eased into a genuine smile, softening his typically sharp features.

“Thank you.”

They stepped into a private hospital room.

Kallie posed her question on her phone: “Mr. Hayes, was there something specific you needed to talk about?”

Brent outlined the situation sinctly. The Hayes Group had experienced a mishap in which a shipment of goods was damaged in transit. Theplication was pinpointing whether the faulty with their transport or the third-partypany responsible for the port’s export duties.

Kallie furrowed her brow, puzzled. She expressed her bafflement on the phone: “I’m not sure how I can be of help with this.”

Brent shifted ufortably. “We’ve had a longstanding rtionship with the client. The shipment was crucial to him, and now that it’spromised, he’s contemting severing ties with us. He has a particr fondness for antiques. I’ve spent days locating a piece he’s long desired, but now it’s damaged. You’re the only restorer I trust to handle this.”

Kallie was taken aback to learn that this was the problem for which Brent sought her assistance. She then typed her reply on her phone softly: “This is what I do. Why call it a favor?”

Brent shook his head, his expression solemn. “He’s extremely picky. Unless everything is wless, he rejects it. It can be a bit of a headache. Though restoring might seem simple for you, meeting the client’s expectations is certainly not straightforward. My advice for you is to stick with the Hayes Group. If you’re unhappy in your current position, I’ll help you find a different one.”

Kallie fell into a thoughtful silence. She realized Brent must be truly desperate to approach her for help, knowing well about his resources. Thus, she gave him her reply: “I’ll ept the job.”

Brent visibly rxed at her reply. He smiled, his eyes twinkling with relief. “Thanks for being so understanding,” he said sincerely.

After departing, Kallie couldn’t shake off a nagging suspicion, prompting her to text Irene. She sensed Brent had omitted important details and wasn’t fully transparent with her. Normally, she wouldn’t meddle in other people’s affairs, but her desire to help was genuine this time.

After some persistence, Irene reluctantly divulged the truth. “Actually, this involves your husband. Mr. Hayes didn’t want me to tell you. It wasn’t my intention to keep this from you.”

The mention of Jake made Kallie’s heart flutter.

After Irene shed some light on the situation, Kallie’s confusion cleared up. She learned that thepany the Hayes Group had cooperated with was actually a subsidiary of the Reeves Group.

Known for its expertise in international logistics, the Reeves Group efficiently managed the transportation ofrge and hazardous items without previousplications.

The Hayes family had long relied on their services.

Yet, this time, something went awry for reasons unknown.

Both parties were quick to deflect me, each denying any responsibility.

The conflict didn’t stay contained for long. The client soon caught wind of the problem.

To make matters worse, someone with a hidden motive began spreading distorted stories, manipting the facts.

Rumors circted that the Hayes Group had deliberately sabotaged the shipment to force the Reeves Group into paying damages.

This portrayal of the Hayes Group as deceitful fueled further allegations.

Amidst the growing scandal, Jerome’s sudden illness only added to the chaos enveloping the Hayes Group.

Kallie sent a text to Irene: “Even though this mess involves the Reeves Group, I doubt Jake had any part in it. He’s probably oblivious to the whole thing.”

Kallie felt a flush of warmth in her cheeks as Irenemented: “You still have feelings for him, don’t you?”

Kallie texted back: “It’s not that I care. I just know Jake. He’s tough on his team and would definitely investigate if something like this happened. Whether the issue involved the Reeves or the Hayes, he’d have looked into it. He wouldn’t just sit back and let public opinion spiral out of control, damaging the Hayes family!”

This argument did seem reasonable. Jake wasn’t the type to throw the Hayes family under the bus to dodge me. Pinpointing the root of the problem was essential.

Irene couldn’t help but remark: “Kallie, I know it’s a big favor to ask, but having you assist the Hayes family would be a great help. Jerome is getting on in years and can’t manage this stress. I’m wary of leaving everything in Sophia’s and her son’s hands at the hospital, but there’s really no one else in the Hayes family who can step up. You’re aware of the situation.”

That much was certain.

Jerome had been a prudent man and had brought up Brent well, but the rest of the Hayes family were just freeloaders, adept at neglecting their duties.

The weight of it all rested on Brent’s shoulders.

Even though she wasn’t Brent, Kallie could feel the burden.

Taking a deep breath, Kallie replied to Irene’s message resolutely: “Jerome has been a great support to me. I’ll do whatever I can. Just let me know what you need.”

Hearing Kallie’s willingness to help, Irene felt a wave of relief. “I’d like you to talk to Jake. Not expecting miracles, but hopefully, he can step in and help smooth things over a bit.”

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