Chapter 1058



“I didn’t expect to find you here. Were you keeping Elma company during last night’s thunderstorm, Mr. Reeves?” Her voice carried a hopeful lilt, weaving interest and curiosity into her words.

Jake squirmed uncomfortably. He longed to inform Lacey that Elma wasn’t around, and instead, it was Kallie who was inside. Yet, revealing that would expose the fact that he and Kallie had spent the night together in solitude.

Lacey, oblivious to the undercurrents of Jake’s hesitation, focused solely on maneuvering closer to him. She had meticulously crafted her plan. Later on, while administering medicine to Elma, she planned to feign clumsiness, allowing the bottle to slip and spill over her hand. It would sting, but that was a trivial sacrifice. The pain was a small price to pay if it meant earning Jake’s sympathy.

Her plan was elaborate, yet Jake remained unfazed, not budging an inch.

Confusion marred Lacey’s features.

“Mr. Reeves, isn’t it time for Elma’s medication? It’ll lose its warmth if we delay any further,” she said, offering a strategic smile.

Jake reached out, his voice firm.

“Hand over the medicine. There’s no need for you to linger. Please, head back.”

Lacey’s smile stiffened. Departing now would shatter her carefully laid plan. She couldn’t just walk away.

With determination in her voice, Lacey declared, “Allow me to handle it. I’ve become adept at administering Elma’s medication. More importantly, Elma finds comfort in my presence. Afterward, I need to monitor her to determine if she’s experiencing any other discomforts.”

Her words carried an implication of closeness with Elma.

The servants subtly exchanged knowing looks. History had shown that whenever Lacey was involved in Elma’s care, it inevitably led to arguments. Elma was notorious for her sharp barbs toward Lacey. Although Lacey managed to withstand the taunts most of the time, her demeanor toward Elma was never warm. Their rapport was anything but cordial.

Nevertheless, none of the servants ventured to comment. It was clear that Jake held Lacey in high regard. Unless she committed a significant error, her position was secure. Despite their own reservations about Lacey, they recognized that challenging her would be a risk not worth taking.

Lacey’s argument was compelling, leaving Jake without a solid rebuttal. He merely exhaled a weary sigh.

“Let’s move away from the doorway. Elma isn’t in her room.”

Caught off guard, Lacey realized it was still early morning. Choosing such an early time was her way of ensuring Elma didn’t have the chance to sleep the day away. Elma usually slept in, so it was puzzling to see her missing so early. Before Lacey could ponder further, a rustling sound caught her attention. Footsteps approached from behind.

Suddenly, Elma appeared, bounding over with Sophie skipping along beside her. Elma looked up at Jake, her face lighting up in a warm, radiant smile.

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