Chapter 144



The chatter inside the doctor’s office had begun to die down. It appeared Jake was about to emerge.

Kallie suddenly straightened up, signaling to the caregiver that she felt unwell and wished to return to her ward.

Kallie’s faintly pale complexion lent credence to her words.

The caregiver paused, momentarily uncertain. His instructions were to put Kallie’s health first, above all else. “Alright, I’ll take you back,” he replied, motioning for Kallie to go ahead.

Thus, when Jake completed his tasks and stepped out, he was greeted by an empty corridor. With a frown, he turned to Edgar beside him. “Find out what happened.”

Edgar quickly uncovered the truth. “They said your wife was feeling ill and had gone back to rest. She’s asked to reschedule the meeting.”

Jake laughed softly. “One moment she’s eager to meet, the next she’s not.”

Edgar said tentatively, “Perhaps she genuinely isn’t well. Since we’re already here, should we visit her?”

Jake’s face grew stern. “What’s there to check? You don’t understand. It’s clear she doesn’t want to see me right now.”

Jake massaged his throbbing forehead and swiftly shifted the conversation. “Could you explain things to that employee for me? I was too overwhelmed in the office earlier with the doctor. Just let her know I blame her for concealing her pregnancy to get the job. But if she decides to stay, I’ll be forced to consider other options.”

“Understood,” Edgar replied with a nod.

The turmoil had begun several days earlier when a manager abruptly resigned. The role was pivotal, prompting HR to quickly fill the vacancy.

However, in their rush, they failed to thoroughly check the new hire’s background.

Now, with a major project kicking off, the new hire—a woman—revealed she was three months pregnant and required time off to rest, despite having joined the company just under a week ago.

Jake’s firm had a policy of not discriminating against pregnant women or penalizing them in any way, yet this case was exceptional.

During her interview, HR had clearly outlined the demands of the upcoming project and inquired directly if she was pregnant, to which she had answered no.

Now, the woman was not only refusing to step down from her critical role but was also attending work daily, adamantly. She had even threatened legal action against the Reeves Group if they attempted to terminate her employment.

The HR employee responsible for her hiring was already facing consequences.

The looming question now was how to safely navigate this precarious situation.

Jake sensed that resolving this issue wouldn’t be easy.

It was, indeed, a delicate moment.

As soon as Edgar got updates from his team, his expression darkened, and he approached swiftly. “Mr. Reeves, there’s trouble. The woman’s baby is gone.”

Upon hearing this, Jake’s demeanor grew intensely grave. He accelerated his steps and left in haste.

The doctor, having organized his notes, came out only to find that Jake had already left. He let out a soft sigh. He had planned to speak with Jake about Kallie’s pregnancy.

The hospital, serving almost exclusively the Reeves family, employed the doctor specifically to cater to their needs.

The doctor was keenly aware of the implications of Kallie’s pregnancy and had chosen not to disclose it, preferring to inform Jake first. Now, he would have to wait for Jake’s next visit to discuss the matter.

“Hello.” A woman’s voice suddenly interrupted the doctor’s thoughts.

The doctor turned to see Melinda, wearing a gentle smile.

“Is Kallie being treated here?” Melinda inquired.

The doctor recognized Melinda but recalled Jake’s strict directive. No one was to visit Kallie except him.

Adjusting his glasses, the doctor replied, “Yes, she is here, but unfortunately, she’s not receiving visitors at the moment. You’ll need to speak with Mr. Reeves if you wish to see her.”

Melinda’s smile faltered. Speak to Jake? She knew he’d say no.

Melinda continued, “Jake’s been tied up with work. As Jake’s sister-in-law, I’m technically family to Kallie. She’s ill in the hospital, and it’s only right for me to check on her. Can I at least see her from outside her ward?”

The doctor’s expression remained unchanged, stern. “She was hospitalized because of the injuries you caused. As her doctor, I want to stay out of your family issues, but I must protect my patient from further harm.”

Melinda’s eyes widened in shock. She hadn’t expected Jake to share this with the doctor. What would people think of them now?

The color drained from Melinda’s face, and then a rush of red marked her anger, erasing any trace of her earlier smile as she began to threaten. “You should know that Jake hasn’t held the reins over the Reeves family yet. Are you really willing to cross me?”

The doctor waved her off dismissively. “If there’s nothing more, I need you to leave. I have several surgeries lined up, and I’m quite busy.”

Melinda gritted her teeth, her frustration palpable, and stormed off reluctantly.

However, Melinda wasn’t ready to give up yet. She suspected something was wrong with Kallie. Otherwise, Jake wouldn’t have kept things so under wraps.

After leaving the hospital, Melinda gave her instructions. “Investigate this doctor’s personal life and vulnerabilities. I refuse to believe that I can’t handle one simple doctor.”

Kallie spent the day gripped by fear and anxiety, secretly relieved that Jake hadn’t appeared.

Yet, as hours ticked by without any sign of him, her anxiety only grew.

Kallie found herself wishing Jake would show up so she could face him directly.

Growing suspicious of the medications being delivered by the doctors and nurses, Kallie resisted openly. When they attempted to give her a sedative, she feigned swallowing it, only to rush to the bathroom later and force herself to vomit.

After much contemplation, Kallie took advantage of a moment of neglect to reach out to Brent.

Brent, having just managed some online rumors, grew immediately concerned upon receiving Kallie’s desperate message.

“What’s happening? Where are you? Are you safe? Send me your location, and I’ll call the police immediately,” Brent responded anxiously.

Kallie hurriedly texted back, “No police. Calling them would only tip them off.”

Since she and Jake were still legally married, Kallie knew Jake would find a way to prevent the police from intervening effectively.

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