?strongChapter 37:/strong

“Seriously? This long of a video? How are we supposed to watch them all? Are you doing this on purpose?” Ste blurted out in frustration as the USB was connected and the banquet hall’s projector lit up, revealing the files.

Stored on the USB were video files totaling over ten hours.

“Just focus on the finished image,” Jake interjected sharply, his tone cutting through the rising chatter.

Kallie, surprised by Jake’s unexpected defense, shot him a quick look. Ste, however, turned noticeably red-faced as whispers and softughter spread among the guests.

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“Why does the younger Hayes daughter seem so flustered? Is she hiding something?”

“What’s her reason for framing Mrs. Reeves?”

Gripping her skirt tightly, Ste’s mind raced, trying to find a way to deflect the growing suspicion.

Meanwhile, Kallie navigated theputer and yed the video showcasing the fully restored bracelet. The high-definition footage zoomed in, showing the bracelet immacte, as though untouched by time. Even the seams, where the fragments had been meticulously glued, were invisible to the naked eye.

Gasps filled the room as the guests witnessed the wless restoration.

In the video, Kallie carefully ced the newly restored bracelet into a box, which Hayden had sealed with his unique stamp and emblem. Although Hayden was not visible in the footage, his distinctive seal was unmistakable.

“You work at Hayden’s restoration studio?” Jerome eximed, his voice filled with surprise as he hurried over to Kallie.

Stunned by his reaction, Kallie simply nodded.

Overwhelmed, Jerome remarked, “You… Why didn’t you mention this earlier? My dear, I am so sorry for this whole ordeal. I apologize on my granddaughter’s behalf. She didn’t know any better. Please forgive us.”

Jerome’s demeanor changed dramatically as he took Kallie’s hand and led her to the seat of honor, treating her with more respect than even his own granddaughter.

Kallie, taken aback, sat down, her face reflecting her confusion.

“Grandpa, I…” Ste stammered, equally shocked by her grandfather’s reaction to hearing Hayden’s name. She was about to offer a rehearsed excuse when Jerome interrupted her.

“Apologize to Mrs. Reeves! The audacity of ming someone from Hayden’s studio! Framing? You’ve truly disappointed me!”

“I… I didn’t mean to,” Ste stuttered, tears brimming in her eyes. The arrogance she had shown earlier was now reced with fear.

Jerome was known for his short temper, especially with his family. He wouldn’t hesitate to cut off their allowances or punish them harshly. Despite her hatred for Kallie, Ste found herself stepping forward, adopting a tone of false remorse. “I’m sorry, Kallie. I should have taken better care of the bracelet after your hard work. I never meant to falsely use you.”

Kallie blinked and began to sign her response. However, knowing not everyone understood signnguage, she was about to type her response on her phone when Jake stepped in, tranting her signs.

Jake spoke clearly, “Normal wear wouldn’t cause this type of damage. Items restored by Hayden’s studio are almost as sturdy as the originals. They don’t break easily.”

Kallie wasn’t trying to humiliate Ste. She was simply stating the facts. She refused to let anyone think that the antiques restored by Hayden’s studio were fragile.

Continuing to sign, Kallie pointed at the bracelet that Jerome had set aside, while Jake interpreted her signs, saying, “The damage to this bracelet wasn’t caused by a fall or ident. It looks like it was deliberately struck with a hammer or a simr tool. See here? There’s a distinct t dent.”

Jerome quickly put on his reading sses, inspecting the bracelet closely. With a sharp intake of breath, he dered, “Indeed! This isn’t damage from a fall!”

“I…” Ste’s tears flowed freely—not from guilt, but from the realization that her scheme had been exposed. She put on a pitiful facade, hoping to avoid further scrutiny.

Unmoved by her act, Jerome delivered a sharp p to her face. “You’re going to im ignorance now? me it on a friend or a servant who supposedly broke the bracelet? Do you think I can’t see through your petty tricks?”

Ste covered her face, too frightened to cry any further.

Her excuse was flimsy at best. The Hayes family always ensured that gifts were perfect for Jerome’s banquet, checking each one meticulously. Any defect would have been noticed, and any damage was certainly intentional.

The p silenced the room, leaving everyone stunned until a young guest whispered, “Jerome’s temper hasn’t mellowed. I remember when I was a child, he caught me climbing a tree, pulled me down, and gave me a spanking, saying it was a lesson from my father. After that, I was too scared to ever visit the Hayes’ again.”

Turning back to Kallie, Jerome’s tone softened. “I’m truly sorry for any trouble caused today. I’ll make sure to visit Haydenter and personally apologize for this.”

Kallie shook her head, indicating that she was satisfied now that the misunderstanding had been cleared.

“By the way, why do you look so familiar to me? Aren’t you the little girl from the Reeves family, Kallie?” Jerome asked.

Jerome had been addressing Kallie as Mrs. Reeves, but now he finally recognized her.

Kallie knew his recognition wasn’t a coincidence. To the outside world, she had always been seen as just a housewife, an extension of Jake. But now, after proving her abilities, she had earned their respect.

Kallie nodded, offering Jerome a warm smile as she gestured that she still remembered him.

“I recall you were always interested in antiques as a child. I was there when Hayden took you on as an apprentice at the Reeves’ estate,” Jerome eximed with excitement.

He then turned to his butler, instructing, “Please bring the set of azure zed porcin from my study.”

Facing Kallie again, Jerome smiled faintly. “I’ve had this set of porcin in my collection for years. Though two pieces are slightly damaged, I believe you can restore them.”

Kallie was pleasantly surprised, not expecting a newmission so soon.

Jerome then announced to the room, “This is a gift for you. I hope you’ll like it.”

Gasps echoed through the hall.

This set was a prized piece from Jerome’s collection, considered priceless in the antique market. Many collectors had offered vast sums of money for it, but Jerome had always refused. Now, he was giving it to Kallie as a gift.

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