Chapter 1099



Lacey’s lips curved into a sharp smile, her tone dripping with disdain.

“Your right? Really? If you were such a devoted mother, Elma wouldn’t have been in this condition to begin with.”

Kallie straightened her posture, refusing to back down just yet.

“This is about Elma, not your petty need to shut me out. I’m not asking for permission—I’m in for the discussion.”

“Oh?” Lacey crossed her arms, her posture dripping with disdain.

“I’m Elma’s doctor. Have you conveniently forgotten that? And let’s not play coy—I know what you’re really worried about. You think I’ll steal Jake away from you.”

Lacey snorted, leaning in slightly as her voice dropped to a venomous whisper.

“You’re terrified that if Jake chooses me, you’ll have nothing left. But while you’re busy obsessing over him, Elma is suffering. She needs you now. Not your insecurities, not your jealousy—you.”

The mention of Elma broke through Kallie’s defenses, her anger giving way to concern.

From the corner of her eye, Lacey saw Jake approaching, his tall figure cutting through the tense scene. Without another word to Kallie, she pushed past her and hurried toward Jake.

Lacey’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant, the sharpness in her voice replaced by a sickly-sweet tone.

“Mr. Reeves, it’s about Elma,” she said, her tone measured yet urgent.

“We need to discuss this immediately.”

Jake’s face darkened with concern, and he quickened his pace. As Jake reached Kallie, he instinctively reached for her hand, pulling her alongside him.

“Mr. Reeves,” Lacey interjected, her voice soft but firm.

Lатєѕt chαptєrs in g𝖺lnovels.сoм “This is a private matter. I’d prefer to speak with you alone.”

Jake stopped, his hand still gripping Kallie’s.

“Kallie is Elma’s mother. She has every right to be involved.”

Kallie gently pulled her hand free, her expression calm but resolute.

“It’s all right, Jake,” she said, her voice laced with quiet determination.

“Elma needs someone with her right now. I’ll stay. Just tell me what you discuss later.”

Jake hesitated, his eyes searching hers for any sign of hesitation. With a reluctant nod, he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. His touch lingered, his expression heavy with love and unspoken words.

Lacey stood rooted in place, her polished mask cracking. Her nails bit into her palms as she fought the bitterness clawing its way to the surface. Her carefully cultivated poise faltered under the weight of her jealousy, her lips tightening into a thin line.

As Lacey followed Jake into the study, she paused on the way, glancing back at Kallie with a look that was neither pity nor triumph, but something sharper; something veiled. Her plan was close to succeeding. Soon, Kallie, Elma, and Calvin would be nothing more than shadows in Jake’s life. In no time, Jake would be hers entirely, his heart and his world emptied of everyone else.

Kallie tiptoed back to Elma’s bedside, arriving just as the latter had swallowed her latest dose of medication and succumbed once more to a restless slumber.

Sweat blanketed Elma’s forehead, her face pallid and etched with lines of pain, while her eyelids remained fiercely shut against the world. Drenched in worry, Kallie took a seat next to the bed, enveloping Elma’s cold hand in both of hers. She leaned in close, her voice a soft caress against the backdrop of the sterile room.

“Elma, sweetheart, Mommy’s here, right beside you. There’s nothing to fear. I’ll be your guardian through every moment. Remember to take your medicine, just like the doctors say, and you’ll be running around with Calvin and Sophie before you know it.”

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