?<strong>Chapter 553:</strong>


    Kallie reached for ine’s hand firmly. “I originally gave you the ne as part of a n to get close to you.


    But now, I truly appreciate what you’ve done. You have my deepest gratitude. From now on, consider me at your service. Whatever you need, I’m here for you.”


    ine stared at Kallie, confusion etched across her face. “Why are you deliberately getting close to me?” Kallie’s smile waned, reced by a somber expression as she chose to reveal the truth. “It’s concerning your sister. There’s an aspect of my life you’re unaware of. My cousin is Ewing, the head of the Nixon family.”


    Shock washed over ine, quickly clouded by a surge of anger.


    “I had taken you for a decent person. I didn’t think you’d advocate for such a vile man. Kallie, that doesn’t seem like something you would do. If you promise never to bring up Ewing in front of me again, I’ll act like this never happened.”


    Kallie shook her head gently, her tone sincere. “I’m not in his corner. The situation between him and your sister is theirs to resolve. It’s not my ce to pass judgment. But listen, I’m here to assist you. Honestly, my only wish is to help you find your sister.”


    ine regarded Kallie with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “How on earth did you find out she’s missing?” Kallie sidestepped the query. “We should save that conversation forter.


    You’ve just woken up and need to recuperate. Tonight, Debbie and I will ensure you’re taken care of. Don’t fret. You’re in safe hands.”


    ine, drained, chose not to delve deeper and rolled over to sleep.


    Outside the room, Kallie quietly made a call to Ewing.


    “I talked with Saniya. She knows where to find Evita Webster, but she’sid out some conditions. If we don’tply, she won’t divulge anything.”


    Ewing appeared even more worn on the other end of the phone. “I got it wrong about ine. I assumed she was covering for her sister. I never imagined Evita would be kidnapped. This is on me. Had I not invited her out that evening, she wouldn’t be in this mess.”


    Kallie’s heart went out to him. “Ewing, try to rest. We’ll sort everything out.”


    Ewing nodded, managing a weary smile. “I know. But…” His voice trailed off, his expression growing more strained.


    “I regret dragging you into this. If you hadn’t joined the show, you wouldn’t be facing these issues now. I can’t help but shiver with regret when I think about what could have happened to Sophie.”


    Kallie felt a residual fear as well, but thankfully, that scenario hadn’t unfolded, and Sophie was safe. “Ewing, it’s alright. Sophie wouldn’t want to see you like this. You handle the Nixon family. I’ll track down Evita,” she assured him.


    “ine had saved Sophie’s life, and because of that, I felt obligated to amodate any request from Saniya. I was determined to ensure ine’s sister was returned safely.”


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