Chapter 1097



But Lacey, watching their interaction, felt a stab of jealousy. She folded her arms and sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Mr. Reeves, you heard that, right? Miss Nixon wanted me gone. Don’t you have anything to say about that?”

“Forget—if it weren’t for my timely intervention, Elma wouldn’t have regained consciousness. I’m her savior.”

Everyone present could sense Lacey’s ulterior motives, but none could deny the truth in her words. Elma’s life had been in her hands. Jake’s expression hardened, his voice quiet but firm.

“What exactly do you want, Lacey? You won’t be short on money.”

Lacey shook her head, her gaze unwavering.

“Money? You know that’s not what I’m after. I just don’t want to be insulted for doing my job.” She turned her sharp gaze toward Kallie.

“All I ask is for her to apologize to me in person. That’s not unreasonable, is it?”

Jake’s jaw tightened. He didn’t want Kallie to bow her head—not to Lacey, of all people. But Elma’s frail frame leaned heavily on Lacey’s care, and they couldn’t afford the consequences if Lacey truly walked away without getting an apology.

Just then, Calvin stepped forward, cutting through the tension like a blade. His gaze locked onto Lacey’s, his expression steeled with resolve.

“If anyone’s to blame, it’s me,” he said firmly.

“I spoke out of turn earlier—not my mom. So here I am, apologizing. Let’s not drag this out.”

Lacey tilted her head, her lips curving into a syrupy smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“You misunderstand, Calvin. I’m not making this difficult for you. I just value respect. When someone slights me, I expect an apology—one that feels sincere.”

galnoνℯls.com is your update source Calvin’s jaw set, but he held his ground. Straightening his shoulders, he met her gaze without flinching.

“So, I apologize. After all, I’m the one who said those words.”

Lacey glanced at Jake, gauging his expression. After a beat, she exhaled, masking her frustration with a thin smile.

“Fine. Since you insist, I won’t press the matter further. But next time, Calvin, I’d hope for an apology that feels heartfelt.”

Her words dripped with an unspoken message that Calvin’s apology clearly fell short of her lofty expectations.

Lacey’s sharp gaze lingered on Calvin, the silence heavy with her disapproval.

Calvin’s jaw tightened, his dislike for Lacey bubbling beneath the surface. Apologizing had already stripped him of his pride, but now he was expected to bow to her demands? His expression darkened, lips pressing into a thin line.

“Enough,” Jake said abruptly, his voice cutting through the air like a whip. He rubbed his temples and looked directly at Lacey, his tone firm but weary.

“Let’s end this. Calvin is young and reckless—I hope you can find it in yourself to be more understanding.”

Lacey’s nails dug into her palms as she clenched her fists. Jake was defending them, again. Did he truly not care about his daughter’s life? But Jake had spoken, and she couldn’t openly defy him.

Taking a breath to steady herself, Lacey prepared to leave. Before she could take a step, Calvin strode toward her, his movements quick and deliberate. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he bowed deeply.

“It’s my fault,” he said, his voice steady but edged with defiance.

“I spoke carelessly today. If you’re angry, take it out on me—leave my mom and sisters out of it.”

Though his posture appeared sincere, his words carried a hard edge, more warning than apology.

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