?<strong>Chapter 323:</strong>


    As the man took a step forward, however, Sophie retreated yfully to explore elsewhere.


    Left to face the man alone, Kallie offered a nervous smile. Her voice carried a mix of protective warmth and a hint of challenge. “My daughter is still so young, merely curious, and knows nothing of our affairs. She’s at that age where everything is y to her.”


    There was a flicker of amusement in the man’s eyes as he posed a sharp question. “Do you think it’s appropriate to bring a child to such a setting? Or are you hoping her presence will soften me and make me less inclined to press?”


    Kallie remainedposed, her response firm and unwavering. “You won’t hold me ountable today. Had you approached me directly seeking help, I might have declined. But now, given the circumstances, you have my attention. Yes, there was an oversight by the auction house, I acknowledge that. However, if your demands are unreasonable, I won’t hesitate to reject them.”


    The man’sughter broke the tension, a sound of genuine amusement. “You are smart,” hemented.


    Kallie’s mind reyed the scene from the video. The man and his youngerpanion had shown genuine surprise when the item broke. It wasn’t a setup. Their shock was too real.


    She recalled a fragment of conversation caught on the video, the man’s words low but audible enough for her to hear. He had spoken to the young man, his tone instructive yet calm, “Given the owner’s absence, let’s show up on another day.”


    Kallie had pondered the man’s words in the footage for a while. After a thoughtful pause, she said, “If you’re trying to make a point with the auction house, whether or not you see me doesn’t change anything. I can tell you’re not exactly the friendly type. I suspect you came here just to see me.”


    “You’re quite sharp,” the man gave a nod of approval and got straight to the point. “I need your help, but you should trust that I’m not responsible for the damaged antique. I wouldn’t jeopardize it. Your auction house is well-regarded and thriving. Perhaps you’ve inadvertently hindered others’ business.”


    A shadow of suspicion flickered in Kallie’s eyes. “I understand. Thanks for the heads-up.”


    The man retrieved a folded piece of paper and spread it out. It revealed a partially sketched diagram.


    Kallie’s confusion was evident as she studied the iplete diagram.


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    The man exined, “Kallie, I’m being honest. I know about your training under Hayden and your skills in repairing antiques and crafting unique pieces. This shouldn’t be beyond your abilities.”


    “Of course,” Kallie epted the drawing but handed it back with a straightforward response. “But, sir, perhaps you should consider someone else. Many experts could handle this better than I could. Besides, if you have faith in my abilities, you wouldn’t provide me with only this fragment of the design drawing.”


    The man chuckled, his amusement evident even though the mask hid his face.


    Hisughter felt like a feather had grazed Kallie’s heart. A wave of emotion surged through her, stirring her deeply. She felt a sudden and irresistible urge to lift the mask from his face. Why did he resemble her ex-husband so much?


    But Kallie dismissed the thought. There was no chance they could have crossed paths under these circumstances.


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