Chapter 73
“Why did you call me?” Kylie blurted out her surprise.
Trevor heard Kylie’s voice through the phone and realized he had accidentally hit the call button. “Accidentally hit the wrong button, sorry.”
Tm at the Lampard residence, handling some things,” Kylie explained, feeling skeptical. She doubted he had called by mistake; they were in the middle of discussing their divorce yesterday. Now sending a voice message might be his way of getting her to return to Starlit Villa to finalize their divorce.
There were two or three seconds of silence from Trevor’s side. Do you need me to come?” He didn’t mind the Lampard family knowing he and Kylie were married.
Kylie was startled. She thought. He is offering to come? No, he must just being polite. “Thanks, but no need. I can handle it myself.
Another few seconds of silence from the other end of the phone, then a faint “okay” before he hung up.
“That voice sounds so familiar… Melanie had her ears pricked up, trying to identify who was on the other end of the call The cool tone from that first word–it sounded so much like Trevor.
She thought, ‘No, it can’t be. Kylie doesn’t know Trevor, so how could it be him? The voice just sounds similar. But listening to their conversation, even though there weren’t many words, it seemed like they were quite familiar with each other.
Samuel was stunned for a moment. He wondered, ‘Could it be Trevor? He scrutinized Kylie closely. The daughter I usually disregard and now see as a tool–could she have any connection with Trevor Absolutely impossible
“Was that Zach? Kylie, are you still going to deny you have anything to do with Zach Melanie questioned.
“It didn’t sound like Zach, Austin and Chris said in unison. They had met Zach before; his voice wasn’t as chilling. The person who just spoke to Kylie–his voice carried an icy edge that chilled them to the bone.
Samuel stared at Kylie, asking, “Who was it?
“Kylie, who’s supporting you? Tell me, and I’ll sort it out. A daughter of the Lampard family shouldn’t be anyone’s secret. She should be a rightful wife, Julie said anxiously.
Claude looked serious. He thought, ‘If it wasn’t Zach, then who could it be?‘ He hadn’t considered what to do if it wasn’t Zach. He was planning to gain some benefit from him.
“Birds of a feather flock together, Kylie shot back, fully defensive “People with dirty minds think everyone else is like them Instead of grilling me, maybe you should focus on educating your precious Melanie. She’s a pro at being the other woman and has quite the knack for manipulation–probably picked it up from watching you.”
Melanie flushed red with anger. “I told you before; it was all a misunderstanding. How long are you going to keep blaming
me?”
“You’re going too far,” Chris jumped in to defend Melanie. The truth is plain as day, yet you refuse to see it.”
“Don’t you even trust my words anymore?” Julie instinctively defended Melanie. “You misunderstood Mel. She’s obedient and sensible and would never fall for Craig. Your boyfriend is just too ambitious, always chasing after someone better. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for choosing such an unreliable guy”
Between Melanie and Kylie, she stopped thinking and prioritized Melanie. But after speaking, a doubt crept in. She hadn’t considered what Kylie might think. Then another thought popped up. If Mel’s not wrong, then Kylie must be. Someone has to take the blame for the mistake.
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Chapter 73
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Kylie directed a cold gare at Julie, her look so penetrating it seemed to reach deep into Julie’s soul, exposing the darkness
within.
“Mom, let’s not discuss this today,” Claude interjected, feeling the conversation was veering out of control. They needed Kybe to feel a sense of belonging in the Lampard family–there would be plenty of time for everything else later.
“There have been many misunderstandings between us, Claude said, offering an olive branch with a touch of condescension. “After all, we’re family. Misunderstandings don’t matter as much as overcoming challenges together. Right now, the family needs you, and if you contribute, we’ll acknowledge and accept you.”
He thought. In the past, Kyle always tried to win us over, and now she seems indifferent, probably just another tactic to get our attention. She is full of thoughts, and now let us fulfill her wish”
Samuel took a deep breath, softened his tone, and ignored what Kylie had said earlier. “We’re a family, and no matter what mistakes you’ve made, we’ll forgive you. I know you’re upset that we didn’t stand up for you when things went south with Melanie. But that was because you posted defamatory things about her on Twitter. I had your future planned out–to send you abroad for a few years. When you come back, you can have a position in the family business.”
Kylie had never seen them lower themselves like this before. She thought, Samuel and Claude are so alike; their looks of sarcasm are mirrored perfectly. Now, their humbled expressions match as well.
It is like they are giving me a chance and I should appreciate it. The whole thing feels absurd. Kylie was curious about their real motives. Without some personal gain or hidden agenda, these two would never bend.
“Go on then,” she said coolly. “What do you want from me?
Samuel’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Let Claude explain”
“I know you know Zach. You must be on good terms; otherwise, he wouldn’t have stood up for you. A guy only does that if he’s interested. If you two are dating, then it’s simple call him and ask him to convince Mr. Walters to keep working with the Lampard family
“And if you aren’t dating, then just agree to go out with him. Find a way to get Mr. Walters back on board,” Claude’s voice softened as he said to Kylie.
Kylie smirked at their blatant attempt to use her. “So you’re basically selling me off with this plan?”
“Don’t put it that way.” Julie interjected, a bit nervously. Tve met Zach before, he’s capable and decent. Working for Mr. Walters means he’s got a promising future. We’re just thinking of your own good.”
Austin looked down, lost in thought, but glanced up at his mother’s comment.
“You considered Craig before; isn’t Zach a better choice?” Chris sounded irritated with Kylie’s reluctance.
“Yeah, Kylie, Zach seems nice, Melanie quickly said. She thought it was totally worth trading Kylie for the Lampard family’s future. If it meant sending Kylie to be with Trevor, she’d be jealous and disagree. But giving Kylie to anyone else, she fully supported
Kylie scanned the room and responded slowly, “Too bad Zach doesn’t like me.”
“Not interested! You’re attractive–be more proactive, and he’ll come around. Worst case, I’ll figure out a way to get you in his bed, Claude said outright.
