?<strong>Chapter 313:</strong>


    Anyone who had crossed paths with Kallie in the past wouldn’t have recognized the woman she had be.


    By Kallie’s side, a cherubic little girl with wide, curious eyes took in the vibrant artwork. Every captivating piece elicited squeals of delight and enthusiastic waves from the little girl.


    Kallie, her heart melting at her daughter’s antics, scooped her up into her arms. Her voice, once broken and frail, now flowed like honey as she spoke. “Sophie, sweetheart, we still need to pick out a present for your grandfather. After that, we’ll get something special for you, okay?”


    Sophie blinked her enormous eyes, her voice filled with childish glee. “Yay! Presents!”


    “That’s right, my clever girl.” Kallie nted a kiss on Sophie’s rosy cheek, heart swelling with joy.


    Their path to the VIP room was abruptly blocked by a guard.


    Kallie instantly recognized the Nixon family crest on the bodyguard’s uniform.


    A flicker of embarrassment crossed the guard’s face as he addressed Kallie. “Miss, I’m afraid you can’t enter now since Mrs. Jennifer Nixon and Miss Bria Nixon are inside, having booked the whole ce.”


    Kallie’s smile remained unfazed. “I’ve made prior arrangements with the exhibition owner. Perhaps he is upied and hasn’t seen my message. Would you mind if I wait inside?”


    Kallie’s polite demeanor and prior arrangements left the guard with little choice. With a reluctant nod, he gestured for her to enter.


    Kallie approached the VIP room, a wave ofughter reaching her. Yet, theughter died down as she walked in.


    Bria was seated next to a dignified, well-dressed middle-aged woman, who gave Kallie a cold, scrutinizing look.


    Kallie said politely, “Hi, Jennifer. Hi, Bria.”


    Kallie then strode aside and settled Sophie down next to her, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Briaughed mockingly. “Seriously? You have topete with me over everything, and now it’s even the present for Ewing? Really?”


    Jennifer snorted. “Bria and I have reserved this ce. Did you have to follow us?” she asked rudely.


    Kallie blinked, still smiling. “Follow you? No. I’m just here to get some gifts too. I thought anything agreed upon with the exhibition owner was avable for purchase.”


    Bria erupted intoughter, her amusement ringing through the air. “The only reason I’m here picking out gifts is because Jennifer knows the owner of this exhibition. Kallie, you make it sound like befriending the owner was straightforward.”


    Artists and their circles often carried an air of arrogance. Plus, their families tended to be wealthy. Even being rich and powerful might not necessarily attract them.


    It was sheer chance that Jennifer met the owner of this exhibition, which was why she and Bria got to be here today, selecting a gift for Ewing.


    Kallie didn’t bother to argue on this. Instead, she replied with a calm, assured smile, “If I weren’t supposed to be here, I’m sure someone would have escorted me out by now.”


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