Chapter 687:
With a frown creasing her brow, Rachel cast a quick look. Catching her gaze, Kallie offered a reassuring smile. “Looks like they’ve arrived, invited or not. We should welcome them as guests, regardless. Turning them away could lead to trouble, don’t you think?”
“But…” Rachel hesitated, wanting to object.
At that moment, Cara appeared, clinging to Jake’s arm. The guests’ attention shifted toward the newcomers.
It was common knowledge that Jake and Kallie had once been a couple, and their planned remarriage was no secret. They had even gone so far as to announce that Sophie was Jake’s daughter.
Later, Jake disappeared, and Kallie had exhausted every avenue in an attempt to enlist their friends’ help to find him. Yet, here Jake was, unexpectedly returning—not alone, but with a woman by his side. Rumors quickly spread that Jake and Cara had been happily married for a while, making Jake’s past with Kallie seem like old news. This was the first time the three of them had been seen together in public.
Anticipation for their encounter was high, with many expecting it to turn into a dramatic confrontation.
“Miss Simpson.” Cara, knowing Kallie would be present, had carefully chosen her outfit. It was so striking that it nearly overshadowed Rachel, the hostess. “Congratulations on your engagement. I wish you both all the happiness.”
Rachel offered a polite smile in response to Cara’s well-wishes, though her expression momentarily stiffened. “Thank you.”
Cara shot a covert glance at Kallie, feeling a twinge of dissatisfaction. Despite her glamorous attire, she couldn’t outshine Kallie.
Kallie, in her understated light purple halter dress, minimal jewelry, and neatly tied-back hair, radiated a quiet elegance and beauty.
Cara noticed Jake’s gaze drifting toward Kallie, which only intensified her irritation.
Cara turned back to Rachel with a strained smile. “Actually, Miss Simpson, may I take a moment during this lovely event to share some important news? Think of it as my way of adding to the joy of the occasion.”
Cara’s intentions were transparent.
Rachel forced a smile, her lips pressed tightly together as she struggled to maintain her composure.
“I’m afraid that’s inappropriate,” Rachel’s fiancé interjected with an icy tone, gripping Rachel’s hand protectively. “Today belongs to my fiancée. Your outfit has already drawn plenty of attention. Do you really need more?” Laughter rippled through the gathering.
Cara’s complexion blanched. “You!” she snapped, nudging Jake to defend her.
Yet, Jake seemed unwilling to defend Cara.
Cara’s frustration mounted. Others defended their partners—why wouldn’t Jake? Was he content to let her face ridicule? Rachel’s blatant display of her romantic life was to blame!
As Cara’s glare toward Rachel grew more malicious, Kallie leaned in and murmured to Rachel, “Try not to cross the Morgans. Remember, you’re working with them this quarter. Clayton might seem level-headed, but he’ll always back his sister, no matter what. Even if you can do without the partnership, it’s best not to antagonize them.”
Rachel’s frustration deepened, but she recognized the wisdom in Kallie’s words. She was simply unfortunate to be tangled with someone like Cara.
“I understand,” Rachel replied, nodding subtly.
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