Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife’s Escape

Chapter 180:

Sarah gracefully fetched a drink for Joanna, initiating conversation with a hint of admiration. “I’ve heard so much about you. Meeting you today, it’s clear you’re quite distinct from us ordinary folks.”

Joanna offered a mild smile, balancing warmth with a reserved coolness. “We’re all made of the same stuff, just different in appearance. How am I really any different from anyone else?”

“It’s not quite the same,” Sarah countered, leaning in to create an air of intimacy. “You have a certain presence, a kind of aura that many spend their entire lives trying to cultivate but never quite achieve.”

“You’re familiar with Kallie, aren’t you? She may seem like a fragile, innocent mute, but she’s filled with schemes. Even though she was raised among the Reeves, she doesn’t quite match up. Compared to you, the difference is night and day. She doesn’t come close.”

Caught off guard by Sarah’s candidness, Joanna’s expression shifted to one of mild surprise. “You’re familiar with Kallie?”

“Of course,” Sarah responded, her interest clearly piqued as she gestured for Joanna to sit closer.

Sarah dove into recounting Kallie’s supposed manipulations, not omitting any details. “I’m aware of her past involvement with your husband. He’s a true gentleman, but Kallie cleverly uses her connection to your sister-in-law to approach him. And it’s not just your husband. She’s also entangled with Brent from the Hayes family. Somehow, she has him completely charmed as well. She seems to juggle multiple men with ease. It’s baffling what sort of allure she possesses to attract them like this.”

As Sarah unfolded these narratives, Joanna’s expression grew increasingly grim. “I haven’t been in this city long and don’t know much about Kallie. I just knew that she once had ties to my husband’s family. Without your insight, I would have remained oblivious. I had no idea she was so adept.”

gesture of sympathy and concern. “It really irks me to see someone of your caliber being manipulated by Kallie. I know you’re not one to stand for such things. What do you say

she could leverage Joanna’s influence to decisively undermine Kallie,

content

to join you,” Joanna replied, her polite yet firm refusal catching Sarah by surprise

If tonight doesn’t work, we can find another

she offered Sarah a faint, distant smile and calmly adjusted her

alliances casually. Besides, if you’re married into the Brooks family and looking to leverage my connection to the Martel family for your own ends, I’m afraid you’ve got the wrong person,” Joanna stated, her voice firm yet polite, her rejection leaving

was baffled by Joanna’s aloof demeanor and felt a pang of frustration at being dismissed so curtly. She envisioned that Joanna would

yet firm in her intent. “I think you might be misunderstanding my intentions. I’m not trying to ingratiate myself with the Martel family. We both stand to gain from dealing with

abruptly, her eyes flashing with anger. “This conversation is inappropriate. We do not share a common enemy. This is a personal matter for you, not for me. I will not be part of your schemes, Miss Miller. I have other, more important things to

her composure slipping. The cold finality of Joanna’s words almost pushed her to lose her temper. A servant noticed Sarah’s rising anger and

this reminder, Sarah managed to regain her composure, her gaze cutting toward Joanna’s retreating figure as she muttered,

of their conversation, but the sight of Joanna’s unwavering exit and Sarah’s darkened face confirmed her suspicions. Deciding to act, Kallie discreetly excused herself to

quickly followed after Joanna, managing to catch up after a brisk pursuit. Communicating was challenging for Kallie, given her inability to speak, which made the task of catching Joanna’s attention all the more tricky. Kallie had no