Chapter 1096



Without even changing out of her wet clothes, Sophie ran to find Kallie and Jake, her tears reflecting her mounting dread. No one could have predicted the day would take such a turn.

The moment Kallie heard that Elma had fallen into the water, terror gripped her like a vice. Her legs gave out beneath her, the ground tilting in a dizzying blur.

Jake’s arms were around Kallie in an instant, steadying her before she could collapse completely.

“I’ll take care of it,” Jake murmured, his voice low and strained with guilt.

“This is my fault. I should’ve been paying closer attention.”

Kallie clutched his arm tightly, her fingers trembling. Her voice quivered, but there was an edge of determination in it.

“No, Jake. It’s not your fault. Elma will be fine. She has to be.”

Tears welled in Kallie’s eyes as she whispered, “If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I should’ve been awake. If anything happens to her…” Her words faltered, dissolving into silence, but the anguish in her expression spoke louder than words.

Jake pulled Kallie close, his embrace firm and grounding.

“Don’t fret,” he said softly.

“We’ll get to her. She’ll be okay. We’ll make sure of it.”

They had to descend the mountain, a trek that felt agonizingly slow despite their urgency.

Calvin had already rushed ahead, his determination to ensure Elma’s safety evident.

By the time Kallie and Jake reached the base, they were met with unexpected news. Elma had regained consciousness but hadn’t been sent to the hospital. Relief washed over them, but the lingering tension in Kallie’s chest refused to ease entirely.

“She needs to be seen by a doctor,” Kallie said firmly.

“Even if she’s awake, I won’t feel at ease until she’s checked out properly.”

Before Jake could echo her concern, a clipped, condescending voice sliced through the air.

“That won’t be necessary,” Lacey said, emerging from the shadows with a practiced air of authority.

“Elma’s condition is stable. Moving her now would be reckless and could worsen things.”

Kallie hesitated to say anything outright—after all, Lacey had saved Elma. Softening her tone, she said, “Lacey, I really appreciate what you’ve done, but I still think Elma should have a full check-up at the hospital. If it’s inconvenient, I can arrange for a doctor to come here. Otherwise, I won’t be able to rest easy.”

Kallie’s words were careful, conciliatory, and an attempt to avoid further conflict.

But Lacey’s expression darkened instantly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” she snapped.

“You don’t trust my medical expertise? Fine, if that’s how you feel, I’ll leave right now. You can deal with this yourself.”

Calvin, who had been standing nearby, stepped in with a sharp tone.

“Go ahead, then. No one’s stopping you.”

“Wait,” Jake interjected, approaching the group.

He had just checked on Elma, and his calm demeanor belied the storm brewing in his eyes.

“Elma’s doing much better now,” Jake said to Kallie as he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t worry.”

Kallie nodded, her anxiety easing slightly at Jake’s reassurance.

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