Chapter 1036



Lacey, observing Kallie’s pale face, felt a twisted sense of satisfaction. Yet, she didn’t stop there and continued her charade of mock righteous indignation.

“Therefore, in my opinion, Miss Nixon shouldn’t be allowed to see Elma until her condition improves.”

Kallie wanted to argue, to plead her case, but her gaze drifted to the ajar door. Through the narrow gap, she saw Elma lying still on the bed, her face pale and almost unrecognizable. It was clear the child had suffered immensely.

Unease consumed Kallie. She had failed to recognize the severity of Elma’s illness, not even bothering to delve into it for any precautions, unwittingly adding to Elma’s discomfort. If she’d only gathered more information about Elma’s condition, today’s events might have been avoided.

Though Lacey’s harsh demeanor stung, Kallie had to admit there was some truth in Lacey’s words.

Kallie’s hand slipped from the doorframe, her fingers trembling slightly. She cast her eyes downward, taking a hesitant step back. The decision was clear—she wouldn’t push her way inside. Lacey noticed Kallie’s retreat and felt a swell of victory. Despite her efforts to mask her smug face, her satisfaction seeped into her voice.

“Miss Nixon, you should leave now. Don’t linger and disturb us further. Once Elma’s condition improves and if you show you’re serious about making things right, I’ll let you see her.”

The surrounding servants shot Lacey disapproving looks. Kallie was Elma’s mother. The nerve of Lacey commanding Kallie to secure her permission first before getting to check on Elma. Despite their discontent, no one voiced an objection. After all, Elma’s health remained the priority, leaving little room for disagreement.

Even so, a few of the servants regarded Kallie with faint sympathy.

Kallie stood frozen for a moment, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. With a deep, steadying breath, she stepped back, silently allowing Lacey to shut the door.

Suddenly, a hand gripped the doorframe, stopping it mid-close. Startled, Lacey froze, nearly slamming the door on the hand. Her eyes darted upward in disbelief to meet the stern face of the man beside her.

“Mr. Reeves, what are you doing?”

Without a word, Jake pushed the door open and strode purposefully toward Kallie. His expression remained cold, his gaze filled with an unsettling mix of emotions that made it difficult to read his thoughts.

Lacey smirked to herself, certain Jake was about to reprimand Kallie.

But Lacey’s satisfaction quickly turned to shock when Jake reached for Kallie’s wrist just as Kallie was turning around to leave.

Jake’s next words wiped the smug look off Lacey’s face entirely.

“You’re Elma’s mother. If there’s ever a time she needs you, it’s now. Why are you walking away?”

Kallie’s chest tightened at his words, her eyes burning with unshed tears. It wasn’t anger or indignation that brought tears to her eyes. It was the weight of her own guilt. She dropped her gaze to the floor.

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